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    1. Australia
    2. South Australia

    Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat

    100%
    ·
    8 reviews
     · Warooka, South Australia · 2 acres
    Hosted by Steph B.
    RV site
    · 2 guests max
    Avatar
    Steph is a Star Host
    Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
    All to yourself
    100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
    A brief history of Ballara... Ballara is the 100-year-old family home built for William and Emilia (Millie) Baker & their five children. Built in 1910, it is understood Millie would not come to Warooka until the house was finished and furnished! Wise woman! William Baker came to Warooka as a young boy in 1884 with his mother, sister and 2 brothers, after the sudden death of his father. In the early 1900s, Will and his brother Alf became storekeepers, trading as Baker Bros. and running 2 stores in Warooka. Will, Alf and younger brother, Tom, also went on to become farmers. William met Millie when she came from Ballarat to visit her sister who lived at Warooka. Millie named her new home 'Ballara' in memory of her home town. A feature of the house is its ornate ceilings, and story has it that visitors came from afar especially to view them. William ran a wheat agency from an office on the front verandah and was also a contact for World War 1 recruitment. In 1927, William sadly died at only 50 years of age, leaving Millie on her own with their 5 children Doreen, Dulcie, William jr. (Bill), Ron, and Betsy. Millie died in 1965 and Ron continued living at Ballara until his death in 1988. Having never married and with no children of his own, Ron left the house and contents to his 10 nieces and nephews. After the family furniture was divided, Bill bought the house and placed it in the names of his three daughters. Carli and Penny were both able to enjoy some time living in the family home. Ballara still remains in the Baker family and is currently being cared for by Bill’s youngest daughter, Steph.Exclusive use of the property, only one camp booking at a time. Ballara is located in the small country town of Warooka SA.  Even though situated in the Main Street, there is ample space for an RV or trailer and huge private backyard overlooking farmland to the sea, which is only 5 minutes away. Yorke Peninsula is known for beaches, fishing and surfing but there is so much more!  Warooka is central to Southern Yorke Peninsula (the island you can drive to!) with easy access to all coasts north, south, east and west. Scenery changes from rolling farmland and historic stone buildings, to long white sandy beaches to wild and rugged cliffs with thundering ocean. The closest beach is only 5 km away and the renowned Innes National Park approximately 45 mins drive. There is an extensive network of salt lakes between Warooka and Yorketown, some of which take on beautiful pink hues at different times of the year, and historic Edithburgh is only a 30 minute drive to the east. Experience living in a small country town (population approx 200) with all amenities close by. Warooka has everything you need while still enjoying complete privacy at Ballara.
    Vehicle details
    Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Cars allowed
    Vehicles under 20 feet allowed
    Larger RVs may park in carpark area next to house, Smaller campers may be able to park in backyard
    Pull-in site
    Larger RVs may park in carpark area next to house, Smaller campers may be able to park in backyard
    Accommodates slideouts
    Larger RVs may park in carpark area next to house, Smaller campers may be able to park in backyard
    Surface type: Loose Gravel
    Gravel carpark or lawned backyard.
    Surface levelness: Flat
    Gravel carpark or lawned backyard.
    Electrical hookup available
    Less than 30 amps
    Water hookup available
    On-property hookup
    No sewage hookup
    A dump point is available at the town oval
    No TV hookup
    Generators not allowed
    What to expect
    RV site
    You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
    2 guests max
    Toilet available
    Flush toilet
    No campfires
    No fires in fire danger season generally November - April
    No pets
    Recommend Hillocks Drive near Marion Bay
    Potable water available
    Tap, hose
    Bins available
    Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin
    Picnic table present
    Wifi available
    Laundry present
    Hot Tub present
    Outdoor bath
    No showers
    Outdoor bath
    Cooking equipment absent
    No playground

    Things to know

    Getting there
    Check in: After 2:00 PM
    Check out: Before 10:00 AM
    On arrival: Meet with Host
    Cancellation policy: Flexible
    Minimum nights: 1 night
    Accepts bookings: 3 months out
    Park at listing
    No wheelchair access
    Max 1 vehicle
    During your trip
    Follow the
    Leave it better
    Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
    ExtrasAvailable at checkout
    Art / Lifestyle workshopsexperience
    AU$100.00
    From $100pp. Costs vary please enquire. Various workshops available from art, photography, silver jewellery and natural fibre basketry to yoga, Pilates, massage and mindfulness. Optional lunch available.
    Photography/scenic/history tourexperience
    AU$100.00
    From $100pp half day. Negotiable half day or full day tour with a born and bred local tailored to interests in photography, history, flora and fauna. Can choose to visit spectacular coastline, pink lakes, native wildlife, wildflowers and private farm property. The best time for wildflowers is July to September.
    Reviews
    100% Recommend9 Ratings · 8 reviews
    Avatar
    Maddy B.
    4 reviews
    Recommends
    · March 2025
    16 ft car
    Gorgeous spot to spend a few nights! The place is so relaxing and private and great to get to a lot of the Yorke! A must stay!
    Avatar
    Rhiannon H.
    2 years on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · August 2024
    15 ft Class B
    I camped in my van at Ballara Retreat on the last night of my trip before heading home. Amazing view, beautiful grounds and great facilities made for a restful night. A bath under the starry night sky topped it off! Would definitely recommend staying at Bellara.
    Avatar
    Vanina S.
    1 year on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · January 2024
    Amazing place to stay!
    16 ft Class B
    So peaceful and relaxing, I loved every detail in the house 😍! Steph is an excellent host, really charming, and happy to help you with anything you may need!
    Avatar
    Jon H.
    1 year on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · October 2023
    Ballarat to "Ballara"
    16 ft pop-up camper
    A warm and genuine welcome from host Steph was reassuring as we found out we could not park our van around the back out of sight, that was our fault (a change in vans) . We had full private use of the gardens, laundry and of course the wonderful outdoor bath. We had a great time and an excellent meal at the pub across the road, highly recommend. Great little coffee outlet across the road also and helpfull tourist info centre. Ballara made a great spot to explore lower york peninsula. Thanks Steph for the tour of an amazing house. Highly recommend Ballara
    Avatar
    Kon K.
    1 year on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · September 2023
    Unique stay with beautiful view
    16 ft Class B
    The space was absolutely beautiful and welcoming. We stayed for 2 nights and Steph was super attentive and responsive. The outdoor bath was amazing with a view over the fields and out to the ocean. The location was also highly convenient being a 2 minute walk to the local pub, but still feels far removed once you’re there. Highly recommend and a very unique stay.
    Avatar
    Wendy K.
    2 reviews
    Recommends
    · March 2023
    Views over Flaherty's Beach in a ba
    23 ft Class A
    Walking distance to everything. Stayed beside the gorgeous 120 yo house on a level gravel site with power. Steph was a wonderful host and having access to the beautiful backyard looking over Flaherty's Beach in an old bathtub was something I'll remember forever ❤
    Location
    Warooka, South Australia, AustraliaTraditional, ancestral territory of Narangga First Nations according to
    Native Land Digital.
    To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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    Hosted by Steph B.

    Joined in April 2021
    Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 6 hours
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    Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.