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Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat

100%

· Warooka, South Australia

2 acres hosted by Steph B.

1 Caravan site

All to yourself

100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

A brief history of Ballara... Ballara is the 100-year-old family home built for William and Emilia (Millie) Baker & their five children. Built in 1910, it is understood Millie would not come to Warooka until the house was finished and furnished! Wise woman! William Baker came to Warooka as a young boy in 1884 with his mother, sister and 2 brothers, after the sudden death of his father. In the early 1900s, Will and his brother Alf became storekeepers, trading as Baker Bros. and running 2 stores in Warooka. Will, Alf and younger brother, Tom, also went on to become farmers. William met Millie when she came from Ballarat to visit her sister who lived at Warooka. Millie named her new home 'Ballara' in memory of her home town. A feature of the house is its ornate ceilings, and story has it that visitors came from afar especially to view them. William ran a wheat agency from an office on the front verandah and was also a contact for World War 1 recruitment. In 1927, William sadly died at only 50 years of age, leaving Millie on her own with their 5 children Doreen, Dulcie, William jr. (Bill), Ron, and Betsy. Millie died in 1965 and Ron continued living at Ballara until his death in 1988. Having never married and with no children of his own, Ron left the house and contents to his 10 nieces and nephews. After the family furniture was divided, Bill bought the house and placed it in the names of his three daughters. Carli and Penny were both able to enjoy some time living in the family home. Ballara still remains in the Baker family and is currently being cared for by Bill’s youngest daughter, Steph.Exclusive use of the property, only one camp booking at a time. Ballara is located in the small country town of Warooka SA. Even though situated in the Main Street, there is ample space for an RV or trailer and huge private backyard overlooking farmland to the sea, which is only 5 minutes away. Yorke Peninsula is known for beaches, fishing and surfing but there is so much more! Warooka is central to Southern Yorke Peninsula (the island you can drive to!) with easy access to all coasts north, south, east and west. Scenery changes from rolling farmland and historic stone buildings, to long white sandy beaches to wild and rugged cliffs with thundering ocean. The closest beach is only 5 km away and the renowned Innes National Park approximately 45 mins drive. There is an extensive network of salt lakes between Warooka and Yorketown, some of which take on beautiful pink hues at different times of the year, and historic Edithburgh is only a 30 minute drive to the east. Experience living in a small country town (population approx 200) with all amenities close by. Warooka has everything you need while still enjoying complete privacy at Ballara.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

Coastal

Field

Farm

100%

8 Ratings · 7 reviews

Rhiannon H.recommends

August 28, 2024

Ballara Retreat Camp

I camped in my van at Ballara Retreat on the last night of my trip before heading home. Amazing view, beautiful grounds and great facilities made for a restful night. A bath under the starry night sky topped it off! Would definitely recommend staying at Bellara.

Vanina S.recommends

January 28, 2024

Ballara Retreat Camp

Amazing place to stay!

So peaceful and relaxing, I loved every detail in the house 😍! Steph is an excellent host, really charming, and happy to help you with anything you may need!

Jon H.recommends

October 2, 2023

Ballara Retreat Camp

Ballarat to "Ballara"

A warm and genuine welcome from host Steph was reassuring as we found out we could not park our van around the back out of sight, that was our fault (a change in vans) . We had full private use of the gardens, laundry and of course the wonderful outdoor bath. We had a great time and an excellent meal at the pub across the road, highly recommend. Great little coffee outlet across the road also and helpfull tourist info centre. Ballara made a great spot to explore lower york peninsula. Thanks Steph for the tour of an amazing house. Highly recommend Ballara

Kon K.recommends

September 29, 2023

Ballara Retreat Camp

Unique stay with beautiful view

The space was absolutely beautiful and welcoming. We stayed for 2 nights and Steph was super attentive and responsive. The outdoor bath was amazing with a view over the fields and out to the ocean. The location was also highly convenient being a 2 minute walk to the local pub, but still feels far removed once you’re there. Highly recommend and a very unique stay.

Wendy K.recommends

March 22, 2023

Ballara Retreat Camp

Views over Flaherty's Beach in a ba

Walking distance to everything. Stayed beside the gorgeous 120 yo house on a level gravel site with power. Steph was a wonderful host and having access to the beautiful backyard looking over Flaherty's Beach in an old bathtub was something I'll remember forever ❤

Alejandra R.recommends

March 20, 2023

Ballara Retreat Camp

Magical

Absolulty MAGICAL!!! very chilled, private and unique space. Look forward to come back to!!

Location

Warooka, South Australia, AustraliaTraditional, ancestral territory of Narangga First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Steph B.

Joined in April 2021

Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 9 hours

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.