Pandurra Station
Nutbush Retreat at Pandurra Station – A Taste of the Outback Near Port Augusta
Just outside Port Augusta, we pulled into Nutbush Retreat, a working sheep station offering a unique outback stay. It’s part of Pandurra Station, one of South Australia’s oldest pastoral properties, stretching across 1,000 square kilometres of rugged countryside.
We set up camp in the retreat’s well-maintained campground, which had powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabins for those wanting a bit more comfort. The facilities were solid with clean amenities, a camp kitchen, and even a swimming pool to cool off after a dusty day. It was the kind of place where travellers swap stories over a beer at the communal fire pit.
One of the highlights was a tour of the shearing shed. Just two weeks prior, it had been a hive of activity, with shearers, rouseabouts, and wool classers working hard to get the sheep shorn and the fleece packed. The scent of lanolin still lingered in the air, and wool clippings were scattered across the wooden floor, a reminder of the station’s ongoing connection to Australia’s wool industry.
We also explored the old sheds used for blacksmithing and horse tack. These buildings felt like they were locked in time, frozen from the days before motorbikes took over mustering duties. Rusted tools hung on the walls, and old leather saddles sat waiting for a rider who would never return. It was a glimpse into the past, a reminder of how much has changed in station life over the decades.
During the day, we wandered the property, taking in the vast open landscapes. The rich red dirt, scattered saltbush, and endless sky reminded us why we love this part of Australia. The evening brought a spectacular sunset, painting the sky in deep oranges and purples, as the sounds of the bush (and a few road trains) settled in around us.
It was a peaceful stop, with a true outback feel—just the right mix of comfort and history before heading further into the Flinders Ranges.
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Pandurra Station
Pandurra Station was established in the 1850s and covers around 1,000 square kilometres of rangeland between Port Augusta and Ceduna. It’s one of South Australia’s earliest pastoral leases, known for its wool production and rugged, semi-arid landscapes.
The property remains operational, running sheep and hosting visitors through Nutbush Retreat, which offers a mix of cabins, caravan sites, and camping facilities.
Today, Pandurra sits at the crossroads of South Australia outback travel, offering a rare chance to stay on a working station that still holds true to its roots.
How to Get There
Pandurra Station is located about 40 kilometres west of Port Augusta along the Eyre Highway (A1).
The entrance to Nutbush Retreat is well signposted, with sealed access right to the campground and facilities. It’s an easy detour for travellers heading toward Ceduna, the Eyre Peninsula, or north toward the Flinders Ranges.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Stayed at Nutbush Retreat, enjoying powered sites and the peaceful station setting.
Joined a guided tour of the historic shearing shed and surrounding workshops.
Wandered the old outbuildings, exploring the relics of early pastoral life.
Watched sunset over the red plains and shared stories by the fire pit.
Other highlights you might explore:
Port Augusta – Gateway to the Flinders Ranges, with the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and Wadlata Outback Centre.
Iron Knob – A historic mining town nearby with museum exhibits on South Australia’s iron ore heritage.
Eyre Peninsula – Continue west for coastal views, seafood towns, and wild national parks.
Flinders Ranges – Head northeast toward the rugged peaks and gorges of South Australia’s most famous mountain range.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Pandurra Station is between April and October, when temperatures are mild and the sunsets are most vivid. Summer can be extremely hot, with daytime temperatures often above 40°C and strong outback winds. Winter nights can be cool but bring the clearest skies which are ideal for stargazing over the open plains.
Final Thoughts
Pandurra Station feels like a place halfway between history and home. A living property where the old ways still matter, and where travellers can see how life on the land continues to evolve. It’s not fancy, but it’s genuine, a stop that gives you both a story and a good night’s rest.
What’s Nearby
To the east, Carrieton marks the start of our Flinders Ranges journey, where small-town hospitality meets wide open country. Further west, the Eyre Peninsula beckons with rugged coastline, quiet bays, and fresh seafood. Pandurra sits right in between — the outback on one side, the ocean on the other.
Fast Facts
Location: Pandurra Station / Nutbush Retreat, west of Port Augusta, South Australia
Distance from Port Augusta: 40 km west via Eyre Highway (A1)
Traditional Owners: Barngarla people
Access: Fully sealed road suitable for all vehicles and motorhomes
Facilities: Campground, cabins, powered and unpowered sites, pool, amenities, camp kitchen, fire pit
Walking Track: Informal station walks; guided tours of the shearing shed and historic outbuildings
Dog Friendly: Allowed at Nutbush Retreat; must be on leash and supervised at all times
Best Time to Visit: April to October for mild weather and ideal outback conditions
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