Cameron Corner: Ron travels to the meeting place in the Outback region of South Asutralia
We set off through the vast outback in search of the legendary Corner Store. We knew it was out there somewhere - it's just a little further than we'd imagined given we left the bitumen days ago.
We're in the heart of what's called Corner Country - that great expanse of the Australian outback that takes in the "corner" of three states - South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Unlike much of the nation, this place has received much more rainfall than usual and the country's looking a treat. So much so that cattle from all over the country are being agisted here making it a potentially hazardous drive.
With John Kappe from Tri State Safaris as our guide, we pass cattle sent down from the Territory to fatten up on country bursting into life.
For part of our journey we skirt a man-made divide like no other - one that winds it's way through five deserts, past three giant salt lakes, nuclear test sites and the paths of great and disastrous tales of exploration.
The dog fence or the dingo fence as it's also known stretches for about 5,500 kilometres across three states. According to John, it was first built in the 1880s following a plague of biblical proportions
"It was originally a rabbit fence," he said. "To keep the rabbits out but they decided there were just as many rabbits on one side as the other."
By 1914 the fence was upgraded to keep dingoes on one side in what's predominantly cattle country and away from the sheep on the other.
But all this sight seeing was only keeping Tri-State Safari's guide, John Kappe and I away from our ultimate destination - the Corner Store. Soon we arrived at the border gate marking our entry into South Australia.
Next step is a pilgrimage to an outback shrine of sorts - a rather unremarkable cement post marking the spot where three borders meet - South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
We joined the other tourists who had made the effort to get a photograph of this significant spot. One wag even climbed onto the post so he could be in 3 states at once!
Not far away, our ultimate destination and yes, the Corner Store still exists. The suburban supermarket may have spelled the demise of its city cousin but here on the border of three states, publican Billy Mitchell runs the Corner Store in Corner Country.
It was originally built in 1989 by the late Sandy Nhall.
"Sandy parked his car out here for two weeks with a little clicker... counting all the cars and thought something could be done out here," said Billy. "Before this place was built, everyone stopped at the post and kept going."
Cameron Corner is at the junction of the South Australian, New South Wales and Queensland borders. The Corner Store has basic outback accommodation for $58 dollars a double.
Tri State Safaris run regular trips into Corner Country. To book contact 8088 2389
Cameron Corner
Junction of SA, NSW & Queensland
The Corner Store
Accommodation for $58 dollars a double
Bookings: 8091 3872Tri State Safaris
Bookings: 8088 2389Published 4th Nov 2007
