Cowarie Station facts for kids
Cowarie Station, often just called Cowarie, is a very large farm in north-east South Australia. It's a cattle station, which means it's a huge property where thousands of cattle are raised.
This station is located about 216 kilometres (134 mi) north of Marree. It is also about 225 kilometres (140 mi) south-west of Birdsville. The Diamantina River and the Mulligan River meet at Cowarie. They form the Warburton River, which then flows into Lake Eyre.
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History of Cowarie Station
The land for Cowarie Station was first rented out in 1875. William Benjamin Rounsevell was given a 21-year lease. The area was about 400 square miles (1,036 km2). It was named Cowarie after a nearby hill. The name "Cowarie" comes from an Aboriginal word. It refers to a type of marsupial rat found in the area.
Many other land leases were also taken around this time. This meant more people traveled along the Birdsville Track. A post office opened at Cowarie in 1877.
Sidney Kidman's Connection
In 1895, Sidney Kidman and his brother Sackville bought Cowarie. This was the first property the Kidman family owned. They went on to build the biggest cattle farming business in Australia.
Modern Management and Awards
In 1999, Sharon Oldfield managed Cowarie Station. At that time, the station covered about 3,937 square kilometres (1,520 sq mi). That same year, Sharon Oldfield won an award. She received the Commonwealth Bank Ibis award for rural productivity. This award recognized her great work in managing wildlife and protecting nature on the property.
In 2009, the station raised a mix of shorthorn and Santa Gertrudis cattle. These cattle did very well because of floodwaters. The water flowed down the Diamantina River and reached the station that year.
Mirra Mitta Bore: A Water Source
The Mirra Mitta Bore was dug in 1903. The government planned to dig bores along the Birdsville-Marree stock route. This was to provide a steady water supply for animals.
The bore is very deep, over 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) down. It is a popular place for travelers to stop along the Birdsville Track. Hot artesian water comes out of a pipe from the bore's top. It flows into a round pond about 5 metres (16 ft) wide. The water then flows away in a special drain.
