18/06/2026
There's nothing quite like wool in winter!
As the temperatures drop and the jumpers come out, it's a great time to reflect on the woolly history that helped shape the Mid North.
The story begins with pioneering stations like Bungaree and Anlaby, where some of South Australia's earliest merino flocks grazed the landscape.
At Bungaree, generations of pastoral history still live on among the stone buildings, cottages and rolling paddocks. Meanwhile, Anlaby, established in 1839, remains home to South Australia's oldest continuously operating merino stud, proof that some traditions never go out of style.
Now, at Bungaree, you can explore the historic station through self-guided and guided tours, browse the Station Store, enjoy local produce, stay in heritage accommodation, or simply soak up the atmosphere of a working station that dates back to 1841.
Today, Anlaby invites visitors to wander through heritage-listed gardens, tour the grand homestead, enjoy Devonshire tea, stay among the historic buildings, and experience one of South Australia's most significant pastoral estates.
The story continues in Burra's Town Hall, home to the restored Merino Pascoe Collection. Featuring more than 50 enlarged photographs of prize-winning merino rams collected over the past century from the region's leading stud owners, the collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the wool industry that helped build the Mid North.
And the story of wool isn't just history. Right here in the heart of Burra, Iris & Wool is carrying the tradition into the future, creating beautiful garments from Australian Merino wool while supporting local producers and sharing the story of our wool industry with the world.
So whether you're pulling on a warm woolly jumper, enjoying a country getaway, or exploring the pastoral history of the region, remember... you could say wool is woven into the very fabric of the Mid North.
Now be honest... who's already reached for the woolly socks this winter?
📍 1. Anlaby Station | 📸 Anlaby Station
📍 2 & 3. Bungaree Station | 📸 Bungaree Station
📍 4. Iris and Wool | 📸 Iris and Wool
📍 5. Merino Pascoe Collection | 📸Burra Community Town Hall