Hookina, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hookina South Australia
Hookina Location in South Australia
Established	1862
Location	21 km (13 mi) NW of Hawker
LGA(s)	Flinders Ranges Council

Hookina was once a small town in the beautiful Flinders Ranges area of South Australia. Today, it is no longer a separate town. Instead, its location is part of a larger area called Barndioota.

Hookina: A Former Town in South Australia

Hookina was officially mapped out in 1862. It was an important stop along a route used to move valuable ore. This ore came from mines in Blinman and was transported to the coast.

The Rise of Hookina

Even before Hookina was officially surveyed, it was already a busy place. There was a large inn with 12 rooms. This inn offered a place for travelers to rest. A blacksmith shop was also there. It was important for fixing tools and wagons.

A Busy Stop for Miners and Travelers

Hookina was a popular spot for bullock teamsters. These were people who drove teams of oxen. Up to 130 teamsters could camp in the area. Hookina had a reliable water supply. This was very important in the dry Australian landscape.

A Catholic church was built in Hookina in 1885. It served the community for many years. However, the church was later taken down in 1966.

Why Hookina Disappeared

The town of Hookina began to decline over time. The inn, which was a central part of the town, closed in 1896. This happened after a severe drought. The drought caused a lot of sand to pile up against the building.

The Impact of Drought and Change

The last person who ran the inn was not allowed to renew their license. Because of this, they removed the iron roof from the building. They then moved to a nearby town called Wonoka. This new location was a bit further along the creek.

Wonoka was also home to the Hookina siding. This was a stop on the Central Australia Railway. The railway brought changes to how goods were transported. This also contributed to Hookina's decline.