Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

While travelling the southern Mt Lofty Ranges last year I was delighted with the few photos I took in the Paris Creek area which is just north west of Strathalbyn. Thispart of the Adelaide Hills is great farming land with reasonably reliable rainfall most years. When I took these photos the pastures were still quite green despite the few really hot days we had already experienced.

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

One of the main agricultural pursuits in this district is dairying. Quite near to where I took these photos is the well known BD Farm, an organic dairy produce factory. There is quite a few fruit orchards in the district too, and further west one can visit extensive pine forest plantations.

Paris Creek, Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia

In some of my photos you might see a purple haze in the paddocks or on the hills. This is colour comes from the flower of the introduced weed, Salvation Jane, also known in parts of Australia as Paterson’s Curse. Most farmers do not like this pest plant because it taints to meat of sheep. Apiarists don’t mind it because their bees produce good honey from the flowers, and artists, photographers and tourists enjoy seeing the amazing hues it brings to the hills.