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Laura is a picturesque small town on the banks of the Rocky River on Horrocks Highway, 218 kms north of Adelaide, 12 kms north of Gladstone and 40 kms east of Port Pirie. The surrounding countryside is scenic and local farms mainly grow cereals with sheep and cattle.
Laura township was surveyed in 1872, when a section of Booyoolee Run, a pastoral holding leased by the pastoralist Herbert Bristow Hughes, was subdivided. The town was named Laura after Laura Hughes, Herbert’s wife. The town grew and was an important supply post for the workmen building the Beetaloo Reservoir. Chinese market gardeners settled there and began South Australia’s first irrigation system, growing fruits and vegetables. Beer, ice and dairy products were later produced in the town and sent to Broken Hill after mining began in the 1880s.
Laura is famous as the home of Golden North ice cream which has been manufactured in the town since 1923 – the factory is the biggest employer in the district. The town was the boyhood home of poet CJ Dennis, whose first poem was published in the Laura Standard newspaper.
Laura has interesting shops, cafes and a range of accommodation. It’s a short drive to the Wirrabara Forest and Southern Flinders Ranges attractions.
Events include: The Laura Folk Fair, held in April each year, a popular two-day festival with art, craft, food stalls and non stop entertainment. In July, Laura Country is held – 3 days of lively music to make you tap your toes, including The Golden Oldies, the Cabaret Show, talent quest and Open House Country: http://laurasa.com.au/events
For more info: contact Laura Info Centre (08) 8663 2260
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