A land of diversity

From the mountains to the plains, from the dry to the wet weather, Australia has such diverse environments. We have been through harsh, isolated, dry country with sparse populations to bustling cities near the bluest of ocean waters beneath gigantic cliffs, to mining towns in the country, then  to shipping ports and smelters on the coast. 

This was the first ship built by BHP at Whyalla so it was called Whyalla. It served in World War 2 and then was decommissioned for other duties. Now it has become a proud museum. 

This is the port of Whyalla. It is still active, loading ore onto ships out of the port as the harbour is too shallow for them to come closer.

I loved the creativity and ingenuity that produced these horses pulling a plough that represents the wheat belts of South Australia. They are made of sheets of corrugated iron like paper tolle. Their heads are on a spring so they nod in the wind.

This was only one quarter of a model railway representing the transporting of ore from the mining areas on one side and the towns and ports on this side. 

I am sure there are many interesting things to see in each town but I will have to return to see them another day. I just can't fit it all in this trip.