Our family’s experience at Farina, Flinders Ranges
Farina is on Kuyani Country.
Farina, Flinders Ranges
If you’re fortunate to be near Farina in the winter months, the baked goods are delicious and the camping, delightful!
Farina is an abandoned town along the Old Ghan Railway route, north of the Flinders Ranges. There are 10 historic stone buildings, now in ruins. Farina Restoration Group works to stabile the ruins, provides signage to learn more about the town and has restored the famous underground bakery.
Farina’s 140 year old bakery was restored to working order in 2010, after 80 years of disuse. The bakery is operational and open to the public each year in May, June and July when the Farina Restoration Group are working in the town. Run entirely by volunteers, the proceeds from bakery sales go straight back into restoration works.
Best time to visit Farina
The best time to visit Farina is undoubtedly when the underground bakery is open, from late May to July. The exact dates vary each year.
In 2025, Farina’s bakery and cafe will be open from Saturday 24th May to Sunday 20th July.
Farina’s campground is open year-round.
Bread from Farina’s famous underground bakery.
Things to do in Farina
Assuming you’re visiting when the Farina Restoration Group is in town, be sure to stop at the cafe - at the restored ‘Pattersons House’ - and enjoy delicious baked goods from the famous underground bakery. Visitors are usually welcome to stop by at the bakery, and head down the steps to see the baker and the 140 year old oven at work. Adults and kids alike will enjoy watching the process.
We sampled the pies, pasties and a loaf of simple white bread (all scrumptious) - but the star of the show had to be the fruit loaf. If you like fruit loaf, it’s a must-try!
Farina Creek Walking Trails Signage.
Take a walk around town, check out the ruins and read the signage provided to learn more about the town’s history. It’s about 1.5km to walk the town trail, starting at the underground bakery. It’s a lovely walk at sunset too, with the warm glow of the setting sun on the ruins.
The Farina Creek Walking Trail is an easy 2km circuit, which is well sign-posted and has further information boards to learn about Farina. This walk begins near the campground. We did take our pram on the walk, however there were some sandy spots that may pushing the pram difficult.
If the cafe is open you’ll find free printed maps for the walking trails, along with books for sale about Farina. The volunteers are welcoming and happy to chat with visitors about the town.
Walk up the hill to the ANZAC war memorial and enjoy sunset overlooking the surrounding bush and campgrounds.
Farina Driving Trail Map.
Farina’s Aboriginal History
It’s difficult to find information about the town ‘Farina’ or the surrounding area pre-colonisation. I’ve used the ‘Map of Indigenous Australia’ by AIATSIS and found Farina to be on Kuyani Country.
The Kuyani people describe massacres during Australia’s frontier wars, from stories passed down through the generations. The Kuyani oral history tells how they were forced off their land with violence and into the Northern Flinders Ranges on Adnyamanthaha Country.
Nearby, 5km from Lyndhurst, the stunning Ochre Cliffs remain an important cultural site for Aboriginal people.
The Kuyani people retain a strong connection to Country today.
Ochre Pit, near Lyndhurst.
How to get to Farina
Farina is north of the Flinders Ranges and about 620km from Adelaide on a sealed bitumen road.
If you’re already exploring the Flinders Ranges, Farina is:
About 25km from Lyndhurst (closest roadhouse - food, fuel, accommodation)
65km north of Leigh Creek
130km (about 1.5 hours) from Parachilna
260km (about 3 hours) from Wilpena Pound
220km (about 2.5 hours) from Hawker
If you’re heading north from Farina, the road is sealed to Marree - about 60km and 40 minutes drive. Marree is the start of the Oodnadatta Track - I’ve written about that too!
Farina Campground.
Camping at Farina
Camping at Farina provides a beautiful bush setting and even in the busy months, there’s plenty of space.
Basic flush toilets and hot showers are much appreciated. BYO wood for the donkey showers or for your campfire. Firewood may be available for purchase at the Farina Homestead.
Cost is $20 per vehicle/per night. Cash donation at the entrance to campground.
Ruins of Farina’s Post Office.
Where are you exploring next?
Whether you’re heading North or South from Farina, check out some of my other blogs to help with planning your adventure!
We acknowledge over 65, 000 years of continuous care and custodianship by the Kuyani People over these lands and waters. Their sovereignty has never been ceded. We pay respect to Elders past and present and the Kuyani People as the traditional and rightful owners of this country. We pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and commit ourselves as allies.