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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
kiln
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
old mm
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.

Salt lake
saltlake
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.


Original Ghan Train Line

railway
These are remnants of the Mern Merna Railway Siding. Up to seven families at the settlement at any one time and part of the building comprised the Mern Merna School.  Add Hookina where a township with church, shops and school existed. Apart from a few ruins the cemetery is the only testament to its existence.

Wurlie
wirly
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 wurlie the chopped ends of the wood show the influence of white man.


Fossils
seafosil
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
hilltop
This area forms part of the Heysen Trail. Bushwalkers can walk from here through Bridle Gap into Wilpena Pound (6 – 7 hour hike).

The Mawson Bike trail traverses the Moralana Scenic Drive. Merna Mora is a convenient stopover on the two day ride from Hawker to Rawnsley and Wilpena.

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