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History
Kingoonya was established in the early 1900s as a railway support town on the line extending west. It became more important during and after the First World War, when in fulfilment of the undertakings given to Western Australia in the processes leading up to Federation, the East-West railway line was built west to link with Kalgoorlie and Perth.
Before the Stuart Highway was sealed and re-routed north and east of the township, Kingoonya was also the point at which the old Alice Springs road left the east-west railway line and its service roads and headed north.
The use of diesel locomotives, better technology and communications, together with lifestyle expectations, have meant that much of the railway maintenance on the Indian Pacific line in SA now is done ‘roll-in-roll-out’ from Port Augusta. Kingoonya is now almost an abandoned town. The houses in the township are only intermittently occupied by people involved in mining exploration and kangaroo shooting.
Special attractions
The township is reputed to have the widest main street in Australia and cricket matches have been played on it. Many of the facilities are still intact and there is an annual picnic race meeting at Kingoonya that is widely patronised.
Tourist services
The Hotel has recently reopened and offers a welcome break for weary travellers. There is a Telstra ‘blue-phone’ in the main street and the old store occasionally carries some supplies.
If you would like to find out more about Kingoonya please click on the link below
