Merty Merty facts for kids
Merty Merty is a special place in the north-east of South Australia. It's known both as a specific area, or locality, and as a very large piece of land called a pastoral lease. This land was once a busy cattle station, where many cattle were raised.
In April 2013, the government officially named this area Merty Merty. It's located far out in the Australian outback. You can find it about 190 kilometres (118 miles) north-west of Tibooburra. It's also about 285 kilometres (177 miles) north of Leigh Creek.
The main buildings of the old station, called the homestead, are right next to Strzelecki Creek. The famous Strzelecki Track, a long road through the outback, also goes through the property.
History of Merty Merty Station
Merty Merty Station was created in 1919. It was formed from parts of other large stations nearby. These included Innamincka Station, Tinga Tingana, and Strzelecki.
Sidney Kidman and Cattle Grazing
A very famous Australian cattle owner, Sidney Kidman, bought Merty Merty in 1924. He was known for owning many cattle stations across Australia. However, he didn't always keep cattle at Merty Merty. He used it only sometimes.
Kidman worried about the waterholes along Strzelecki Creek. He didn't think they were reliable enough for moving cattle south. During dry periods, or droughts, he would move his cattle a different way. He would take them through Innamincka and then down the Birdsville Track. This shows how challenging it was to raise cattle in the outback.
Historic Sites at Merty Merty
There are two important historical places at Merty Merty. These are the Well and Whim, Coochilara Waterhole and the Old Mulga Bore. Both of these sites are listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. This means they are protected because they are important parts of South Australia's history.
