Leigh Creek South Australia
Leigh Creek: the launchpad to the real outback.
Leigh Creek in South Australia was once a thriving purpose-built mining town. It is nestled in the hills of the scenic Northern Flinders Ranges and lies on the doorstep of the Outback.
The town was purpose-built to service operations at the nearby open cut brown coal fields, which began in 1941. The current township is the second location of Leigh Creek, having been relocated in the late 1970s to early 1980s. This was to allow for an expansion of mine activities – the old town was built on a coal seam.
In its heyday, in both its original and present location, Leigh Creek had a population in excess of 2,500 people. With increased mechanisation in the extraction and railing of the coal to the Port Augusta power station, the town population decreased significantly over the years.
The population decline was attributed to the introduction of Fly-In-Fly-Out rostering for mine workers. This resulted in many mining families moving from the region. Coal mining in Leigh Creek ceased in late-2015 as the operation became increasingly uneconomical. The cessation of mining would pose significant challenges. Both social and economic effects were felt as the town was built to service the mine.
The township transitioned to State Government management on 1 January 2017. Today it continues to provide essential services to over 700 community members, pastoralists and business operators. It also supports Government employees living in the Northern Flinders Ranges. It is a well-planned and laid out town, with footpaths, sealed and kerbed roads, and street lighting.
The significant amenity includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, sprung floor stadium and grassed recreational areas. An all-weather airport equipped with two runways and multiple navigation aids is a huge advantage to the community. As part of the transition, the Leigh Creek Airport is now operated and managed by the OCA.
Leigh Creek is the perfect base for intrepid travellers to venture further into the desert beyond.
Just thirty minutes from town, take a tour on camel back through Beltana Station. You could also delve deeper into understanding the historical importance of the Ediacara Fossil Site. This preserved ancient seafloor has trapped an abundance of fossils. They are the first known multicellular animal life on earth and also the largest early known animal, the Dickinsonia Rex.
If you’ve just landed at the airport and have no transport, the town is within walking distance of the airport. The nearby Outback Resort offers food and accommodation.
Leigh Creek Outback Resort
25 Black Oak Drive, Leigh Creek, SA 5731
Phone: (08) 8675 2025
** Note the town (yes the whole town) is now up for sale, and many shops and businesses are closed. **
Get Directions
Leigh Creek SA, Australia
TodayClosed Now!09:00 - 17:00- Monday09:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
- Thursday09:00 - 17:00
- Friday09:00 - 17:00
- Saturday09:00 - 17:00
- Sunday09:00 - 17:00
Contact with business owner
Your request has been submitted successfully.