Pandurra Station
Nutbush Retreat at Pandurra Station – A Taste of the Outback Near Port Augusta
Just outside Port Augusta, we pulled into Nutbush Retreat, a working sheep station offering a unique outback stay. It’s part of Pandurra Station, one of South Australia’s oldest pastoral properties, stretching across 1,000 square kilometres of rugged countryside.
We set up camp in the retreat’s well-maintained campground, which had powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabins for those wanting a bit more comfort. The facilities were solid—clean amenities, a camp kitchen, and even a swimming pool to cool off after a dusty day. It was the kind of place where travellers swap stories over a beer at the communal fire pit.
One of the highlights was a tour of the shearing shed. Just two weeks prior, it had been a hive of activity, with shearers, rouseabouts, and wool classers working hard to get the sheep shorn and the fleece packed. The scent of lanolin still lingered in the air, and wool clippings were scattered across the wooden floor, a reminder of the station’s ongoing connection to Australia’s wool industry.
We also explored the old sheds used for blacksmithing and horse tack. These buildings felt like they were locked in time, frozen from the days before motorbikes took over mustering duties. Rusted tools hung on the walls, and old leather saddles sat waiting for a rider who would never return. It was a glimpse into the past, a reminder of how much has changed in station life over the decades.
During the day, we wandered the property, taking in the vast open landscapes. The rich red dirt, scattered saltbush, and endless sky reminded us why we love this part of Australia. The evening brought a spectacular sunset, painting the sky in deep oranges and purples, as the sounds of the bush (and a few road trains) settled in around us.
It was a peaceful stop, with a true outback feel—just the right mix of comfort and history before heading further into the Flinders Ranges.
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