A Varied Landscape

One of the unique aspects of the tracts past Milparinka is the enormous variation in landscape. Landholders say that even on individual properties the natural environment undergoes many changes. Visitors should expect the unusual.

The journals kept by Captain Charles Sturt's 1845 expedition describe sand hills and endless pools of salty water. Indeed, parallel dunes and swales are a major feature of the region, especially in the west and north west.

Dry creeks and water courses, lined with river red gums, or gidgea trees are common. After heavy rains these may be impassable for hours Pools left in rocky gullies and clay pans provide fresh water for animals and birds alike.

Limestone cliffs and water hole, Theldarpa

Treeless gibber plains, (areas of clay ground covered with thousands of ochre coloured stones) shimmer mercilessly in dry summer heat. They often support palatable plants like salt bush and mitchell grass.

Treeless plain, Theldarpa

Sandstone jumpups and mesas, with their steep gullies and flat topped hills, provide shelter for many native animals, as well as providing habitats for unique groups of plants.

On these fragile and ever changing lands property owners manage their flocks of sheep, and herds of cattle. Mistakes have been made; lessons learned. Like the environment, the pastoral industry endures.