We arrived in Copley caravan park and were pleased to have a good site with some shade so OH unhooked and took his time so that his back and neck were ok. We had a walk around the park area and relaxed with a drink outside as the weather was nice and warm, then decided to go to the hotel for dinner. It was only a short walk, the bar was busy but the diningroom was empty and the staff told us what was on the menu which was basically Schnitzels which we were excellent and very large. We were so full we waddled back to the van and the sun was setting so I managed to walk around a bit and got some photos.
Caravanning is a great way to travel and we love the freedom it gives us to travel where we want to the out of the way places but this van trip might be our last as age is making it difficult but we will see. Copley is "out of the way" and is about 570 km from Adelaide and has a population of about 83 more or less! The Caravan Park is probably the main attraction apart from the hotel and a mechanic. Leigh Creek is about 5km from Copley and used to be a popular place for tourists to base themselves, but when the Leigh Creek Mine closed and the caravan park was relocated to another site, we have preferred Copley as a base.
Day 4 - Saturday
After getting our supplies we headed to Beltana, about 40 km away on a good bitumen road which was only dirt when we were last there. Beltana is a Heritage listed town and was settled from 1860 onwards and was an important communication station for the Overland Telegraph Line. It was also crucial for the Overland railway now known as the Ghan railway which closed in 1956 and was redirected to Leigh Creek.
 |
| The old Beltana Railway Station |
 |
| Another view of the railway station |
 |
| View from the railway station |
Most of the old buildings in Beltana are now privately owned, including the lovely old railway building and is not accessible to the public. After walking around the area near the railway station we then drove into the main area to see the old buildings there, and many of them have been restored or renovated but also are now privately owned.
The hotel is being renovated and is open for business so we stopped there and had a drink and a look around the rooms that have been restored to its former glory. It is a lovely old pub and the owners are doing a great job. It first opened about 150 years ago as the Royal Victoria Hotel. Flossie, the hotel mascot was there to greet us and made sure we threw a stick for her to recover and I think she would do it all day.
From Beltana we drove out to Sliding Rock, an abandoned copper mine. Coppeer was discovered there in 1869 and the settlement had around 400-5500 residents, a hotel, couthouse and stores but sadly they have almost disappeared. Waraweena Station is nearby and is now owned by a non-profit conseration organisation and is available to stay in accommodation there.
 |
| Ruins of the mine |
 |
| Assay Office |
The area of Sliding Rock is seen in the background by the way the rock appears to be sliding so presume that is why it is called Sliding Rock as the original town was named Cadnia derived from the Aboriginal word for rock.
From Sliding Rock we drove back to Beltana for another quick look around and then back to Copley.
 |
| Warioota Creek, Beltana |
 |
| Emus enjoying a bath in the creek |
 |
| Think this might be a bearded dragon |
 |
| Desert Pea flowers |
We had a great day out and were ready for a drink and enjoyed sitting outside for a while before preparing dinner and an early night.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I enjoy reading your comments as it adds a personal touch, so please add yours. I will try and reply as soon as possible.
Please comment with your name as Comments are moderated. Thanks for visiting my blog.