Back Roads continues on its riveting journey this week, navigating the rugged Strzelecki Track, threading its way through the Strzelecki Desert and ending up in the diminutive township of Innamincka, tucked away in the uppermost corner of South Australia.
Along the way, Heather Ewart endeavours to unravel what it truly means to endure a job on this remote, historic track.
Among her many encounters, Heather meets the indomitable ‘Knackers’ Stirling, a seasoned triple road train driver. Stirling, with his three decades of experience on the track, transports food and supplies from Adelaide to the gas fields and Innamincka. His tales of weather-induced halts, including a record nine-day standstill due to rain, bring to life the hardships of the terrain. Remarkably, despite the many challenges, Stirling prefers the track to remain unsealed.
A detour leads to Cameron Corner, where South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory intersect. Here, Heather meets Tina Thomas, the manager of the Cameron Corner Store and one of just 19 permanent residents. Stories of peculiarities associated with life across three state borders, including triple New Year’s Eve celebrations, add a touch of charm to the journey.
Heading further north, Heather Ewart is introduced to Nichelle Hodgson at the Innamincka Hotel. Hodgson provides insights into the realities of managing an off-grid pub, powered by a remarkable 774 solar panels, and where everything from bottles to kitchen scraps is recycled.
The historic significance of the area is highlighted by the stories of European explorers, Burke and Wills, who passed through Innamincka in 1861. Heather visits the spot on the Cooper River where Robert O’Hara Burke experienced his final moments.
Production credit: Executive Producer, Brigid Donovan.
