Chandler, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chandler
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Location | Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands |
Coordinates | 26°58′12″S 133°22′07″E / 26.969862°S 133.368583°E |
Line(s) | Tarcoola-Darwin |
Platforms | 1 |
History | |
Opened | 1978 |
Location | |
Chandler, sometimes called Chandler Siding, is a small but important place in the very far north-west of South Australia. It's a special kind of railway stop called a "siding" on the long railway line that connects Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north.
Contents
Chandler Siding: A Remote Railway Stop
Chandler is located about 56 kilometers (that's about 35 miles) north of a town called Marla. It's also very close to where the Stuart Highway meets the entry to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal lands, often called the APY Lands. This area is very remote and beautiful.
How Chandler Got Its Name
The name Chandler was first used in 1872. The state government decided to name this spot after a person who worked nearby. This person was an operator on the Australian Overland Telegraph Line. This telegraph line was a huge project that allowed messages to be sent across Australia for the first time.
The Railway Story
In 1978, Chandler was one of nine sidings that were officially named. This happened as part of the big project to build the railway line from Tarcoola to Alice Springs. This important railway was finally finished in 1980. It helped connect different parts of Australia.
The Ghan Train
Today, a famous train called The Ghan travels along this railway line. It's a special train for tourism that goes between Adelaide and Darwin. The Ghan passes by Chandler once a week. However, even though the train goes past, you cannot get on or off The Ghan at Chandler. It's just a siding where trains can wait or pass each other.