In July 1979, the area gained worldwide attention when the re-entry of the Skylab space station left a trail of debris across the nearby countryside.

[11] Its Balladonia Museum has a display of Skylab debris and newspaper clippings, as well as information and artefacts relating to Aboriginal heritage; European exploration and settlement; the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service; the construction of the Eyre Highway; and local flora and fauna.

Also in the area, on the Balladonia–Rawlinna Road,[13] are freshwater pools 14 km (8.7 mi) east at Afghan Rock(s), named for an cameleer who was shot nearby[14][15] on 13 October 1894.

[16][17] The pools were a vital stop for drinking water during the 19th century, when goods were being transported across the Nullarbor by teams of horses or camels,[15] especially during the days of the Western Australian gold rushes.

Tom Knowles, after noticing one of the "Afghan" cameleers, Noor(e) Mahomet, washing his feet in one of the rock holes (known as gnamma in WA).

In the morning, the cameleers untied the men, whereupon Knowles rode to Israelite Bay (then referred to as Point Malcolm[16]), 120 mi (190 km) away, and report the incident to police.

[17] Today, Afghan Rock is accessible by soft roaders, but travelers need to obtain permission and directions from the manager of Balladonia Station.