Edward John Eyre, one of Australia’s greatest explorers first settled Portee as a sheep grazing property in 1841. The station remains a commercial sheep property of over 40,000 acres and while Eyre’s old homestead no longer stands, the current homestead was built almost 130 years ago and is one of the most picturesque properties on the Murray. The Murray is one of Australia’s largest rivers and the waterbirds and beautiful river red gums lining its banks provide a quintessentially Australian scene. Your host, Ian Clark, will take you round the station, and can explain the development of Australia’s wool industry, a “backbone” of the country’s early wealth. Portee is also home to a variety of mammals and birdlife and you will have the opportunity to see one of Australia’s rarest animals - the hairy-nosed wombat. Hosts: Ian & Margaret Clark | No. of Bedrooms | Eight guest rooms are tastefully decorated and have ensuite facilities, air conditioning and telephones. Some rooms have a fireplace. | | Dining | While here, enjoy cooked breakfasts, casual luncheons and three course dinners of fine home-cooked country food, with a good selection of Barossa wines available. If weather permits, a bush BBQ lunch on the banks of the Murray or dinner on the lawn with a BBQ is arranged. In addition to the lounge, dining room and gardens there is a comfortable veranda and chairs for relaxing. . | | Activities | Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing: the variety of waterbirds is exceptional and the property has large numbers of kangaroos (both red and grey) and emus, but is particularly special for its population of Hairy-nosed wombats. Yookamurra Earth Sanctuary is only 15 minutes drive away and their guided nocturnal tours will allow visitors to see a completely different side of Australian wildlife - Bilbies, Boodies, Woylies and Numbats. Sheep station activities: Ian breeds sheep dogs and is proud to demonstrate their work. Other activities are ongoing at the station depending on the season and guests are welcome to watch or join in. Other activities include fishing (take a handline and try your luck in the river) or take a wine tour to the nearby Barossa Valley. |
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