The Copper Hills Story

by Nan
(Adelaide)

Copper Hills Homestead

Copper Hills Homestead

I first visited my cousin Laurel and her husband Hugh at Copper Hills in 1970. I returned many times and understood how they became captivated by the outback.
The campers and visitors I met were interested to learn how this couple endured what appears to the visitor a harsh and unrelenting country.
It was suggested to me by a visiting tour operator to write a short story. Three thousand copies were printed one of which is in the Library of the Stockmans Hall of Fame Longreach.

Comments for The Copper Hills Story

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Feb 13, 2025
 Memories NEW
by: Carla

Copper Hills station...wow! So many memories!
My friend and I, both from Holland passed through Copper Hills station in early 1981 on a bus tour. Due to floods, we were unable to move on towards Adelaide for a few days and so all 20 or so of us stayed with Hugh and Lauren. Hugh took several of us travelers around the station to show us brumbies and his sheep. I was in awe, as it was all so different than my life back in the Netherlands.
Hugh invited my friend and I to stay for a bit, so the next morning we waved goodbye to our fellow travelers.
Hugh showed us how to ride motorbikes, sheer sheep, sort wool and many other things.
We met their lovely daughter who came home for holidays from her boarding school in Adelaide (who we later ran into accidently in Adelaide)
Our accommodation was in a donga. We loved our time there, until one of the neighboring properties manager employed us to help him during the shearing season. After we finished there, Hugh employed us to help him during his shearing period.
I will always remember the fantastic round house that Hugh had built, the roof and walls made out of branches; he used to turn on the sprinklers on the roof and we would sit inside in the heat of the day, relaxing in the relative coolness it provided.
Sep 19, 2024
 Art works
by: Anonymous

I have this.a painting of copper hills
By Hugh Frahn.to Jane
Dec 14, 2023
 Denis
by: Anonymousd

I used to drive the Mail truck in 1957 Starting out from Oodnadatta,the Frahns at Copper Hills were one of the drop off points.
Oct 09, 2022
 Is the station still operating?
by: Nas

Hi, we are keen to stay out at Copper Hills Station as we stayed in Will Laurel and Hugh in 1980’s?

NAS and John
Jan 27, 2017
 Copper Hills Story
by: JENNIFER

I have a copy of the booklet on the story of Hugh and Laurel written by Nan Angove if anyone is interested.
Dec 03, 2011
 Copper Hills Story
by: Rita

Hi Nan,

Thank you for sharing your photo and story.

I admit, it is such a wonderful country out there, it is easy to become fascinated by the natural beauty of the Painted Desert area.

I've got a few question.

1.) I've heard Laurel and Hugh left Copper Hills a few years ago. Is this correct?

2.) Do you know if there are new owners/managers? Do they still provide facilities for visitors?

3) It would be great if you can give us more info about your short stories, the title, and where interested readers can purchase a copy.

Thank you so much, Nan.

Cheers,
Rita

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