Goyder's Line

Goyder's Line is an imaginary line across South Australia indicating the edge of the area suitable for agriculture. North of Goyder's Line, the rainfall is not reliable enough, and the land is only suitable for grazing on a long-term sustainable basis. The line traces a distinct change in vegetation between the scrub bushes known as mallee to the south and the arid salt bush to the north. This change forms a line across the state. Goyder's line almost exactly represents the demarcation of a long-term average of 10 inches (254mm) of rain per year.

Related Topics:
South Australia - Rainfall - Vegetation

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With barely 30 year's knowledge of this new country to go on, farmers needed reliable information. In 1865 Goyder provided it. He discouraged farmers from planting crops north of his line, declaring this land suitable only for light grazing. However farmers were optimistic. 1865 was a year of bumper rains, so many ignored Goyder and headed north, starting farms and planting crops. Just a few years later many had to abandon their farms. Goyder was proved correct and the land was indeed unsuitable for crops. Many farmhouse ruins can still be seen near Goyder's line.

Related Topics:
Grazing - Farmhouse

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There have been periods of development north of the line, but invariably nature has won out. Entire towns and farms were abandoned when there was a return to longer-term average rainfall. The line has proven remarkably accurate, an amazing feat since it was surveyed in just two months in 1865 by George Woodroffe Goyder, then the surveyor-general of South Australia.

Related Topics:
1865 - George Woodroffe Goyder

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Goyder's line starts on the west coast near Ceduna and goes south-east across Eyre Peninsula to strike Spencer Gulf near Arno Bay. It continues from near Moonta north to Crystal Brook and Orroroo then south-east past Peterborough and Burra to the Victorian border near Pinnaroo, crossing the Murray River south of Blanchetown. Much of the land immediately north of the line is covered by saltbush. Agriculture is possible near the Murray River further upstream only because of irrigation using water drawn from the Murray.

Related Topics:
Ceduna - Eyre Peninsula - Spencer Gulf - Arno Bay - Moonta - Crystal Brook - Orroroo - Peterborough - Burra - Victoria - Pinnaroo - Murray River - Blanchetown - Irrigation

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It is easy to see Goyder's line when flying over this area. The change in flora is very distinct when one knows what to look for.

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Goyder's Line became a National Trust of Australia Heritage Icon in 2003, joining other South Australian icons such as Humphrey B. Bear, brush fencing, and Penfolds Grange Hermitage wine.

Related Topics:
National Trust of Australia - Humphrey B. Bear - Brush fencing - Penfolds Grange

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