Balladonia: A Historic Stop on the Eyre Highway
A Diesel-Only Stop
During our visit to Balladonia BP in February 2023, we found that they only had diesel available. Fortunately, we were driving a diesel vehicle, so it wasn’t an issue for us. Balladonia, located almost in the middle of nowhere, has a unique claim to fame with the Balladonia Road House and Skylab that makes it a noteworthy stop on the Eyre Highway.
The Skylab Crash
One of the most fascinating aspects of Balladonia’s recent history is its role in the aftermath of the Skylab space station crash in July 1979. Skylab, weighing a massive 77,000 kilograms, was one of the largest objects ever launched into space by humans. By July 1979, it had entered an unstable orbit, and NASA had limited control over its trajectory. They aimed to prevent it from hitting heavily populated areas and targeted the Indian Ocean.
The Australian Impact
While the largest section of Skylab did crash into the Indian Ocean, the rest of it broke up over the largely uninhabited southwestern Australia. Guests staying at the Balladonia Motel at the time reported witnessing what looked like a fireworks display as numerous chunks of the space station landed nearby in the vast surrounding sheep station.
Media Circus at Balladonia
The remote Balladonia roadhouse became the center of a media circus. Journalists from all over the world flocked to this otherwise quiet location. In a fabulous piece of Australian trivia, US President Jimmy Carter even phoned the owner of the Balladonia roadhouse to apologize for the unexpected space debris shower.
Mini-Museum Inside Balladonia Roadhouse
Today, a mini-museum within the Balladonia roadhouse tells the Skylab story. It features models, newspaper clippings, and artifacts related to this historic event. Visitors can learn about the crash, the ensuing race to find Skylab fragments, and the impact it had on this remote corner of Australia.
A Memorable Visit
Our stop at Balladonia was a memorable part of our journey. The combination of its unique history, the fascinating Skylab story, and the tranquil surroundings made it a worthwhile visit. If you find yourself traveling along the Eyre Highway, be sure to check out the mini-museum and learn about this remarkable piece of history.
Balladonia may be remote, but its role in the Skylab crash has left an indelible mark on its identity. It’s a small town with a big story, and it’s well worth a visit for anyone interested in space history and the unexpected events that shape our world.
