Heritage Town (no services)
Beltana, once a thriving railway settlement, is now a heritage town and well worth a visit. Many buildings are still intact. Sites of interest are signposted. The closest route to Beltana is to take the turn off from the Beltana Roadhouse (10kms). The road is unsealed. There are two other routes to the town north and south from the roadhouse of about 17kms each.
A few people live in the old township, but there are no services. Establishing Leigh Creek coal field and township saw the demise of Beltana.
Reverend John Flynne began his mission work at the Smith of Dunesk Mission Church there. Sir Thomas Elder’s station where camels were bred for outback transportation is here. Ernest Giles exploration party, sponsored by Elder left from the station.
The historic Sliding Rock Mine site is just a few kilometres away.
A police report of the day illustrates the difficult conditions encountered by the police patrols. More
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