Parakylia
| Company type | Pastoral lease |
|---|---|
| Industry | Agriculture |
| Founded | before 1880 |
| Founder | Andrew Wooldridge |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Sheep (historically), cattle |
Parakylia Station is a pastoral lease situated in the remote regions of South Australia, which has evolved from operating as a sheep station to functioning as a cattle station.
Description
Positioned approximately west of Roxby Downs and south of William Creek, Parakylia adjoins several properties: to the north lie Mount Eba Station, Billa Kalina, and Millers Creek Stations; to the west is Mount Vivian; while Roxby Downs Station borders it on the southern and eastern sides. The station falls within the confines of the Woomera Rocket Range, and the Dingo Fence traverses its grounds.
The landscape is characterized by expansive tablelands supporting vegetation such as saltbush, cottonbush, myall, mulga, and sandalwood. The property features sand ridges, temporary creeks, and swampy areas where surface water accumulates.
History
The name "Parakylia" originates from the indigenous term parakilia, which denotes succulent plants belonging to the genus Calandrinia. Established before 1880 by Andrew Wooldridge—who also held leases for Parakylia and Arcoona Stations—the property initially covered an area of and supported a flock of 30,000 sheep. That same year, ownership transferred to Thomas and Charles Chewings, with Charles William Bowman joining the partnership before Charles Chewings withdrew in 1882.
By 1884, Parakylia had expanded to , maintaining a livestock population comprising 15,000 sheep, 800 cattle, 100 horses, and 40 camels used for transportation of supplies. The station operated a post office from 1884 until 1898. In 1894, shearing was projected to process between 35,000 and 50,000 sheep.
The property encountered difficulties due to dingo predation and was deserted by 1899. It remained unoccupied but under caretaker supervision in 1901; favorable rainfall that year allowed for restocking efforts, with shearing resuming in 1902. By 1908, Parakylia extended over approximately , carrying around 10,000 sheep.
In 1912, proprietors F and M Collins engaged in local sales of wool and cattle. The station was vacant once more by 1915 and open for lease applications. Owned by Joseph Timms in 1923, the property encompassed , divided into 23 paddocks secured by five- and six-wire fencing. During that year's auction, it failed to sell at £10,760.
Parakylia Pty. Ltd. was established in 1927 with capital amounting to £60,000 for acquiring the station. By 1954, executors were seeking a manager for Parakylia, which then supported a flock of 14,000 sheep.
In April 2013, the Government of South Australia officially designated the land under this pastoral lease as the locality named "Parakylia."