Geranium {} Lameroo {} Parilla {} Pinnaroo {} Parrakie

Geranium

This pretty Mallee farming town was named after the wild geraniums that grow in abundance here. Settlement dates back to 1906, when the Government sank a bore.

The railway brought more settlers and a school classroom was built in 1929. There are several good picnic spots, including the Railway Station Memorial Garden.

Walking trail: Map available from the shop.

Shaded parking bay on the Highway opposite township entrance.

Lameroo

Lameroo is a main service centre for the surrounding farming area, proclaimed in 1884 it wasn't until 1906 when the railway opened that the town took off.

Today Lameroo has a wonderful local bakery, cafe and deli, the lush lawned picnic areas and playground welcome visitors. Lameroo has a comfortable hotel-motel and a caravan park. There is an 18 hole green golf course and, in summer, take a dip in the local swimming pool.

Dolly's Golden Rain Tree Crafts & Heritage is the place to gain an insight into the history of the area with a browse around the interesting displays in the museum or wander an historical trail. The craft shop is a favourite for travellers and serves delicious Devonshire Teas. The Mallee District National Parks and Wildlife SA office is in Lameroo and has information on the various conservation parks and camping grounds.

The nearby Ngarkat Conservation Park features unspoilt natural habitat with an abundance of native wildlife, which can be enjoyed by walking many of the trails, or using the 4WD tracks. more...

Parilla

On the Mallee Highway with a population of 80, Parilla too was brought to life when the railway opened. Parilla was surveyed in 1904 and proclaimed a town in 1907, and is named from an aboriginal word meaning 'cold place'.

Parilla is a great spot to take a break from travelling and get to meet some colourful characters at the historic hotel...Who are Alf & Edith?

Be sure to view the mural along with other historic points of interest in the street. Public toilet available.

Parrakie

In 1912 a refreshment room was built at the rail siding, and it became famous for its wonderful pies and pasties.This was the only refreshment stop between Tailem Bend and Pinnaroo, with the premises licensed to serve alcohol only when the train was at the station. (It was a 12 hour journey from Adelaide to Pinnaroo).

The stone and brick Railway Hotel was built in 1908, with 14 rooms plus bar, parlour and dining room. It was also used for church services, some council meetings, and the doctor and travelling dentists also consulted here.

Pinnaroo

Pinnaroo is a bustling service town and an interesting stop. The town was settled in the early 1900's and has an amazing railway heritage. Today Pinnaroo has a pleasant range of shops, a motel, pubs, and caravan park.

Agriculture is the main industry and the surrounding rolling landscape and excellent underground water have created a prosperous irrigation district with potatoes, carrots, onions, olives and pistachios as the main crops. Traditional cereal crops such as wheat and barley, are the major source of income for the dry-land farmer.

Visit the Mallee Tourist and Heritage Centre for an historical insight to pioneering life, featuring fascinating collections.

Pinnaroo is the gateway to the unique natural mallee landscape, and nearby Karte Conservation Park is easily reached by car. Wildflowers are abundant in spring, and there is a picnic spot and an interesting walking trail (there are no 4WD tracks in Karte). The Scorpion Springs Conservation Park, part of Ngarkat Conservation Park, is just to the south of Pinnaroo and is a wonderful spot to explore by 4WD.

Things to see and do {} Points of Interest {} Our Great Heritage {} Our Mallee Parks