Hard life on the Oodnadatta track

Hard life on the Oodnadatta track

by Sue Simmonds
(Aberdare NSW)

Ruin at Warrina, Oodnadatta Track

Info sign at Warrina, created by Adam Plate from the Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta

Algebuckina bridge, Neales River

Hi, all my relatives after emigrating from Scotland went first to Robe and then spread out over the South East as far north as Bordertown, Lameroo, Pinnaroo, then Pekina, Peterborough, Tarcowie etc.

But one child was recorded as having been born at "Neales Camp near Warrina" in 1888 and died ten months later in 1889 at the same location. The parents of the above child would have had another three children with them at the time the eldest being 10 years old and the youngest 4 years old. The father must have been doing something with the railways or so I think.

I cannot begin to imagine how hard life would have been for them with I assume a limited diet, no access to medical facilities etc.
Thanks for your time, if you have any information about Neales Camp I would be eternally grateful.

Regards Sue Simmonds

Comments for
Hard life on the Oodnadatta track

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 30, 2010

Neales Camp
by: Rita

Hi Sue,

I don't know where exactly Neales camp was located, it could have been near Warrina, or further north on the Neales river.

Warrina must have been a fairly large camp (with workers, shopkeepers, contractors and even nurses), the sign says it was the rail head for a while in 1888, and a few hundred people lived there.

Further north, where the mighty Algbuckina bridge spans the Neales river, is a permanent waterhole in the river, which certainly also was a camp during the building of the Old Ghan railway.

I agree with you, it must have been a hard life for everyone living and working in the harsh conditions of the Australian Outback with not many facilities we consider essential these days.

The history of the inland is fascinating, and the early explorers, settlers and workers were amazing people.

Thanks for sharing your story.

Rita

Click here to add your own comments

Need a map?

Hema offers the most comprehensive range of Australian maps and road atlases.
Find a map.

Are you looking for accommodation in Australia?

Compare major booking services and book your hotel at the best rate.

Back to Australian Outback Homepage