Marla, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marla South Australia
Marla Location in South Australia
Established	21 May 1981 (town) 8 February 2001 (locality)
Postcode(s)	5724
Elevation	328 m (1,076 ft)(airport)
Time zone	ACST (UTC+9:30)
• Summer (DST)	ACST (UTC+10:30)
Location	970 km (603 mi) North of Adelaide 402 km (250 mi) South of Alice Springs
LGA(s)	Pastoral Unincorporated Area
Region	Far North
State electorate(s)	Giles
Federal Division(s)	Grey
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 28.7 °C 84 °F 13.6 °C 56 °F 234.4 mm 9.2 in
Localities around Marla: Welbourn Hill Welbourn Hill Welbourn Hill Welbourn Hill Marla Welbourn Hill Welbourn Hill Welbourn Hill Welbourn Hill
Footnotes	Adjoining localities

Marla is a small town and area in the Australian state of South Australia. It is located in the north-west part of the state. Marla is about 970 kilometers (600 miles) north-west of Adelaide, the state capital. It is also about 402 kilometers (250 miles) south of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

History of Marla

Marla became an official government town on May 21, 1981. It was later recognized as a 'locality' on February 8, 2001. The name 'Marla' comes from 'Marla Bore', a water source nearby. This name is believed to be a simpler version of an Aboriginal word, 'marlu', which means 'kangaroo'.

Historian Geoffrey H. Manning explained why Marla was created. It was meant to provide important services for people traveling across Australia. It also helps manage the north-west part of South Australia. This includes the lands of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara people and the Mintabie Opal Field.

Getting Around Marla

The main road, the Stuart Highway, passes through the south-west side of Marla. This highway is a very important route for travelers. The railway line that connects Adelaide to Darwin is also located near Marla.

There is a spot called 'Marla Siding' for trains. However, regular train services like The Ghan do not stop there for passengers. But, the northbound Ghan train does stop just outside Marla. Passengers can get off for a special breakfast experience in the morning.

Services and Facilities

Marla has several important services for residents and travelers. These include:

• A health center called "Marla Clinic". The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia helps run this clinic.
• A regional police station to keep the area safe.
• The Marla Travellers Rest complex. This is a privately owned place that offers many services. It has a roadhouse, a hotel and motel, a restaurant, a service station, a supermarket, and a caravan park. It also has an Australia Post office.

Marla Aerodrome

The Marla Airport (also known as Marla Aerodrome) is located about 1.8 nautical miles (3.3 kilometers) south of the town. It is actually in the nearby area of Welbourn Hill. An aerodrome is a place where aircraft can take off and land.

How Marla is Governed

Marla is part of several government areas. For federal elections, it is in the Division of Grey. For state elections, it is in the Electoral district of Giles. Marla is also part of the Pastoral Unincorporated Area of South Australia. This means it is not part of a local council. Instead, a state government agency called the Outback Communities Authority provides local services. Marla is also part of the Far North region of the state.

Weather in Marla

The Marla Police Station has been an official weather station since 1985. It collects information about the weather.