"LAURA - A TYPICAL NORTHERN TOWN" Laura by balhannah

Laura Travel Guide: 17 reviews and 41 photos

Laura is a delightful northern town in South Australia, made famous by having the Golden North Ice-cream factory here.

Laura was named after the wife of pioneer pastoralist Herbert Hughes. Her name was Laura Bristow Hughes
The town was founded as a district centre in 1871 after his vast “Booyoolee Run” was carved up into settler farms.

Two Chinese market gardeners settled here and implemented South Australia's first irrigation system to grow vegetables and fruit at Laura.

Beer, ice and dairy products were later produced in the town for shipment to Broken Hill after its mining operations were established in the 1880s.

Flax was also produced in the area.

Lutheran Church @ Laura

This poem, 'Laura Days' was written by Poet C.J. Dennis, to celebrate the town's Golden Jubilee (50years) in 1932.

"When the evening sun slants through the gums,
By my forest-rimmed abode
Once more the old clear picture comes,
And my mind drifts down the road;
Back to the town by Beetaloo,
Where the rocky river strays;
Back to the old kind friends I knew
In the dear dead Laura days."

Laura holds a Folk Fair in April every year. There is no admission fee, and it goes for 2 days.

Then yearly in July, is the Laura Country Music Festival

After enjoying a great meal and then a walk to burn off some calories, it was time to move onto CRYSTAL BROOK, another northern town.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Great food, interesting town

Last visit to Laura: Apr 2012
Intro Updated Sep 22, 2012
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (12)

RUINS Things to Do (10)

This is another northern South Australian area where you will find many ruins. These are homesteads and shed, built by... more travel advice

SHOES MADE FOR YOU! Things to Do (10)

How many places in this modern world do you find a shop that will make shoes especially to fit your foot? Not many, but... more travel advice

TIMES OF OLD! Things to Do (10)

You need to keep your eyes peeled when walking Herbert street, because there still are signs of old. In the tree trunks... more travel advice

KOFFI & KANDI SHOP Things to Do (10)

What a find was this shop! I happened to come across it as I walked the main street, and being a lover of old time... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
PEPPER TREES

Restaurants (1)
EXCELLENT MEAL - EXCELLENT PRICE!

Comments (3)

Reply
- Report abuse
starship Feb 11, 2013 at 8:29 AM

Had to read this page as my own daughter's name was Laura! Lovely little village -- peaceful and quiet. Wouldn't I love to have a store which made custom shoes!! But the ice cream alone would be worth a trip to visit here!
Reply
- Report abuse
Regina1965 Feb 7, 2013 at 10:31 AM

You are right, it seems to be a delightful little town, love the candy store :)
Reply
- Report abuse
thegreynomad Jul 24, 2012 at 6:01 PM

Laura is quite a surprising town for only a small one. In my opinion, Golden North Ice-cream is the best in Australia.