Beltana - SA

The loop of original road that passes through Beltana starts 20 kilometres north of Parachilna and 10 kilometres south of Leigh Creek and is 34 kilometres in length with Beltana exactly in the middle. It can also be accessed by turning east and travelling 10 kilometres at the Beltana Roadhouse. The Ghan railway reached Beltana in 1881 with the completion of the second section of track from Hawker so until the third section was completed Beltana was the end of the line. The other significant historical event was the appointment of Rev. John Flynn to the church at Beltana. It was while at Beltana that his dream to bring medical assistance to the outback had was born. The dream, of course, became reality in the establishment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.