Wednesday 11th July 2012 - Farina - Oodnadatta Track

We started the day by packing up and exploring the Farina Ruins. These ruins were once a thriving town on the old Ghan train line. In recent times a group of volunteers have worked to restore and protect the ruins. It was a thriving town until the 1930's I think. It was obviously a decent size town and it appears that there is still a working bakery there. There were ruins of a police station, school, hotel, butcher, post office and several homes.

At the entrance to the Post Office ruins

After exploring Farina we drove down to  Lyndhurst to start the Strzelecki Track. Unfortunately it was closed due to rain making the track difficult so we changed our plans again. (The fine for driving on a closed road is $1000 per tyre. We have 9 tyres!).
So off we went back to Maree and then onto the Oodnadatta Track.

Along the way we stopped at several spots to view Lake Eyre and historical spots along the old Ghan Railway.

Exploring the Old Ghan Railway along the track.

The old Curdimurka Railway Siding. Every 2 years they hold a big ball here and people apparently flock here for the big event.  

We camped at a place called Coward Springs. There were some supposedly 'hot springs' there - they were luke warm at best but the kids had fun. We met another couple there from Tassie (Bel & Pete) who had 3 girls (Anja, Jacqui & Meg). They are also travelling around Australia. The kids had fun playing together.

It was another cold night in the desert. Actually it was freezing!
We enjoyed an amazing lightning show in the desert. No wonder we couldn't go on the Strzelecki track!