Goroke

Travelling from Frances in South Australia to the world renowned rock climbing mecca of Mount Arapiles, you will come across the pleasant township of Goroke, with a population of 200.

Situated on the edge of the Goroke State Forest, this is the perfect area for nature based tourists to enjoy four wheel driving, bird watching and bush walking through the beautiful untamed country joining the Little Desert National Park.

East of Goroke the ‘Duff ’ monument commemorates the finding of Jane Duff and her brothers Isaac and Frank after nine days lost in the bush in 1864 (with the great assistance of one of the international Aboriginal Cricket Team members and black tracker, Dick-a-Dick).

The Lake Charlegrark Country Music Marathon, a unique and wonderful two days entertainment, is held on the banks of Lake Charlegrark annually on the third weekend of February. Huge crowds travel long distances to listen to some of our country’s finest Country Music musicians.

Enjoy nearby wetlands including Lake Charlegrark, (a favourite with water sports enthusiasts and famous for its record size Murray Cod) and Lake Ratzcastle, both delightful peaceful and tranquil natural lakes in bush settings, where you can stay-awhile either in local accommodation or camping under the stars. If it’s fishing, yabbying and water sports that’s your passion this is a must for you! Another picturesque lake nearby is Big Booroopki, and when it is holding water it is excellent for fishing and yabbying.

The rural districts of Neuarpurr, Minimay and Peronne produce 20% of the World’s and 80% of Australia’s white clover seed. The area is also renowned for canola, chickpea, barley, tricicale, potato, onion and carrot production.

PLACES TO EAT

Facilities

Shopping Centre: Main Street contains a supermarket, hotel, post office, newsagent, takeaways, antiques and most essential supplies.

Service Station: Petrol, LPG, Diseal and repairs.

Medical Services: Community Health Centre with resident District Nurses and visiting doctors.

Internet and Email Access: Available at Mitchell’s Newsagent and Takeaway.

Sporting: Bowling greens, swimming pool (seasonal), football, netball and tennis.

Golf Course: 18 hole sandscrapes (winter only). Situated next to Goroke State Forest.Telephone 03 5386 1053 for event details.

Public Toilets: Situated in Main Street.

Things to do

The new War Memorial - a tribute to our local “diggers”

Tap along at the Lake Charlegrark Country Music Marathon

Look for the famous Malleefowl in the Little Desert National Park

Try fishing and yabbying in the local lakes and wetlands