ROXBY DOWNS
Roxby Downs is a diversion visit for
the north/south Stuart Highway traveler. Woomera is the nearest town
for the intersection point for this turn off. Please be sure you make
the effort and visit Roxby Downs and Andamooka. Icon discoveries they
are, but for diametrically different reasons. Roxby Downs surprisingly
is a modern prosperous community. An oasis so to speak when compared
with Woomera and Coober Pedy.
Roxby Downs is a BHP mining town and has a highly transient
population of around 4,000 people, almost one third are under the age
of fifteen. Roxby Downs is often referred to as the most 'modern town
of the outback ' and has all modern facilities,
including a Woolworths Supermarket and a Subway.
Expect
other recognizable brands.
The town of Roxby Downs was built in 1987 (land survey commenced in
November 1986) to service the Olympic Dam mine and processing plant,
located 16 kilometres north of the site of the town.
Roxby Downs is unique
in South Australian history. Never before has a township and its
administration been set up from scratch as a joint venture between the
state government and a mining company.
All of the main church denominations are represented and in modern
buildings.  
The Roxby Downs War Memorial is within the central median strip and is
a worthy and modern acknowledgement to the fallen.
The Museum is represented by the Art Gallery.
Roxby Downs has just the one pub and there is also a tavern and a
club.
A visitor will absolutely be delighted with Roxby Downs.
The contrast with everything else in the desert is breathtaking.
Be sure to stay a night. The morning visit to Andamooka awaits.
Heritage diary
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