Facilities
Community Store
The present Carrieton Community Store was first established as a butcher’s shop in the early !880s and later becoming a mixed business . The shop has withstood the changing times and dwindling rural population to provide a vital service in the community. In the early history of Carrieton the town maintained three shops . Over time this number declined to one main shop combining with the post office once the telephone exchange within the Post Office was closed. The struggle to maintain the store as a healthy business saw the Carrieton District Council buy the business and fittings in 1987. The shop was managed by Pat Smith in conjunction with the grocery store in Orroroo until the Byerlee family took over its management. In 1994 The shop became the Carrieton Community Store with local investors and Board management. Carrieton Progress Association bought the premises from council in 2007 and management has continued under a Board of elected members. Funding through a Drought Relief program and donations from the Rodeo club and Carrieton Cropping Project in 2020 gave the shop a much -needed restoration and facelift.
Today it operates on restricted hours as a general store/ Post office with fuel, and gas. The manager and staff offer friendly service to locals and tourists with local information. General comments from travelers relate their surprise at the display and variety of goods and service provided.
Carrieton Caravan Park
A Caravan Park with a difference. Once a small country school (1882 -1997) the Carrieton community developed a caravan park within its grounds. Retaining the essential character of the school the park caters for travellers, It is situated within Carrieton on the R.M.Williams,Way, bitumen highway leading to the northern Flinders and Outback. It provides a convenient overnight stay or chance to stay a while, enjoy the rural views, explore the local area or make day trips to popular locations in the Northern or Southern Flinders.
Whim Cottage A self-contained cottage, originally the principal’s residence built from local stone in 1882 is airconditioned with a disability bathroom that caters for up to 8 adults. If required, additional rooms can be opened to use the adjoining library, meeting room and large kitchen.
The Library – within the main stone building is a bedroom for 2 adults with outside amenities. A well-equipped indoor kitchen and meeting room within the main building can be added as an extra for group functions.
Bunkhouse utilizes the old timber classroom and offers a/c comfort for budget travellers or small groups up to 12 with outside amenities. The Budget double, originally the timber classroom porch is now a twin bedroom with outside amenities.
The arts shed renamed “Red Wine Central” by happy travellers provides a community lounge area, TV, kitchen facilities and a wood heater for cosy comfort in the winter. A great meeting place for fellow travellers.
Amenities include coin operated laundry, disability toilet/shower, men’s and ladies’ toilets and showers.
BBQ area, playground & dump point available also.
Caravan and Camping ground, (16 powered sites) once the cricket ground of many serious junior cricket matches is a grassed area surrounded by shady trees and with open rural views looking to the Oladdie Ranges.
Pets are welcome.
Group Gatherings A great place for small interest group to gather for several days utilizing the varied accommodation and meeting /kitchen facilities to pursue their hobbies or family activities. Group discount available.
Special Features
Accommodation and Camping within a country school setting with many murals and features to remind of us of school days in the past. Carrieton is a small town first established the mid-19th century. It has a pastoral, mining, and farming history but now it relies solely on rural businesses. The rural decline has dwindled the town population to be less than 50 but relics of its past can be seen in the old stone buildings within the town. Carrieton is known for its two main annual events the Rodeo and Camp draft which brings many visitors to the town and helps keep community facilities, swimming pool, clubrooms and the memorial hall functioning. The shop and caravan park are owned by the community. (Carrieton Progress Association)
Unique Camping Experience
Camping and accommodation in a country school rural setting.
Campfires Allowed
Campfires are allowed during the winter months.
Restrooms & Showers
Restrooms and hot showers available in the well-maintained amenities block. Laundry facilities are also available with coin operated washing machine and dryer
Function Room
Includes large Kitchen with gas oven and cooktop, kitchen equipment and utensils, hot water, fridge, freezer, ample cupboard, and bench space and adjoining meeting room with tables and chairs to cater for up to 30 people.
Camp Kitchen
Come and join us in “Red Wine Central” at 5pm most days to sit around the fire and chat about the day.
Swimming Pool
The local pool is available for the public in the summer months.
Town’s facilities.
In addition to the parks facilities there are further amenities within the town that are available for hire, Memorial Hall and Rodeo Clubrooms, rodeo grounds and stockyards. The tennis courts are also available at no charge . Enquiries to Julie Williams 0487285979
