Burra treats us to a cold start at 2°C but there is blue sky and a peaceful quiet to the morning. A quick wander around the park and we then drive up to the old mine to take a few photos. We move north this time to take a picture of the old abandoned stone cottage used on the cover Midnight Oils ‘Diesel and Dust’ album taking photos listening to the song “Beds are Burning”. View this link to learn more https://www.visitburra.com/midnight-oil-house/

We need to pick up the key at the Hallett Country store and explore the back blocks to the East of Hallett to find Sir Hubert Wilkins home when a child. This man is an one of Australia’s most daring aviators and explorers. To view more about him goto this link https://www.visitburra.com/sir-hubert-wilkins-cottage/ and https://explore.history.sa.gov.au/organisation/sir-hubert-wilkins-cottage

Sir Hubert Wilkins was born in 1888 just east of Hallett, in a humble outback cottage, he was an amazing adventurer. His thirst for excitement and knowledge led him to enjoy a life rich with wondrous experiences. He first travelled overseas in 1908, to follow his passion for the developing craft of cinematography. It was Sir Hubert who is recognised as capturing the first ever combat on film, when in 1912, at 24 years of age he filmed battles during the Balkans War. The following year he made his first Arctic expedition. This would prove to be the first of many, with his fascination for polar adventure keeping him abroad most of his life.

The countryside has its own agricultural beauty, some farmers have thankfully preserved native vegetation on their properties others have removed almost every stick, South Australia’s horrendous tree clearing era should be a wake up call for Queenslanders. The landscape is almost bereft of wildlife where vegetation is absent. Only 26% of vegetation in SA agricultural region remains. https://plan.sa.gov.au/_data/assets/pdf_file/0008/597842/Fact_Sheet-_Native_Vegetation.pdf and https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/aghistory/natural_resources/native_vegetation_conservation/national_parks

That said SA Conservation parks, thoughtful farmers and historic sites still exist. The Sir Hubert Wilkin’s home is a great example of this, philanthropist Dick Smith, Geographic Australia and their supporters went to great effort to re-construct and preserve Australia’s rich history. Many more historic buildings exist in the region and it doesn’t seem like the government is doing much to protect them. It’s Australian history and a potential revenue generating asset to the local region left decaying through ignorance and or indifference.

While travelling about this area we found large flocks of galahs and magpies, these large flocks of magpies are likely young males who are kicked out of their family group and gather together until they find their own territory. It was great to see small flocks of parrots and even a small group of Happy Jacks, Struthidea cinerea

We have lunch at the friendly Hallett Country store and then head east to Morgan on the river Murry then follow the river southbound to Mannum, crossing the river by ferry a couple of times. The river cliffs look majestic in the approaching sunset light. Dinner is at the Club then to bed at the Mannum Hotel. The night is cool and clear.