Cobdogla S.A. - Where smiles are plenty and all are welcome

* As published in issue 8 September Good Gabble Newzine

The Road To Positivity

Cobdogla S.A. - Where smiles are plenty and all are welcome.

   Cobdogla is a small country town that lies 219km north-east of Adelaide. An Aboriginal word meaning "land of plenty" it has a fascinating history. Much of the land  - from west of Overland Corner right through into New South Wales - was taken up under a pastoral lease in 1846 by John Chambers, who raised purebred horses for the police and military.

  Within a short time Overland Corner, on Cobdogla Station, became an important camping place for other overlanders and their cattle. Drovers would rest their stock and let them graze on the extensive and lush river flats before continuing the journey to Adelaide. This welcome restful feeling still hangs over the town of 'Cobby' today.

   We enjoyed our stay at Cobdogla Station Caravan park which is on the grounds of the original Cobdogla Station, owned by John Chambers and his brother James, who also owned other nearby stations.

 Today the caravan park is situated on 30 acres of land nestled on the backwaters adjacent to  the Murray River.  It is very picturesque with plenty to do and see.

   The last surviving relic of the Cobdogla Station homestead complex can be seen within the caravan park. Preserved by the Barmera Branch of National Trust SA the chimney signifies  the land that was taken up in by John Chambers, who was granted an occupational licence, “ on the River Murray and Lake Bonney”, before official surveys had been made. The extent of the run took in all the land contained within the Great Southern Bend of the Murray   between Overland Corner and the state border of New South Wales.  Chambers never resided on the land but installed James Trussel as the manager who served until 1895.

The Cobdogla run became noted for its fine horses which were raised from bloodstock imported by James Chambers. These horses were used by John McDouall Stuart on his Trans-Continental  Expedition in 1861 and in the subsequent construction of the Overland telegraph line to Darwin. They were also the progenitors of the South Australian Police Greys.

Over the years portions of the property were transferred to other landholders, including the Chaffey Brothers Irrigation settlement of Renmark.  The station was completely resumed in 1910 for the Cobdogla irrigation scheme.

  The last station homestead was situated near the northern boundary of the present caravan park and was demolished after the 1956 flood.

  The feeling within the town of Cobdogla is that of  a hearty welcome.  At all times we were made feel one of the family – from my initial contact with Cindy at the caravan park via telephone to the warm welcome upon arrival, right down to the day of departure, there was nothing but a smile and a friendly chat.

  The park currently has 8 permanent residence with many others choosing to have their  vans situated on the premises for annual use. Many other families visit year after year using the venue as their annual getaway.  The locals who reside permanently within the park are always ready for a chat and love nothing better to share their park experience and show you around.

  There was plenty to do on our stay with the park keeping the 'Station' feel about it. Within the park you will find a pony, sheep, alpacas, chickens, roosters, geese, emus and a kangaroo. The children enjoyed being introduced to the animals, hand feeding the alpacas and patting the chickens.  There are kayaks to hire in the warmer months and a playground to explore. Each afternoon a walk down to the lake  saw us  sit on the pontoon and watch the sun set as the swans and their signets bobbed freely amongst the trees.

Our experience at Cobdogla did not start and finish at the caravan park. A visit to the Cobby Trading Post General store, which is open 7 days, lead to the opening of a door of friendliness and warmth. We were yet again welcomed with a smile a mile long and a chatty disposition. Whilst in the store waiting for our order it was noted that this relationship was carried through to everyone who entered, local or visitor. Even better was that the hot chips, pie and coffee were a warm welcome on a cold day and the best we have had in a long time, proving that service with a smile does make your meal taste better.

  Cobdogla is a town which oozes positivity and friendliness. If you are ever in the area drop in and spend a day or two. A town that could be easily bypassed Cobby is a credit to itself.

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