The Chowilla Shearer’s quarters comprises 11 separate bedrooms containing 27 beds in total. Each of the beds have pillows and a bed sheet provided. There are 3 gas fridges, 2 gas stoves, a wood stove and also a BBQ. All cutlery, crockery and utensils are also provided. There is a large open fire place in the dining room.

Lighting is provided by a 32 volt generator which guests start when required. Water is supplied by an overhead tank and the pump is operated by guests. Water is heated through use of a wood chip heater (Donkey) which also is maintained by guests. Full instructions are given to guests, and help when needed is also available. Fresh drinking water is also provided. Rubbish is collected by the hosts.

The booking of the quarters is exclusive to the hirers.

Bookings

Bookings are confirmed by a deposit of $100.00 which must be paid in advance. The balance of the fee is required at the commencement of the hire. Deposits will be refunded for cancellations made at least 6 weeks in advance. Any other refund will be at the discretion of the host and will be dependent upon the ability of the host to re-let the quarters.

Fees

Adult per night – $22.00
Child (u/16) per night – $11.00
Babies not occupying a bed – FREE

Min hire charge per night – $165.00 (Minimum Period 2 nights)
Long Weekends – $220 per night (Minimum Period 3 nights)
Easter – $330 per night (Minimum Period 4 nights)

GST included. Rates subject to alteration without notice.

The “Strowan” is a basic 6 berth hire drive vessel. Strowan has gas hot water, fridge and heating/air conditioning, television/video, together with a BBQ on the front deck. All cutlery and crockery is provided as is linen, towels and doona’s. Obviously you must provide your own food etc.

The all year round hire rates are as follows:
3 Nights – $450
4 Nights – $550
5 Nights – $650
6 Nights – $750
7 Nights – $850
Extra Nights – $90
2nd Week – $600

Min hire fee $350
Deposit to confirm booking $250
Balance at time of boarding
Bond $250 at time of boarding
Fuel used, charged at completion of hire, at cost
Bond returned 7 days after hire, less fuel, breakages, loss and repairs
Rates can be subjected to alteration without notice and are GST incl.
Available 2pm on the day of hire & to be vacated by 10am on the last day

In the event of cancellation the deposit will be refunded if the cancellation is made at least 6 weeks prior to the booking. In all other circumstances refund of the deposit will be dependant upon the ability to re-hire the houseboat.

The Chowilla region has a rich history, both in terms of its occupation by Aboriginal man which goes back some 12,000 years and its relatively recent exploration and occupation by European settlers some 135 years ago. The Aboriginal word Chowilla (or “Tjowilla”) is reported by Tindale (1974) to mean “place of spirits and ghosts”, although the Robertson family record an interpretation as “good camping place”.

The shearing shed was constructed in the 1870’s of timber (local pine) and iron. In 1881, 70250 sheep were shorn. This included sheep from Calperum and Bounday Run. The tally was achieved in a climate where there were no rabbits, few kangaroos and no goats. The shearing shed is still in use for some shearing and crutching. The quarters were updated in the 1930’s and are available for hire.

Chowilla Station today occupies approx. 93,000 hectares. The Current lease is a crown lease (pastoral type) administered under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. It includes all the areas of the Chowilla Regional Reserve and the Chowilla Game Reserve. The Robertson family’s objective is to run the property on a sustainable basis whilst conserving its natural, historic and cultural values. Chowilla Station is a sheep station primarily, but from time to time a few cattle are run. It is very much an entity in its own right, as it always has been, and is proud to be a land partner in the Bookmark biosphere Reserve. The aims and objectives of the Biosphere are compatible with the Regional Reserve objectives and structure and this also fits well with the objectives of Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd.

Chowilla is located in South Australia’s Riverland, situated some 300 km from the capital Adelaide. The nearest main township to Chowilla is Renmark.

Renmark has its own air strip but is not serviced by a regular passenger service, however charter planes can be booked through varying companies. The nearest serviced airport to Chowilla is Mildura. Passanger collection can be arrange for those choosing to stay at Chowilla. Cost of collection can be negotiated at the time of booking.

For those choosing to drive to Chowilla, the map below provides detailed directions on how to reach the Station.

Chowilla Station

Jock, Lis and James Robertson
PMB 18, Renmark SA 5341, Australia
Phone: (08) 8595 8048
Fax: (08) 8595 8158