Leigh Creek is a modern outback township that was originally created to house workers from the nearby coal mine but is now a popular base from which to explore the region’s natural beauty.
With its excellent range of facilities including a Tavern, supermarket, petrol station and Post Office, this Outback oasis in the desert is the obvious place to break your journey before re-joining the Explorer’s Way.
The Aroona Dam Sanctuary offers spectacular views and peaceful surroundings for a picnic lunch. It also has a wonderful 5.5 kilometre interpretive walk, which starts below the main wall of the 5000 megalitre dam, the largest of its type outside of Adelaide. The trail traverses wetlands below the dam, mountainous terrain, rocky outcrops and red-gum lined creeks. You might even see the endangered Yellow-footed Rock wallaby which were released into the area in 1996.
Leigh Creek’s easy access to remarkable geological sites, stunning natural landscapes and a living Aboriginal culture are just some of the town’s great drawcards.
Nearby the Ediacaran fossil site that dates back some 500 million years, has received worldwide interest in the large reefs of stromatolites, understood to be the earth’s oldest fossils, found in the ancient ranges.
In addition to the great services on offer Leigh Creek also offers an impressive list of recreational facilities including playgrounds and great barbeque facilities. The town has free Wi-Fi available at the Visitor Information Outlet (VIO) and the Library located within the school. There is Telstra (only) mobile coverage too. Cash withdrawals are available from the Post Office.
During the tourism season, our most helpful staff at the VIO can assist you in finding local places to explore. The tavern supplies evening meals year-round including bottle shop services.
Leigh Creek has a 24-hour Health Service with a visiting GP once a fortnight and provides emergency services including Royal Flying Doctor Service, police station, ambulance and Country Fire Service.
Accommodation options include the Leigh Creek Tavern and the Leigh Creek Caravan Park. The tavern offers 24 hotel rooms, 40 cabins and a full-service restaurant, while the Leigh Creek Caravan Park has ensuite cabins, powered sites, a laundromat, a camp kitchen, barbecue facilities and a van dump point.
With the mine being closed in 2015, Leigh Creek is now carving out a new future for itself. Already established as an important regional centre, the town is evolving into a tourism hub.