Yalata Roadhouse

BACKGROUND:

Yalata Roadhouse is situated 94 kilometres to the east of Nullarbor Roadhouse and 51 kilometres west of Nundroo. The Yalata Lands surrounding the Roadhouse are now occupied by the Anangu people. Originally many of the Anangu people of Yalata lived in the spinifex country far to the north around Ooldea, in the vicinity of where the Indian Pacific Railway now runs. Anangu people were forced to vacate these areas for a number of reasons, not the least of which was that the sands around Ooldea soak had begun to drift as a result of the railways overusing supplies. In the 1940s and 50s areas around Maralinga and Emu were used for Atomic Testing by the British Government of the day. Around this time the Australian Government resumed much Anangu land to be used for the Woomera Rocket testing Range. These actions forced many Anangu people to settle more permanently in the Yalata area. In recent times much of the spinifex country has been returned to the Anangu people. Today the Anangu people still retain very strong links with their traditional lands - just as their ancestors have done for many thousands of years.

Hazards you may encounter

Camels .... Kangaroos .... and Wombats!

FACILITIES:

Yalata Roadhouse has been allowed to run down for a number of years but under new management its friendly and helpful staff are beginning to spruce the place up. Yalata Roadhouse has powered caravan sites and air conditioned units available for the traveller. From the Roadhouse take away food can be bought and there is a very good selection of Aboriginal Arts and Crafts for sale to the general public. I should add that some of the carvings represent very good value.

THINGS TO DO:

Yalata Roadhouse is a rest stop for travellers passing to the east and west. 78 kilometres west of Yalata is the Head of Bight. If you are heading west Yalata is a good place to purchase a permit to enter the Aboriginal and Nullarbor National Park Lands at the Head of Bight. Here Southern Right Whales can be seen in their winter calving and breeding grounds. The Bunda cliffs also begin at the Head of Bight and are a spectacle not to be missed - particularly for photographers. Alternatively travellers can obtain permits at White Well Ranger Station for $7-70 in order to access the Whale Viewing platforms between June and October. Concessional rates are $5-50 and children under 16 are free. Roadhouse staff are usually fairly up to date as to how many whales are present in the viewing area so just ask how many Southern Right Whales are around. In the recent past there was a usable road from Yalata Roadhouse to one of the few fishing spots in this part of the remote Great Australian Bight. Here sports fisherman could catch Mulloway, Shark and Salmon. At some stage this road will be reopened and we recommend that you approach Yalata Roadhouse staff for advice in this regard. Whilst stopping at the Yalata Roadhouse check out the Aboriginal paintings, carvings and other arts on display. Some of the carvings are particularly good value.

Yalata has some of the largest areas of undisturbed Scrub in S.A.

  A good time
 Down Under!