Bruce Railway Station
Southern Outback, South Australia

Bruce is an early settlement surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Flinders Ranges. A stay at the Railway Station will enable you to enjoy the outback in a way that few people have the opportunity to experience.

During the 1870's Europeans who were allocated blocks of pastoral land settled around Bruce. Much of this land is in low rainfall areas - but there was a strong belief in those days that rain followed the plough. After early bumper seasons a succession of drought caused huge hardship and forced many people off their properties.

This resulted in many deserted settlements, and in some cases with the passage of time, buildings have disappeared too. Bruce now consists of three cottages, the memorial institute, the railway station, the original post office and the derelict hotel. This beautiful old railway station has now been restored and offers comfortable, personally hosted accommodation with Tony and Maggie Gwynn-Jones.

After buying the station in 1987 the Gwynn-Jones set about the enormous task of restoring it to its former glory. For example it took the two of them nearly a week to get rid of 100 years of dust storms in the ceilings. The Baltic pine floor was very badly worn by visiting animals over the years so it was taken up and turned over-resulting in a very beautiful 'new' floor!

The original double doors, back and front, were returned by the person who had taken them for 'safe keeping'; and the finishing touch was to have a large range of railway memorabilia given to them, the most precious of which is the original 'BRUCE' railway station signboard.

Bruce is an experience denied to many in this day and age. You will enjoy the quality of silence and space that so much has been written and spoken of. On a clear night the stars stretch from horizon to horizon and can be seen with absolute clarity. Combined with the true outback warmth and hospitality of your hosts, your stay at Bruce will be a very special part of your Australian outback experience.

Accommodation: The historic Railway Station offers accommodation in the guest wing, which is comprised of two tastefully, decorated double bedrooms, one twin bedroom, guest living/dining room and two bathrooms.

Special Activities:

- Tony will guide you in his 4WD vehicle, on a personalised visit of the most intriguing spots of the Southern Flinders Ranges
- Rides on the original railway line can be organised
- Visits to nearby Port Augusta to the Australian Arid Land Botanical Gardens and Wadlata Outback Centre
- Interesting hikes/walks in the area
- On a sunny day enjoy a bush barbecue in the nearby Horseshoe Range