Windmills

Windmills like these were once a common sight as you travelled around the countryside. These days a lot are being replaced by submersible pumps when they need repairing. Much of inland Australia has virtually no permanent surface water, hence living in these remote places would be impossible. There is water...but it is underground in the Great Artesian Basin. The Great Artesian Basin is the largest artesian basin in the world and covers 22% of Australia. The water lies anything between 100m to more than 3kms underground. Southern Cross and Comet (names on the windmills) are two of the best known manufacturers of windmills in Australia. Southern Cross started in 1876. Anyone who has heard the sails squeaking relentlessly as they spin from a warm outback wind, with red dust filling the air won't easily forget these great Australian icons.