Attractions in the area
Merna Mora and the surrounding area is steeped in history and has many artifacts and evidence of the early days of settlement.
Many of these attractions are restricted to conducted or tag along tours and are not located on public access roads.

Old stone kilns
Old Merna Mora homestead
Original Ghan Train Line
Whirly

Salt Lake
Fossils

Blacks Gap
Arkaroo Rock


Old stone kilns

These kilns were built to help with the construction of the original Ghan Railway line. Limestone bearing deposits were burnt in these kilns to produce lime to aid in the construction of bridges and culverts. Cement was not available and the Chinese were adept in procuring lime from the local dolomite deposits. .

Old Merna Mora homestead

The original Fels' Merna Mora homestead was situated near the Ghan Railway Line about 6 kms from the existing homestead. Built entirely of local stone it was once home to a family of 15. It would have been constructed in the early 1900's. The existing homestead was built in 1951.

Original Ghan Train Line 

These are remnants of the Mern Merna Railway Siding. As many as seven families lived here and part of the building comprised the Mern Merna School. The settlers and their families were dependent on the rail for water, food and communication. Closest settlement would have been at Hookina..

Salt lake

The dry patina of Lake Torrens. The lake is the longest in the southern hemisphere. Its surface varies from a hard white salt encrusted layer to a treacherous black bottomless mud. It has deceived many and huge mirages give the impression of a water filled expanse. Mt Deception can be seen in the background.

Whirly

This is the remains of a shepherd's hut located in sandhill country near the shores of Lake Torrens. Although built on the principles of the Aboriginal whirly the chopped ends of the wood show the influence of white man.

Fossils

There are many exposed beds showing various fossils  from the Archeoscyathas to various forms of marine life and signs of a much more fertile landscape than what is here today.

 

Blacks Gap

 

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