WHERE ARE WE?....TEROWIE

We left Peterborough and continued south to Burra on our South Australia trip with 4 friends. On the way we detoured and called into the ghost town of Terowie. On our last tour here on a bus we stopped at the historic station( see my old post) but we didn't go into town to see the old buildings nor did we stop at the paddock of sculptures. This time we were driving ourselves and so could stop for a nosey around. 

 Just before the old town there is a paddock full of metal sculptures. I wasn't overly impressed except for the long line of old bicycles attached to the fence.

 The buildings are historically significant as they haven't been altered since the 1880's. The town was established in 1875 and became an important rail junction town. The wide gauge changed to narrow gauge here so all trains had to stop. There were big rail yards here. In 1969 the rail gauge was made uniform and so trains didn't stop and the town declined. In 1980 the rail line was moved to the west and and the town died.

 After years of drought the farmers gave up their farms and moved as well. Now there are about 100 people left.

 It is sad to see these buildings not being used, I wonder what will happen to them.

Taken from car window.

 I laughed at the typical Aussie farewell as we headed out of town towards the main road.

 The weather was threatening but it passed over. The next two photos will no doubt annoy my country bred friend Colin as he, like all farmers, hate this purple weed, called Paterson's Curse. Can you see it stretching across the base of the hills? I think it is poisonous for cattle but I'm sure Colin will tell us all about it in my comments.

 However, I think it makes beautiful scenery and photos.

 This is what the farmers prefer to see. Typical Aussie farmland with grain and sheep but no Paterson's Curse.