Where better to soak up your fill of sunsets and serenity than South Australia’s serendipitous Mern Merna Station?
A stay at this working sheep and cattle station in the heart of the iconic Flinders Ranges is a window into outback life in this remote and naturally abundant corner of the continent.
Camp and explore in glorious solitude, or take advantage of the generous outback hospitality with a stay at the comfortable and beautifully renovated Mt Aleck Homestead or a cosy getaway at the painstakingly restored Johnson Cottage.
THE LOCATION: The station is located approximately 30km north of the township of Hawker, in the Flinders Ranges region. The property offers expansive views of the nearby Elder Ranges.
THE STATION: Bathed in tranquility, Mern Merna Station is the perfect stage for a peaceful outback getaway, and an ideal base or jumping off spot for further exploration into the wilds of the Flinders.
Noisy neighbours are never an issue, and you can take your pick between secluded campsite and two choices of accommodation to rest your head at night while exploring the property’s offroad tracks by day.
THE ACCOMMODATION: Sleep up to 10 people at the comfortable and well-appointed Mt Aleck Homestead. Outdoor entertaining is well catered to, with the spacious verandah enclosed with insect mesh and gazebo area equipped with barbeque and heating and offering space for outdoor dining. Additional campfire area to the side of the house with firewood supplied.
The property is fitted with ducted heating and cooling plus ceiling fans and offers two queen sized bedrooms plus an additional smaller bedroom and converted cellar with bunk beds.
The cosy Johnson Cottage was once a ruin, rebuilt by the property’s previous owner stone by stone. Perfect for a couple’s or small family getaway, it’s the ideal place to slow down and rewind, with uninterrupted views of the Elder Ranges.
The cottage features a queen-sized bedroom with electric blanket, while the lounge contains a chaise and ottoman that can be used as an extra bed. Air conditioning is fitted and an oil heater supplied.
There’s a fully equipped kitchen plus insect mesh enclosed verandah, campfire area and barbeque.
Both properties have TVs with DVD players and are fitted with UHF radios for communications (limited Testra phone service available).
THE CAMPING: Camping available for $25 per car per night. Your booking includes a peaceful and private campsite equipped with portable toilet. Firewood is available for purchase. Showers are available at the Shearers Quarters for $5 per person.
4WD TRACKS: Tackle Mern Merna’s Burnette Track, along the property’s hilltops and ridgelines, with breathtaking views along the way. It’s an unsealed track with some rough sections, and will take between 2.5-3.5 hours to complete, depending on stopping times. Pack a lunch and your camera (and maybe an extra memory card!). $40 per vehicle, with discounted rates for guests staying at the station.
CONTACT: Get in touch with the team at Mern Merna Station with any questions or to make a booking.
WEB: www.mernmernastation.com.au
EMAIL: www.mernmernastation.com.au/contact/
PHONE: (08) 86484886
