Curtin Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Curtin Springs |
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Fuel pumps and pub at Curtin Springs Station
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Former names | Mount Conner Station |
General information | |
Type | Cattle station |
Location | Northern Territory, Australia |
Address | Lasseter Highway |
Coordinates | 25°18′S 131°45′E / 25.300°S 131.750°E |
Owner | Severin family |
Curtin Springs is a huge working cattle station located in the Northern Territory of Australia. It's like a very big farm where cattle are raised. You can find it along the Lasseter Highway, about 85 kilometers (53 miles) east of Yulara. The property is enormous, covering about 416,400 hectares (1,028,940 acres). To give you an idea, that's bigger than some small countries!
Mount Conner, a famous flat-topped mountain, is actually located inside the southern part of the Curtin Springs property. The Severin family has owned and operated Curtin Springs since it was first built in 1943. Besides being a cattle station, Curtin Springs also has a roadhouse, which is a place for travelers to stop, an inn where people can stay, and a campground for tents and caravans.
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Curtin Springs: A Big Australian Farm
Curtin Springs is much more than just a farm; it's a vital part of the Australian outback. It helps provide beef, which is an important food source. The station plays a big role in the local community and for travelers exploring the Red Centre of Australia.
Life at Curtin Springs
Running a cattle station as large as Curtin Springs is a huge job. It involves managing thousands of cattle across vast distances. The Severin family and their team work hard to care for the animals and maintain the land. Because it's so remote, Curtin Springs also offers services for people traveling through the area. The roadhouse provides fuel, food, and a place to rest. The inn and campground offer accommodation for tourists visiting nearby attractions like Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Mount Conner and the Land
Mount Conner is a striking natural landmark on the Curtin Springs property. It's often mistaken for Uluru by people driving along the Lasseter Highway. This mountain is a significant part of the landscape and adds to the unique beauty of the station. The land around Curtin Springs is mostly dry and rugged, typical of the Australian outback. It's home to many native plants and animals that have adapted to this environment.
Bushfires and the Land
Like many parts of Australia, Curtin Springs can be affected by bushfires. These are large, uncontrolled fires that spread through wild areas. In September and October 2012, a major bushfire swept through Curtin Springs. It burned over 250,000 acres (101,171 hectares) of bushland. This was nearly a quarter of the station's pasture land, which is the area where the cattle graze. Bushfires can cause a lot of damage to the environment and to the station's operations, but the land often recovers over time.