About Us
We’re a family-run tourism business based in the heart of the Flinders Ranges, offering a range of unique stays shaped by land, legacy, and lived experience. From the restored charm of Hender’s House to the rustic comfort of the Shearers’ Quarters and the seclusion of our private bush campsites, each space reflects our hands-on care and deep connection to this country.
This isn’t just where we work – it’s where we live, raise our family, and share stories passed down through generations. What we offer goes beyond accommodation. It’s a hosted experience grounded in genuine hospitality, local knowledge, and a respect for history and place.
Whether you’re here to explore the ranges, unwind under the stars, or reconnect with what matters, you’ll find more than a place to stay – you’ll find something real.
About the Property
Boolcunda Gum Creek and the Story of This Land
Boolcunda Gum Creek runs along an old survey grid line, but its story goes back much further. This was once part of an ancient inland sea — a life-giving force that supported the Nukunu people, the Traditional Owners of this country.
Today, the land is dry, but it still holds the memory of water. These old waterways form part of the songlines that cross the country — spiritual pathways woven with knowledge, story, and connection. At Almerta, now known as the Bluff, one of these anchor points remains. Once an island in the sea, it served as a natural vantage point and remains a place of energy and transition.
The gums along Boolcunda Creek stay green year-round, fed by an underground stream even when the surface is dry. Near our homestead, a permanent spring feeds a billabong that draws birdlife and native plants all year long — a quiet sanctuary that speaks of resilience and abundance in a harsh landscape.
Our History
In 1930 Arthur and Doris Rowe purchased the Almerta house block. They started to farm and live on the land with their three children. After them, their son Trevor (called Snow) and his wife Gabrielle Rowe moved in with their family of five children in 1981. When they moved to Carrieton in 2006, their son Patrick (called Paddy) and his wife Shane Rowe started to run the property with their three children Courtney, Jack and Eliza. Over time, a lot of amendments have been done to the original main house and the surrounding buildings. Our partnership structure includes Trevor (Snow) Rowe, Patricks dad, who was born and raised on Almerta station, and his wife Gabrielle.
Our Business
Our main enterprise is our grazing property allowing us to
have a prime merino sheep and wool business. Which we have been strengthening
the genetics over the past 35years. Almerta encompasses 32,000acres and an
additional 12,000acres of leased land. Allowing us to graze 4000-8000 sheep
dependent on the seasons.
Today we still have three generations working on Almerta, father
(snow), son (Paddy) and daughter (Courtney), this means we have knowledge of Snow
from 65+ years of working in the sheep industry, Paddy’s knowledge from running
shearing contract teams and upskilling in various farm/sheep courses. And
Courtney’s knowledge with the newer ways and as technology continually changes.
This is important to capture for our business, changing values and adapting to
the current times has led to improvements in our wool production and meat
value.
Currently living on Almerta are the managers/owners Patrick
(Paddy) and Shane, Courtney (23), Jack (21) and Eliza (19) who have been running the property since 2006. In September 2010
they made the positive decision to branch into tourism. Which has since been the
renovation of the Shearers Quarters which sleeps up to 28guests, the opening of
13campsites and now in 2023 the opening of Henders House which sleeps four
guests. We had the goal of bringing Paddy and Snow home from working away running
Shearing Contract teams.
Our Shearing and Crutching Contracting business serviced and
travelled throughout South Australia and New South Wales for over 30years. We
employed 10-40people weekly. Snow managed the main shearing team that was
working more than eleven months of the year. We sold this run and Snow ‘retired’
from the shearing team in 2013. Paddy also had a shearing team that also did
crutching and lamb marking that worked for ten months of the year. We sold Paddy’s
run in 2020 allowing him to be home during the drought.