With a recall booked on our Cruisemaster caravan suspension—and the earliest appointment a week away in Berri—we began slowly making our way in that direction.
After our stopover in Jamestown, we travelled on to World’s End Gorge, a free campground tucked away about 27km south of Burra in South Australia’s Mid North.
Along the way, we couldn’t resist stopping at one of the region’s most photographed landmarks—the iconic Midnight Oil House. This abandoned farmhouse ruin sits along the Barrier Highway at Cobb and Co Corner, just a few kilometres north of Burra. It rose to fame when renowned landscape photographer Ken Duncan captured it for the cover of Midnight Oil’s 1987 album Diesel and Dust.
We’ve passed this spot many times over the years, but one visit in 2025 stands out. A car rally had set up a jump right in front of the ruin—watching cars launch through the air with that historic backdrop was something else entirely.
From there, we rolled into Burra to refuel and top up our water before heading out to camp. Having visited several times, we can confidently say this historic mining town deserves a spot on any travel itinerary. Once a thriving copper hub with strong Cornish roots, Burra is rich in heritage and well worth spending a few days exploring.
This time, we based ourselves at World’s End Reserve, about 26km southeast of town. Nestled along Burra Creek, the campground offers a peaceful mix of shady, tree-lined sites and open areas. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and settle in.
On a previous visit, the campground had been packed, and we were forced onto the upper level—less scenic than the creekside spots below. This time, luck was on our side. With fewer campers around, we scored a prime site near the water and decided to extend our stay.
Keen to stretch the legs, we set off on the gorge walk, part of the 1,200km Heysen Trail that stretches from Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge. In true Unshackled fashion, things didn’t quite go to plan. We somehow found ourselves at a dead end high above the gorge, followed by a slightly sketchy descent and a bit of creek-bed scrambling before finally reaching our destination.
But it was worth it.
Unlike our last visit during drought conditions, the creek was flowing—bringing the gorge to life. The contrast was incredible. What had once felt dry and quiet was now vibrant and full of energy.
We followed the gorge further along a rough track on the opposite side of the river—still not entirely sure if we were meant to be there—but it made for a beautiful walk. Eventually, with no official crossing in sight, we did things the Unshackled way… and waded straight through the brisk water.
Before arriving at World’s End, we’d booked a Hipcamp stay near Murbko in the Murray Mallee region. Stockyard Plain Station, a family-run Merino property, sits within a vast saltbush landscape known for its salt disposal basin reserve.
Our campsite, set a couple of kilometres from the homestead, offered complete seclusion. Sites one and two—even came with their own flushing toilets—plus access to a communal sink, tables, and a large fire pit. We later learned the water is pumped all the way from the Murray River, around 16km away as the crow flies.
Surrounded by red sand dunes, this place was right up Unshackled’s alley. We spent our days unwinding and exploring the property—wandering through saltbush flats, climbing dunes, and discovering pockets of woodland and native pine.
The highlight? A crackling campfire under the stars—simple, but hard to beat.
Originally booked for two nights, we quickly extended to three. With no other campers around, it was the kind of solitude you don’t rush.
Next stop: Berri for the caravan recall—fingers crossed it’s all smooth sailing so we can continue the journey.
Travel update: With fuel supplies improving and floodwaters easing, we’ve decided to return to Plan A—heading back into NSW to complete the Darling River Run. A few roads are still closed between Tilpa and Louth however Mrs Unshackled has hatched a plan if they are not open when we reach that area..
We briefly considered pushing on to the NT or across to WA, but with fuel still a little uncertain, we’re playing it safe for now. From NSW, the plan is to continue into Queensland and eventually make our way across to the Northern Territory.
** Tip: For the best viewing experience, click the YouTube link in the bottom left corner of the video to watch in higher clarity.
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