Breeds of Anna Creek Station
The largest working cattle station in the world, in the dry country west of Lake Eyre in outback South Australia.
Breeds of this place
Best time: April to October, the cooler months.
Anna Creek Station covers more than 23,000 square kilometres of gibber plains, sandhills and saltbush in outback South Australia, an area larger than some countries. It lies on the Oodnadatta Track, west of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. The tiny settlement of William Creek, surrounded by the station, has a population of only a handful of people.
Cattle in dry country
Rain is low and unreliable, and the station's stocking rate is far below that of wetter country. Cattle graze native pastures and drink from bores and natural waterholes. In good years after heavy rain the station can carry many more cattle, and in drought herds are reduced. The breeds used have shifted over time, with Shorthorn long the mainstay of the inland.
The Oodnadatta Track
The track follows an old Aboriginal trade route and the line of the old Ghan railway, past mound springs and ruined sidings. Visitors drive it in the cooler months and stop at William Creek, where scenic flights go over Lake Eyre when it holds water.
A trail idea for Anna Creek Station
- William Creek The tiny settlement inside the station, with its hotel and airstrip.
- Oodnadatta Track The outback road past the station.
- Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre The great salt lake to the east.
Written by the EveryCow desk with AI assistance. Background: "Anna Creek Station" on Wikipedia. Fair dates, markets and visiting rules change; check locally before travelling, and keep a respectful distance from working animals. If something is wrong, tell us.
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