We were shown around by the very genial owners, Peter & Mary Bevan who, together with their son, daughter-in-law & 3 young grandsons, run this 75,000 ha property.

There are about 12,000 mainly Merino sheep and 400 Hereford & Murray Grey beef cattle. The undulating country has mainly saltbush, copper burr & summer grasses (especially after rain). The rainfall is about 225mm p.a. and is highly variable and not seasonal. 24 earth dams, 8 bores and 1 well, plus- an extensive pipeline system help supplement the water supply. Still the supply and quality of stock and domestic water  is a problem and very costly.

Floods, because they flow so fast, often are more damaging than helpful. In 2000 a huge flood left 4' of water over the road we were on. This destroyed fencing and earthworks and they had to take out a loan to replace these. Almost immediately drought followed and they had to buy in lupins to feed the rams (ewes and lambs fended for themselves) and molasses, hay and pelletized feed for the cattle.

5,500 ha of their land has been set aside as a conservation area. Along Eurowie Creek there are numerous tin mines, the foundations of a crushing plant and the restored remains of a kitchen. The Bevans have won a 5 year grant to maintain this area and remove weeds, goats and rabbits. Sheep were removed 25 years ago. Young mulga trees have especially benefited from this protection.

Pauline