Spalding, South Australia: Travel guide and things to do

Spalding is located 171 km from Adelaide and is a pleasant, small town located in a little patch of green in the desert which is the northern part of South Australia in summer. It is 43 km from the historic copper township of Burra. The road from Burra to Spalding passes through undulating land. The most distinctive feature of the road is that for a number of kilometres it is bounded on one side by a gas pipeline and on the other side by a canal. This is a very isolated area.

The town's proximity to Burra meant that in the 1840s prospectors entered the area searching for possible copper mining sites. They were partially successful. The 'Wheal Sarah' mine was established and worked for a number of years.

The town of Spalding was founded by William Edward Lunn in 1875-76 with the District Council being proclaimed in 1885. It is likely that the town was named after Spalding in Lincolnshire which happened to be the birthplace of William Lunn.

Things to see

Geralka Farm
Located 15 km south of Spalding, Geralka Farm is an activity-based destination which is also a working farm with over 2,000 merino sheep and a considerable number of hectares under wheat cropping. As a tourist destination it specialises in rural activities including sheep handling, pony rides, hay rides, blacksmithing and has a number of Clydesdale heavy horses. There are also extensive collections of old farm machinery and a model of the 'Wheal Sarah Copper Mine'. For details of opening times and entrance fees contact (08) 8845 8081.