Wirramina Station, Woomera, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Feb 7th, 2005
Woomera came into existence as a consequence of Britain's defence requirements following World War II. Britain wanted a large, remote area in which to test new weapons systems, and so the secret military town of Woomera was established.
Visitors can experience the Woomera Heritage Museum and discover Woomera's pivotal role in the past, present and future history of Australian rocket science. The Heritage Museum contains historical displays relating to the Woomera Range and to the closed Joint Defence Facility at Nurrungar.
The displays contain an extensive range of rocket parts along with photographs and descriptions of range activities, including the most recent NEXST-1 and HyShot trials. A video is also shown in the museum recounting significant events in Woomera's history.
For somewhere to stay in the area, try Wirraminna Station. Wirraminna Station is located five hours north of Adelaide on the Stuart Highway adjacent to Lake Hart Salt Lake -roughly halfway between Woomera and Glendambo.
Wirraminna Station is at the foot of Breakaway Country, the desert-like countryside which features huge sand hills and coloured rock which stretches all the way north of Coober Pedy and beyond.
The property consists of one million acres. The Wilkinson family live here with their three children and Scottish governess - and now you can go and stay too. Wirraminna has two comfortable, newly built cottages for guests to use. Each features its own bathroom and full kitchen.
The Wilkinsons also share the property with a large chunk of Woomera's history - two huge old-style upright rocket launchers, and two newer sloped ones. The large ones are in a picturesque location next to Lake Hart Salt Lake, and there are some terrific views on the way to see them. You'll even see some pilotless planes that have crashed around the property.
The Wilkinsons' property is also used periodically for rocket and bomb testing, with shells ranging around the place. Even the Singaporean government apparently tested their scatterbombs over the property.
The facts
Cottages at Wirraminna Station cost from $140 a double. This price includes breakfast.
Wirraminna Station
Tel: 08 8672 1992
Entry to the Woomera Heritage Museum costs from $3 for adults, and kids under 14 get in free. The museum is usually open seven days, and re-opens on 10 March, 2005.
Woomera Heritage Centre
Tel: 08 8673 7042
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 07/02/05
