Salt Lakes and Rockets

I had a few sites picked out along the road to Woomera, intending to stay about half way. The sites were ok, but we decided to keep going. We came to Glendambo, 252km south of Coober Pedy, that consisted of a few houses, two petrol stations, a caravan park and not a lot more. However, the roadhouse is made of natural materials and served as a station homestead and wool shed.

We did pull off the road at a lake that had 4 stars, and it was beautiful. We were thinking of staying a few days. It was right on the lake – a salt lake and absolutely beautiful. Then we found out it was army land – no signs up, but others had been asked to leave by the army, so we continued on.

So further down the road, 327km from Coober Pedy we came to Lake Hart. Lake Hart provided a thriving industry in the 1930's. First investigated in 1918, and estimated to be over three million tons, a Sydney company – Commonwealth Salt Refining Company – began with a small operation for testing. Salt was sent to Adelaide for refining, and was found to of a high quality that a large scale operation was put in place, including a refining plant and rail tracks. All that remains today is remnants of a light rail system. A number of vans came in after us, so we were fortunate to choose a spot that did not allow anyone to block our view. We had a spectacular sunset.

Even Peter liked the sunset.

Next morning it was a short drive to Woomera, 8km off the highway and north of Pimba, Woomera, was established in 1947 as a site for the launching of British experimental rockets. From 1947 to about 1980, the site was used to develop and test rockets. It was opened to the public in 1982 and is under the control of the Australian Military. It was like a ghost town. Everything is neat and tidy, lawns mowed, everything in its place, BUT there are no people – other than the tourists like us and their vans. Very eerie. There is a square on the main street that has interesting rockets on display. The history museum was suppose to be worthwhile, but it was closed when we were there and there were no opening times listed.

The information centre is around the corner and looks like it was, or can be a good place. The Bowling alley was shut, there was not a lot of food available, and the coffee was ok. A small history of Woomera display – was very well done. The museum, $6 each, we chose not to go through as we heard unflattering comments about it, and the staff were not interested. We then headed to the road to cemetery. It was blocked. We had read there were a lot of still born babies in the 1950's and 60's, and no official explanations. An interesting place, worth a visit.

We travelled back the 8 km to Pimba and stayed next to Spud's Roadhouse at the Lion's Park – a donation camp with tables and toilets. Spuds offers meals and drinks in its bar. It lies at the junction of the roads to Coober Pedy, Roxby Downs, and Oodnadatta. It is the first petrol station from Port Augusta, and so is very busy. Water $1 for 5 litres. Petrol $1.69. Coffee $7.