Spalding to Redhill

We breakfasted in the local park, then hit the Goyder Highway, heading upstream to the Broughton River headwaters, 12 km south of Spalding. The 5 arch railway bridge (not in use) is a splendid feature a few km outside the town.

Council offices and Spalding District Hall

The Spalding Railway bridge with 5 arches

From Yakkilo Waterhole we backtracked along some quiet gravel roads and met the river again near its confluence with the Hill River. Water was flowing here.

The floodway at Yakkilo Waterhole

Fridge letterbox (Silent Night brand) on Lomandra Road near Spalding

The Broughton Valley Road follows the river along a wide reedy section that has some lovely deep swimming holes – but no swimming today.

Broughton River swimming hole, Broughton Valley Road

On Euromina Road my map study paid off as I was easily able to identify our unofficial shortcut that took us a couple of kilometres up an indistinct dirt track to join the Broughton Hills Road, a rough road unsuited to vehicles. It is in a spectacular location on a high ridge with expansive views in all directions – wind turbines to the north east and The Bluff in the far distance to the north west.

Then there was a long steep descent to a serpentine section of the river as it winds through steep-sided hills, forming a huge natural amphitheatre and gorge. At the bottom water was flowing across the ford so our shoes came off and we wheeled and carried the bikes over.

On Broughton Hills Road, great views, 0 traffic

Fording the river, not quite knee high water

Yackas, Broughton Hills Road

Another short climb brought us out of the hills and out on to the plains. We followed Pipeline Road where we crossed the river again via a ford with a steep drop and short sharp climb out. Andrews Road then brought us to the small town of Yacka that has a stylish institute building and a craft shop which had a banner advertising drinks, snacks and sweets. This was Fake News – it only had craft and 2nd hand books. We had lunch in Yackamoorundie Park beside the Broughton River, which has picnic tables, water and a camping area with showers and toilets (key available from local resident). From the bridge we spotted a large fish in the clear water below. The Broughton River is stocked with trout, but our fish knowledge is poor and we didn’t know what it was.

Yacka Institute

L: Old railway bridge over the Broughton River at Yacka – R: Same location – taken in October 2016 after the big storms in SA

Next stop was White Cliffs Reserve, a camping and recreation area beside the river. There are more good swimming holes here. A little further along we came to the small town of Koolunga, now bereft of its pub which closed in December. It has some fine sandstone houses and cottages, a church and institute hall. A local gentleman, who began a conversation with Ian, told him that the publican couldn’t get along with people. Too bad!

Koolunga Hotel – now closed

We then took River Road to Redhill along the Broughton River, visible as a line of trees, meandering near and not so near. Redhill – known for its roadhouse on the highway – is actually a rather charming if quiet town. Sadly the magnificent Eureka Hotel is no longer open for business so we are in the leaky tent tonight – fortunately no rain is expected.

Eureka Hotel, Redhill – now closed

A Redhill resident has thought up a creative idea for old coffee mugs – as well as about a million other objects that cover the walls of the house and most of the garden.

Map #1 – Spalding to shortcut (Google maps doesn’t allow the shortcut)

Map #2 – Broughton Hills Road to Redhill