History
The pastoral tourism industry has been developing steadily in the Flinders Ranges and Outback SA for many years, as it has across other regions of Australia. The shift from pure pastoralism into pastoral tourism has a few aspects. Recurring droughts have prompted some pastoralists to look at other means of income, such as tourism, whilst others have simply chosen to expand their businesses, either with a view to staying on the land longer or to make the property more attractive in a sales market.
Station Stays SA was formed in November 2009 when a group of pastoral tourism businesses in the Flinders Ranges and Outback regions of SA got together for the first time to discuss various challenges and how they might be able to work together. After several get togethers Station Stays SA became a reality and now has over 25 stations and properties involved in the cluster, with them being located in the Flinders Ranges, Gawler Ranges and Outback areas of SA.
Collaboration
In 2011 a collaborative marketing exercise was undertaken where 19 properties contributed financially, along with funding partners to, carry out various marketing and promotional activities. Since then, the Stations Stays SA group has proven successful; in 2024 the group has 26 properties.
Proving there is strength in numbers, the members market themselves as one within the Tourism Industry; producing this website, a highly sought-after A3 double-sided tear-off map (available from Visitor Information Centres and properties), promotional advertisements in major travel and tourism publications, and representing at many trade shows (including Caravan and Camping Shows). What was first just an idea to maybe do some collaborative marketing has now become a widely recognised and hugely successful cluster.
Membership
The group's membership criteria is that a member will operate a Station Stay/tourism business on a primary production property within The Flinders Ranges and Outback South Australia areas defined by: Outback Communities Authority; Flinders Ranges Council; Orroroo/Carrieton Council; Mt Remarkable Council and Peterborough Council areas.
If you have a station stay property in the Flinders Ranges, Gawler Ranges or Outback regions of SA and are interested in joining the Station Stays SA group please contact:
- Chairperson Shane Rowe
- Secretary Sharon McInnis 0428 384 127
- Or, email info@stationstayssa.com.au.
New members are always welcome!
Contact Us
For more information, please contact us!