Balcanoona as a sheep station
Balcanoona station (Homestead pictured above in 1930) on Adnyamathanha lands operated as a sheep station from 1856 until 1980 when it was acquired to add to the National Park. The northwestern part of the Vulkathunha National Park (Yankaninna’s Arcoona Block) was acquired by the government from Yankaninna station in 1968, a national park being declared in 1970. In addition to the Homestead, station buildings, sheepyards and shearing shed at Balcanoona were the outstations: Grindell’s hut and Nudlamutana hut, both now restored and available as accommodation; Oocaboolina Outstation, restored by the “Friends” but not available as accommodation; Idninha (aka Yadnina) which has not yet been restored, and Illinawortina (= Illanawatna) which is a ruin.
The Old Homestead viewed from the east
The Old Homestead, built by George Noble in about 1890, and showing 6 of Balcanoona’s inhabitants.
The Old Homestead viewed from the west
Balcanoona Station, showing the sheep yards and the shearing shed (approximately 1910)
The New Homestead about 1928
The Old Homestead, about 1896
The woolpress, Balcanoona shearing shed
Inside the restored shearing shed
Stockmen having breakfast near Italowie Gorge 1964. Standing Far left: Harold Winton. Seated: ?, ?, Fred Roesh, ?, Craig Scotcher. In the background, two drovers with horses. (photo: Keith Phillips)
The same scene, from the Women’s Weekly magazine
Oocaboolina Outstation
Grindell’s hut (tourist accomodation)
Idninha Outstation (2018)
Illinawortina ruin in 2025
(Below) Nudlamutana Hut, at the start of the Oppaminda walking track (available to be booked for tourist accomodation)
(Above) The remnants of the old Shearer’s quarters at Balcanoona, showing the bath. Note the surroundings before revegetation. (Below left) Oodnaminta yards (2024). (Below right) Gammon yards (2024)
