Orroroo Odyssey: Top Activities in Orrorroo
- Top Activities in Orroroo
- Exploring the Historic Orroroo Railway Station and Walloway Butter Factory
- Visiting Bendleby Ranges
- Having a picnic at Orroroo Lion Park
- Viewing the sunset at Solly’s Hut
- Hugging the Giant Gum Tree
- Reading the Rock Poem
- Fishing at Pekina Reservoir
- Watching the Carrieton Rodeo
- Driving to Yanyarrie Whim
- Climbing Horse Shoe Range Mookra Tower
- Camping at Orroroo Caravan Park
Have you ever wondered if a tiny South Australian town could have high-octane rodeo or 4WD escapades? Well, you should hold onto your travel boots because Orroroo’s got surprises beyond its wildest kangaroo-dotted landscapes.
Orroroo packs a punch in its unassuming facade, from a historic railway station to a modern accommodation in who-knows-where.
Itching for an Orroroo escapade now? Here are juicy details and insider tips on experiencing the town!
Top Activities in Orroroo
Exploring the Historic Orroroo Railway Station and Walloway Butter Factory
At the historic Orroroo Railway Station, our team witnessed well-preserved vintage architecture that harkened back to the golden era of rail travel. The station’s charming facade, adorned with intricate details, is a testament to its historical significance.
Inside the station, we found a collection of fascinating items, like vintage photographs and train tickets showcasing the station’s role in the region’s past.
We then visited the old Walloway Butter Factory. Despite the factory’s age, some of its old machinery is well-preserved, giving you a glimpse of the town’s exceptional butter-making history.
In addition, you can find these spots in Orroroo’s glorious outback trails spanning from Lions Park to Tank Hill Lookout.
Tips:
- Respect the historical significance of both sites by refraining from touching or moving any artifacts, ensuring they remain preserved for future generations to enjoy.
- Carry a bottle of water and some snacks, as exploring these historic sites may take 1 to 2 hrs, and amenities are limited in the outback surroundings.
- It’s crucial to wear light, breathable clothing, and a hat to protect against the scorching heat of Orroroo’s typical summer weather, with temperatures often soaring above 30°C (86°F).
Visiting Bendleby Ranges
Address: 741 Crotta Rd, Belton SA 5431
Contact Details: (08) 8658 9064
Operating Hours: Daily – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Our team’s 40-min drive to this tourist attraction north of Orroroo was worthwhile, as Bendleby Ranges offers top-tier outback odysseys.
We kicked off our adventure on 4WD, tearing through rugged terrains that got our hearts pumping. The landscapes were out of this world, with undulating hills crowned by the outback’s golden-brown shrubs.
Then, our team hopped on horses for a leisurely ride, taking in the untouched beauty of the trails encircling Crotta Rd’s hills. The range’s openness and lack of air pollution were also perfect for our stargazing experience.
Tips:
- You can opt for off-road biking by bringing a sturdy mountain bike and necessary safety gear to enjoy this spot’s 200-km cross-country bike tracks.
- Keep your camera ready to capture the diverse and colorful birdlife, like budgies, fairy-wrens, and red-backed kingfishers.
Before setting out on hikes or biking trails, check the weather forecast and carry plenty of water to stay hydrated in the ranges’ often hot and arid conditions.
Having a picnic at Orroroo Lion Park
Address: Wilmington-Orroroo Road, Orroroo SA 5431
The Orroroo Lion Park, situated near the Orroroo Caravan Park, is a relaxed creekside picnic spot. This park’s highlight is the pristine Pekina Creek, commonly referred to by the locals as Duck Pond.
The area near Pekina Creek has shaded areas perfect for picnics, equipped with electric barbecues, picnic settings, and toilet facilities for added convenience.
For nature enthusiasts, the park serves as the gateway to the captivating Pekina Creek Walking trails.
By taking a stroll along the creek, you’ll witness some of Orroroo’s Aboriginal carvings, the Pekina reservoir, the historic rock poem, and an abundance of gum trees that attract fairy-wrens and lorikeets.
Tip: Feeding the ducks at the park is prohibited.
Viewing the sunset at Solly’s Hut
Address: 17 Second Street, Orroroo, SA 5431
Our team visited this quaint cottage because it exemplifies the early clay pug-and-pine construction style that was Orroroo’s architectural buzz then. Solly’s Hut is also historic because it’s one of the town’s oldest settlements.
The cottage has been lovingly restored to its authentic condition, showcasing the simplicity of period furniture.
We suggest visiting in the late afternoon when the outback’s temperature isn’t scorching, plus the sunset glow makes this spot extra majestic.
Hugging the Giant Gum Tree
Address: 17 Second Street, Orroroo, SA 5431
Contact Details: 088658 1260
Orroro’s Giant Gum Tree lives up to its name, with its staggering 10.4-m circumference (34 ft) and whooping 6-m height (20 ft). Heading to this spot and hugging the tree for a pic has become a tourist tradition, so do your best to uphold it!
The Giant Gum Tree’s size is also not for show, as its grand canopy is perfect for intimate and simple getaways. Moreover, BBQ grills are close to the tree, so cooking won’t be an issue as long as you don’t literally play with fire.
Tips:
- Consider visiting during different times of the day to experience the changing light and shadows that create unique photo opportunities and enhance the tree’s majestic presence.
Our team thinks early morning is the best choice, but you should see for yourself.
- Respect the natural surroundings and refrain from climbing or damaging the Giant Gum Tree to ensure its preservation.
- Vast meadows and small hills envelop the tree’s location, so we recommend bringing frisbees, balls, or a bicycle for a more fun visit.
Reading the Rock Poem
The Rock Poem, dating back to 1896, consists of two heartfelt carvings etched into the rockface by a local boy named D. McDonald and is now a historical and must-see Orrooroo site.
Our team found it 800 m south of Orroroo Lion Park, along the pristine Pekina Creek Trail.
Locals recovered this poem in a secluded gully, and one of the works etched into the rockface detailed the author’s sentimental farewell to the town as he left for America to promote his chainless pushbike invention.
Fishing at Pekina Reservoir
Southward, about 200 m from the Rock Poem, lies Pekina Reservoir, once utilized by Orrooroo’s early settlers for lucerne planting in a wetland setting.
Picnicking is the go-to activity here, especially since stately river red gums provide the shore with ample shade. You can also fish for cod and perch in the reservoir or along Pekina Creek without a permit (as of 2023).
Tips:
- Wear sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as some parts of the reservoir are very rocky and slippery. Also, the walk along Pekina Creek Trail is moderately challenging due to the marshes and the 43-m elevation.
- Swimming is allowed, but we suggest doing so in chillier and slightly rainy months, as the area can be extremely dry during hotter seasons.
Watching the Carrieton Rodeo
Address: Wilmington Rd, Carrieton SA 5432
The Carieton Rodeo in Orroroo is a thrilling and popular outback event. This night rodeo features Australia’s best riders and takes place in December.
One of the rodeo’s highlights is bareback bronc riding, a challenging event where riders try to stay on untamed horses without a saddle.
There’s also steer wrestling, a heart-pumping spectacle where cowboys leap from their mares to wrestle a running steer to the ground!
For those who appreciate precision and speed, barrel racing is a must-watch activity, where riders and their horses dash around barrels in a carefully timed pattern.
Tips:
- If you enjoy partying, you should give this rodeo a shot, as it offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music, food stalls, and games.
- Alternatively, you may visit Carrieton in April for the annual Carrieton Campdraft (another one is in Gymkhana,) a social event where you can camp for free, eat BBQ, and enjoy concerts with locals and tourists.
- Families might also love junior events like junior barrel racing.
Driving to Yanyarrie Whim
Address: Yanyarie SA 5432
Yanyarrie Whim is a crumbling and mossy stone tank surrounded by sweeping hills in Carrieton’s outskirts. It’s one of Orroroo’s best pit stops.
Originally a water source for livestock, it became a popular watering hole for drivers traveling along the north-south route through the Carrieton district.
Only its remnants remain presently, serving as a testament to its significance as a vital water source for travelers and their animals.
Tips: The best time to visit Yanyarrie Whim is sunrise or sunset due to the stunning and vibrant colors that paint the sky, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the historic site.
Climbing Horse Shoe Range Mookra Tower
The Horse Shoe Range Mooktra Tower provides panoramic views of the great outback.
A few kangaroos, emus, and wallabies stroll this area, so prepare your cameras for some wildlife snaps.
A short walk from the tower, you’ll reach Horseshoe Top-End, a highly-rated accommodation known for its rustic and modern homestead.
We strongly recommend visiting this spot, as they also offer a 4WD escapade into Horse Shoe Range’s tracks, including the path to the tower.
Tips: Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the peak heat. Trees are limited in this area, so you better wear a cap or bring an umbrella too.
Camping at Orroroo Caravan Park
Address: Wilmington-Orroroo Road, Orroroo SA 5431
Contact Details: (08) 8658 1444
Camping at Orroroo Caravan Park gave our team a unique outback experience with well-equipped facilities and an offbeat and wild desertland atmosphere to enjoy.
Visitors can choose from powered and unpowered sites, catering to various camping preferences and requirements. The park also offers amenities, such as clean restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.
The best part? We used the caravan park as a base to explore Orroroo’s harsh but beautiful landscapes, including Pekina Creek and Orroroo Tank Hill Lookout.
Tips:
- Remember to book your site in advance to secure your spot during peak seasons.
- Check the weather forecast before your trip to prepare for any potential changes in conditions and pack accordingly.
- Pack insect repellent to ward off bugs and mosquitoes, especially if you plan to bushwalk or stargaze in the caravan park during warmer months.
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