Almerta Station Flinders Ranges review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

This was not the family’s first visit to Almerta but it had been about six years since our last trek up that way. The previous time we had loved it, so we returned with a lot of fond memories.

Now that we’re all allowed to flee the city, why not make it really worth your while. Don’t just drive to the nearest beach town, make an effort, spread your wings. At least a little.

Our efforts took us about 340km north of Adelaide to Almerta Station. You pass through the bustling little town of Orroroo, continue through Carrieton and take a turn-off about 12km later.

This was not the family’s first visit to Almerta but it had been about six years since our last trek up that way. The previous time we had loved it, so we returned with a lot of fond memories. Of course, that can also be a recipe for a let-down. Happily, though, it was as good as ever.

Almerta Station is a working sheep station. Picture: Supplied by Almerta Station

Almerta is a working sheep station. It covers around 15,500 hectares and holds around 4500 sheep. There are various accommodation options. There are 12 campsites for those who like to sleep on the ground. For those of us with slightly higher expectations, like a bed, Almerta hosts Shane and Paddy Rowe also hire out their shearers’ quarters, which contains five bedrooms and an older, adjacent building which has another bedroom.

The shearers’ rooms, as you would expect, are not grand or flash, but they are simple, neat and clean. There is also a separate block with three individual bathrooms with showers and toilets. There is also a large games room with a pool table, which is ideal for late-night tournaments for people who reckoned they used to be handy on the baize a few decades back.

The best way to experience Almerta is to go with other people. We went with two other families and there was plenty of room for everyone. The older building also includes the kitchen and a dining area with a wood fire. It becomes the natural hub during meal times as everyone pitches in to help with food preparation or cleaning up afterwards.

But it’s at night when you really start to feel the city slip away and the stresses and strains of impediments such as viruses and lockdowns, and rapidly changing work practices, evaporate into the dark sky.

There are walking trails and plenty of places to explore on Almerta Station. Picture: Supplied by Almerta Station

Even though it’s winter, and there is a genuine chill in the air, it’s wonderful to stand around a camp fire, glass of wine or beer in hand and stare out at the constellations overhead. It’s all very calming. But take a warm jacket. Your favourite beanie and a scarf can also be recommended.

There is plenty to do during the day as well, no matter if you stay at Almerta or decide to take a little day trip. There are plenty of trails and tracks to wander or drive over. You can walk through the usually dry Boolcunda Creek, shaded by massive gum trees on either side. There are sweeping views from The Bluff over the nearby ranges. If you want to remain even closer to home base, you can walk up “internet” hill behind the accommodation. If you lose any children, you can usually find them up there. It’s about the only place where a phone or internet signal can be found for miles around. The lack of connectivity is another strong selling point of Almerta.

But if you want to explore a little further, it’s only about 50km to Hawker or Quorn. The road to Quorn is a dirt road, but for the most part a well-tended one, which allows you to travel at a decent clip.

As noted earlier, it’s been a while since we have been up this way. The question is why it’s taken so long to come back. Not just to Almerta, but to the Flinders and even beyond. It’s a spectacular, and still under-appreciated, part of South Australia.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in July 2020 and details updated in March 2021.

• 235 Almerta Rd, Yanyarrie
• [phone] or 0428 589 076
• almertastation.com.au
• Facebook Almerta Station
• Instagram Almerta_station
• LOCATION About 340km north of Adelaide.
• ACCOMMODATION Eight bedrooms spread over two buildings, with a mixture of queen, single and bunk beds. Thirteen campsites are also available on the station.
• FACILITIES Shearers Quarters – Farm stay with farm kitchen and dining room. Wood fire. Separate shower and toilet facilities, games room with pool table. There are walking and bike trails, a golf driving range and the motto is ‘A place where kids can be kids and adults reconnect’.
• PRICE A minimum booking of $160 a night for four people. For a group booking, it’s $30 per adult a night and $17 for children. Linen available for hire. Campsites are $15 a night per adult and $5 for children.