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The endless road across the
Nullarbor
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Balladonia
One
of the key road stops on the road across the Nullabor
Located 984 km east of Perth and 219 km from Norseman,
Balladonia is the first stop on the long Nullabor journey from West
Australia to South Australia (equally it is the last stop before
Norseman for travellers from South Australia). The stretch from
Balladonia to Caiguna (181 km) boasts one of the longest stretches of
straight road anywhere in the world.
The area around Balladonia, in spite of it being on the
edge of the desert and enjoying a miserably low rainfall, was settled
in the 1880s and the lonely Balladonia Homestead, a remarkable stone
building, is one of the reminders of the endurance and initiative of
these early settlers. The homestead is located 28 km east of the
roadhouse and has been open to the public but in recent times the
owners have closed it up. For more details ask at the Balladonia
Roadhouse or contact the owners on (08) 9039 3456.
Things to see:
Afghan Rocks
There are a number of rocky outcrops in the area which
are of some interest. 14 km east of Balladonia are the Afghan Rocks
where the only fresh water dams in the area were used as a vital water
supply in the early days of trans-Nullarbor transportation. It is said
that the rocks were named after someone found an Afghan camel driver
washing his feet in the dam and shot him.
Balladonia Rocks
Near the Balladonia Roadhouse are the Balladonia Rocks
(ask at the roadhouse for directions) which offer superb views of the
flat plains which dominate in the area.
Balladonia's one great claim to fame came in 1979 when
one of the US Skylab's fell to earth in the area. Anyone driving
through the area can only wonder at the Skylab's remarkably
sophisticated choice of landing place. You could spray the area with
space debris and no one would ever be hit or harmed.
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Hotels
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Balladonia Hotel/Motel
Eyre Hwy
Balladonia
WA
6443
Telephone: (08) 9039 3453
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Caravan Parks
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Balladonia Caravan Park
Eyre Hwy
Balladonia
WA
6443
Telephone: (08) 9039 3453
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Restaurants
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Balladonia Hotel/Motel
Eyre Hwy
Balladonia
WA
6443
Telephone: (08) 9039 3453
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