Tatiara Visitor Guide
Visitor Information Centre 43 Woolshed Street, Bordertown visittatiara.com.au
For up-to-date events @WhatsOnTatiara
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WELCOME TO THE GOOD COUNTRY
The water and creeks brought abundant waterfowl and the open grasslands brought game. Redgums were everywhere and the swamps and runaway holes are described in their uniqueness and ability to drain millions of litres of water during the wet winter season. Today the Tatiara includes Bordertown, Keith, Mundulla, Padthaway, Willalooka and Wolseley townships, and all the countryside around them. Agricultural products range from wheat, lucerne and canola, to grapes and olives, sheep and cattle, to gladioli, lavender and hemp. Varied industries, historical buildings, markers and modern artworks are found throughout the Tatiara. People visit the Tatiara for pleasure or work, and then return just to experience more of that friendly and inviting memory... you will too. Enjoy your time in the Tatiara.
BORDERTOWN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
TATIARA CIVIC CENTRE Open: Weekdays 8.30am - 5.00pm 43 Woolshed Street, Bordertown SA 5268 Email: office@tatiara.sa.gov.au Website: www.visittatiara.com.au BORDERTOWN CARAVAN PARK 41 Penny Terrace, Bordertown SA 5268 Telephone: 08 8752 1752 Email: info@bordertowncaravanpark.com.au Website: www.bordertowncaravanpark.com.au
Scan the QR code with your smartphone for more information about the Tatiara.
81 North Terrace Bordertown SA 5268 MORNING LOAF BAKERY – BORDERTOWN
Corner Makin street & Hender St Keith SA 5267 MORNING LOAF BAKERY – KEITH Corner Dukes & Riddoch Hwy Keith SA 5267 CALTEX SERVICE STATION
MUNDULLA GENERAL STORE & POST OFFICE
3 Kennedy Street Mundulla SA 5270
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
CONTENTS
Events ................................................. 3 The Tatiara ......................................... 4 History ................................................ 5 Conservation Parks and Wetlands . . . . . 8 Bordertown ........................................ 11 Keith ................................................. 16 Mundulla . ......................................... 22 Padthaway ........................................ 24 Willalooka ......................................... 28 Wolseley ........................................... 29 Skate Parks ....................................... 31 Arts and Culture ............................... 32 Historic Drive ................................... 33 Bike & Walking Trails ........................ 36 Golf Courses ..................................... 37
Photograph by Michelle Gilbertson
HOW BIG? Tatiara District 6,525 square kilometres POPULATION 6,891 including Bordertown (3,095) and Keith (1,405) WEATHER Average Temperature - Summer 29ºC / Winter 15 ºC Average Annual Rainfall - 480mm approx. TIME ZONE South Australia operates on Central Standard Time. Visitors from the eastern states should move their watches/clocks back by half an hour when crossing the border into South Australia. FRUIT FLY EXCLUSION ZONE Fresh fruit must not be brought into South Australia. Disposal bins are near border crossings. AT A GLANCE
Mundulla Show Horse Jumping
Cutting Horse
Jet Boats
TRAVELLING TIMES TO FROM
TIME
Melbourne Keith
5.5 hours Bordertown 5 hours 2.5 hours Bordertown 3 hours Keith 2.5 hours Bordertown 2 hours 3 hours Bordertown 2.5 hours
Adelaide
Tatiara Karts
Bordertown Speedway
Western Flat Fireworks
Mt Gambier Keith
The Tatiara is home to many events throughout the year, to check out “WHAT’S ON” IN THE TATIARA please follow us on Facebook or go to our website: www.visittatiara.com.au.
Grampians Keith
Keep South Australia Phylloxera Free South Australia is the only Australian State to have avoided an outbreak of phylloxera, a plant lice that destroys grapevines. If you’ve been driving or walking in an interstate vineyard, please thoroughly clean your car and shoes before entering South Australia. Please obtain permission before entering a vineyard.
Disclaimer: Information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this publication, the authors, publishers and the Tatiara District Council expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material is supplied by service providers advertising their product in this publication. No endorsement or warranty, either expressed or implied, is given by the Tatiara District Council as to the conduct or practice of the advertisers herein. In circumstances where the Tatiara District Council acts as an agent for various accommodation houses, tour operator and other service providers, the Tatiara District Council shall not be liable for any injury, irregularity, loss or damage, howsoever, arising from the provision of or failure to provide any such service.
Design and Print: Created2Print 107 Sturt Street Adelaide SA 08 8231 4773 www.created2print.com 2021-22 EDITION. Photographs: Alan Morcom, Annette Snajdar, Audrey Thomson, Barrie Hayman, Blake Hammond, Cheryl Excell, Cheryl Lovell, Chris Mackereth, Don Virgin, Eloise Longbottom, Janee Presgrave, John O’Brien, Lauren Barker (Border Chronicle), Liz Ballinger, Liz Goosens, Malcolm McEachern, Michelle Gilbertson, Peter Chatfield, Raelene Eats, Rosalyn Farina, Sara-Jayne Stuckey, Shirley Smedley, Simonne Johnson, Simone Richardson, Tony Cirocco (www.antonycirocco.com) and Virginia Davis.
Bordertown Races
Bordertown Spring Festival & Show
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THE TATIARA
The Tatiara region is ideally positioned on the main Adelaide to Melbourne Dukes Highway. Less than three hours drive from Adelaide and five hours from Melbourne, it is the gateway to South Australia and the Limestone Coast in the South East. Tatiara was the name given by the Aboriginals to this patch of good country which lies between the Bangham bushland north of Naracoorte and the low heath of the Ninety Mile Desert east of the Adelaide Hills. Having heard about “the good country” from the Aboriginals, pastoralists sought and first settled in the district in 1846. The district of Tatiara is one of the largest in South Australia with an area of 6,525 square kilometres. The Tatiara region today includes the highway towns of Bordertown and Keith plus the townships of Mundulla, Padthaway, Willalooka and Wolseley. You will experience this ‘good country’ as you turn off the Dukes Highway at Wirrega or Bordertown and find yourself in the Big Gum Country where the 200- 300 year old majestic red gums grow to great heights. These trees follow the meandering water courses and surround the swamps, whilst magnificent blue gums follow the roads.
You can reach this gum tree paradise from Keith by turning off the Riddoch Highway at Mount Monster and travelling to Bordertown along the route taken by the gold escorts of 1852-53. Admire the rural scenery and marvel at the varied and natural beauty of the giant gum trees. The bright yellow patchwork of canola paddocks in spring and the purple lucerne in summer add to the enjoyment of a drive along local roads. Golf courses, bowling greens, gliding club, swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), skate parks and tennis courts, boating and fishing lake, adventure playgrounds and canoeing venues all allow for a variety of activities. Libraries, museums, gardens, national parks, scenic historic drives, nature and art walks are available for visitors to enjoy at their leisure – check out the bike and wine trails. Motels, hotels, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts, holiday farms,
Padthaway House
The Tatiara Region was first settled by Europeans in 1846 when early Scottish pastoralists established three large sheep stations. John and Charles Scott established Cannawigra, John Binnie settled Wirrega and Loudon Macleod, Nalang. These stations covered over 200,000 hectares. Padthaway Station was established by Robert Lawson in 1847.
OUR HISTORY
RECENT HISTORY Alexander Tolmer established a half way stopover camp for the police troopers of his gold escort on the banks of the Tatiara Creek near Scott’s Woolshed in 1852. The gold escort was given the task of safely delivering the gold mined by South Australians at the Victorian goldfields back to Adelaide to rescue the State from bankruptcy. Call in at the Bordertown Visitor Information Centre for a copy of the Gold Escort Route which has the details.
The township of Bordertown was surveyed adjacent to this camp the same year. Development was slow until the wheat farmers arrived in 1872. This coincided with the establishment of Mundulla which was proclaimed a town in 1873.
DID YOU KNOW? The South Australian / Victorian border line was under dispute from the first surveys in 1846 until it was finally resolved in 1911.
restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops all provide excellent accommodation and eating facilities.
DID YOU KNOW? The Tatiara is the largest lucerne growing area in
the Southern Hemisphere.
Clayton Farm by Shirley Smedley
Cannawigra Hall by Jackie Hammond
Wiese’s Historic Horse Dip by Barrie Hayman
Wolseley General Store by Flying Ant
Wine House by Sara-Jayne Stuckey
Canola in full bloom by Rosalyn Farina
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OUR HISTORY
CLAYTON FARM HERITAGE MUSEUM
(1886) and Cannawigara (1912) take their names from the original stations but are situated many kilometres from the homestead sites. ABORIGINAL HISTORY Potaruwutj country lies from Struan, along the third inland dune to Taratap, from there it goes north to the Tatiara, Bordertown, Wirrega and Keith. To the north lies Ngarkat country, people closely related to the Potaruwutj, occupying the Mallee bushlands belt east of the Murray River, extending into Victoria to Murrayville where they share a border with the Wergiara people. These groups form the western most part of the Wotjobuluk nation. Aboriginal names still exist today in the district; Wirrega, Cannawigra, Challa, Munkoora, Kongal, Pooginagoric, Mundulla, Nalanghee (Nalang), Tatiara, Brimbago and Padthaway. There are also the swamps such as Poocher, Cannawigra and Moot-Yang-Gunya which are of significance to Aboriginal people and should be treated as such. These areas have a rich aboriginal culture throughout, with an abundance of food sources and plenty of water. Tourists may want to visit Moot-Yang- Gunya and walk the trail. Along this trail are canoe and toe trees, used to access birds nests or honey. Please treat these fragile trees with care. Walking trail information is available from the Bordertown Visitor Information Centre.
The railway from Kingston via Naracoorte arrived at Custon, just inside the Tatiara, in 1881. This encouraged more wheat farmers with further areas being developed from the original stations. A railway siding was established at Wolseley in 1883. When the railway arrived from Adelaide in 1886, Wolseley became an important trans-shipping station with goods from the narrow gauge line from the South East having to be transferred across the platform to the broad gauge line from Adelaide and Melbourne. The Wolseley Fuel Tanks were constructed by the RAAF during World War II and camouflaged to look like farm buildings. The depot ceased operation in 1944. A railway siding was established on the Adelaide line near Mount Monster to serve the surrounding district which had been taken up as pastoral leases in the 1850’s. This was proclaimed a town and named Keith in 1889. The pioneering farmers in some parts of the Tatiara found farming difficult due to the poor soil types. It was not until the 1930’s with the use of superphosphate and later the introduction of trace elements that farming became a viable proposition. In 1950, the AMP Insurance Company funded the development of vast areas of bushland into farmland which resulted in a large growth period for Keith and Bordertown. Part of Padthaway Station was reclaimed for soldier settlement blocks in 1949. The township of Padthaway was surveyed in 1952 on a site opposite the beautiful Padthaway Homestead which was built in 1882. The remaining railway sidings of Wirrega
A visit to Bordertown would not be complete without spending some time at the faithfully restored Clayton Farm. You will experience farm life as it was more than a century ago when the original settlers, the Wiese family, first occupied this land. The Wiese family occupied Clayton Farm until 1981 when Mr Jeff Wiese reached agreement with the Bordertown & District Agricultural Museum to lease an area of 3.48 hectares of land containing an outstanding collection of historic buildings. It was later dedicated as a reserve. The farm was signed over to the Tatiara District Council in July, 2000. The homestead was built in 1885 and visitors can see how the early settlers lived. Check out the stables, chaff and silage sheds and the pigsties. The Woolshed was built in 1901 with whole red gum tree trunks as posts to support red gum branches as beams, topped with a thatched roof – the largest thatched roof woolshed in the southern hemisphere. The large wooden troughs on the cobbled verandah were used for feeding cattle in winter. From 1920 until 1961 it was used as
Clayton Farm by Antony Cirocco
a shearing shed. The Woolshed carries a National Trust classification. Visitors can now wander through these buildings or marvel at the extensive collection of farm machinery that is preserved by the custodians of Clayton Farm. Just 3kms out of Bordertown off the Naracoorte Road – look for the signs. Buses & school groups are welcome – catering can be arranged for morning & afternoon teas and lunches. Open Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 11.00am - 4.00pm Sunday 1.00pm – 5.00pm Other times by appointment.
Old House by Simon Richardson
Wolseley WWII Tanks by Flying Ant
Buckingham Church by Simonne Johnson
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CONSERVATION PARKS & WETLANDS
BORDERTOWN WILDLIFE PARK
Big Desert Wilderness Park, which covers an area of about 1 million hectares, is just over the Victorian border and is accessible via 4WD. Little Desert National Park is also in Victoria. This park adjoins the Tatiara on the border, South East of Bordertown. Padthaway Conservation Park is close to the township. The park contains many Manna Gum which are home to the Tatiara koalas. Mount Monster, a granite outcrop with a picnic area, the Gwen Ellis Walking Trail, panoramic views and a rock pool, is situated 14km south of Keith, off the Riddoch Highway.
There are no less than twelve Conservation Parks in the Tatiara region. These offer visitors the opportunity to see the native flora and fauna of the region in its natural state. Some parks are only accessible to 4WD enthusiasts. Ngarkat group of Conservation Parks cover a total of 270,152 hectares. They include the original Ngarkat and adjoining parks of Mount Rescue, Mount Shaugh and Scorpion Springs. Please check with the Visitor Information Centre for 4WD access and conditions. These parks are home to numerous species of flora and fauna and become a picture of colour in the spring with wildflowers of all shapes and sizes. There are many kilometres of signposted tracks mainly suitable for 4WD vehicles. Camping permits are available in Ngarkat Park, from the Visitor Information Centre and online at www.parks.sa.gov.au Mount Rescue is reached by turning off the Dukes Highway, 15km West of Keith. Ngarkat and Mount Shaugh are 69km North of Bordertown on the Ngarkat Highway. Harding Springs is also North of Bordertown on the Ngarkat Highway. A map of the walking trail is available from the Bordertown Visitor Information Centre.
The Wetlands of and Moot-Yang-Gunya Swamps, with their abundant wildlife, are the inspiration for many artists and a delight for locals and visitors alike. Many picturesque smaller swamps are dotted throughout the region and roads through Pooginagoric, Padthaway, Willalooka, Wolseley and Pine Hill. All highlight the natural beauty of the Tatiara. A wet winter in the Tatiara results in the creation of many wetlands Poocher The Bordertown Wildlife Park was developed in 1968 and is situated just near the turnoff from the Dukes Highway at the Eastern entrance to the town. Visitors are able to drive or walk right around the 4.5 hectare park and its inhabitants are all quite easily observed through the fence. Entrance to the park is not permitted. In the park are Grey and Western Grey kangaroos and Dama wallabies, as well as a variety of birdlife. The park is famous, though, for its mob of white kangaroos that are a genetic strain of the Western Grey (and are not albinos). In 1980 a big white kangaroo was captured on a property near the SA/New South Wales border and brought to the park. He went on to become the founding father of the white kangaroo mob that has grown to become a tourist feature. The first white joey was born in 1984, followed by a second two years later. From there the breeding program has taken off with around 50 having been bred at the park over the years. A number
White Kangaroo with Joey
and the bringing into operation of many ‘runaway holes’, which are scattered throughout the central part of the region. have been sent to parks and reserves around the country – there are many on show in the Bordertown Park. As their diet is monitored, feeding by visitors is not allowed.
Jip Jip Conservation Park is an impressive granite outcrop with balancing rocks and ‘Elephant Rock’. White mallee, pink gums, native box, drooping sheoak, wallabies, echidnas and possums can be seen here. Wildflowers bloom in spring. Turn West off the Riddoch Highway at Willalooka.
DID YOU KNOW?
Runaway holes, such as Scown’s are deep depressions in the ground which absorb millions of litres of water during wet periods and result in the recharging of the vast underground water supplies.
Click on QR code for more information and camping permits - National Parks and Wildlife Services SA.
Poocher Swamp by Kaster Podiotan
Bordertrack by Antony Cirocco
Bordertown Wetlands by Anne Bannister
Explore Mundulla’s Moot Yang Gunya Swamp
Scowns Runaway Hole
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CONSERVATION PARKS & WETLANDS
Tatiara and Nalang Creeks originate in Western Victoria and flow through the Tatiara in a Westerly direction. Nalang Creek ends in the Moot-Yang- Gunya Swamp at Mundulla where several large runaway holes feed water into the underground system. This swamp is adjacent to the township and is quite extensive. There is a walking trail to enjoy. Tatiara Creek flows through Bordertown and eventually into Poocher Swamp which is 8.5km west of Bordertown on the Cannawigara Road. This is a Game Reserve and is an all season wetland. Large runaway holes unobtrusively absorb water so the full extent of them is only visible during dry periods. Poocher is an excellent spot for picnics and yabbying. The overflow from Poocher Swamp flows westwards along a route which brings in operation a unique system of runaway holes. One of these is Scown’s Runaway Hole, 13km West of Bordertown off the Cannawigara Road. In wet winters this runaway hole is spectacular. Despite huge volumes of water pouring in, sometimes for weeks on end, the water level in the holes remains constant.
In addition to the many natural wetlands, a man made wetland and delightful 4.5km walk has been developed off Pigeon Flat Road on the outskirts of Bordertown.
Bordertown Recreation Lake photographer Sarah Cunningham
Bordertown is the gateway to the State’s eastern border. Situated on the Dukes Highway, Bordertown is 280km from Adelaide and 450km from Melbourne.
BORDERTOWN
RV FRIENDLY TOWN
Historic Clayton Farm, just 3km from the town centre, is the home of the Bordertown and District Agricultural Museum. It has a recently restored and refurbished homestead and a comprehensive range of vintage farm machinery. The original old Woolshed with thatched straw roof is a feature of Clayton Farm. Bordertown is also famous as the birthplace of Bob Hawke, former prime minister of Australia. A bronze bust of Bob Hawke stands in front of the Civic Centre in Woolshed Street. Venture inside to view the Bob Hawke Collection, open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm. The Institute, built in 1909, was redeveloped in 1982 to form the Library and Theatre. The leadlight windows of the Library were created by Friends of the Library. The seats in the Theatre were the original seats from Adelaide’s Majestic Theatre. The new Civic Centre complex was created in 2011.
The town was established in 1852 adjacent to the Tatiara Creek and was the site of a base camp created by Police Inspector Alexander Tolmer who was in charge of the gold escorts from the Victorian Goldfields to Adelaide. These historic escorts saved the infant state of South Australia from bankruptcy. Their importance is recognised by the granite stone markers and plaques along the gold route. Tolmer Park is named after Inspector Tolmer’s Gold Escort. The interpretive signs and walk in Tolmer Park give a brief history of the Bordertown area. The Old Gaol toilet block is worthy of an often necessary stop. Bordertown is famous for the white kangaroos found in the Wildlife Park, adjacent to the Dukes Highway, east entrance.
Poocha Swamp in flood by Barrie Hayman
Poocher Swamp from the Air by Terri Grosser
The Good Country by Daniel Kupke
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BORDERTOWN
BORDERTOWN WALKING TOUR
1. Tolmer Park - Tolmer Park was named after Inspector Tolmer’s Gold Escort. The interpretive signs in Tolmer Park give a brief history of the Bordertown area. The Morning Loaf Bakery is an addition to the old police station which can be clearly seen from inside the building. The ‘Old Gaol’ toilet block is worthy of a stop. Inspector Tolmer chose this as a stopping place because of permanent water. The creek has been widened and re-filled.
Extensions incorporating a large hall were opened by then Premier Sir Thomas Playford in May 1960. Further renovations took place to incorporate a little theatre in 1981. Stained glass windows were created in a leadlighting project by ’Friends of the Library’ in 1992. Major renovations saw the redevelopment of the Civic Centre, including the Walkway Gallery (an A-Class art gallery), Theatre/ Cinema, the Hawke Gallery and
town water supply, sunk in 1885, and it was here that croquet greens were established in 1920. 9. Post Office - has been on this site since 1911, but this building was built in 1971. The original post office was established in 1879 and was diagonally opposite. 10. Radio Station 5TCB is now Connect FM. Originally 5TCB (now Connect FM), started in 1986. Visitors welcome. Mostly volunteer staff.
The Memorial Swimming Pool is of Olympic size and open daily during the summer season. A special toddlers area, that has a large shade sail, allows hours of family fun out of the sun. Bordertown Gliding Club operates from the Bordertown airfield, 4kms NW from town on the Dukes Highway. Flying every Saturday, weather permitting, the club has one modern 2 seater training/passenger glider and 3 single seat gliders. Launching is by winch. The club has extensive clubhouse facilities with powered sites in the lawn caravan park. With wide open spaces and no height restrictions, this is a safe and pleasant area to fly over. Training and passenger flights are available on Saturdays – other days and holidays by arrangement.
The colourful clay mural, in front of the Council Office, was a Bordertown High School project, part of South Australia’s 150th Jubilee celebrations. Apex Park in the heart of the town with a great children’s playground, the Wildlife Park with its collection of white kangaroos and Poocher Swamp with its magnificent red gums, runaway holes and birdlife are all excellent picnic areas. The Recreation Lake north of the overpass is ideal for canoeing, fishing and BBQs. Be sure to view the artworks depicting our history surrounding the lake. Bordertown Golf Course, with its 18 magnificent greens and watered fairways, is one of the finest country courses in the state. Resident kangaroos lazily watch your game.
2. Woolshed Inn - Sydney Smith built the first store here in 1859, gained a licence in the same year and a hotel has been operating on the site ever since. Named because pioneer brothers John and Charles Scott’s woolshed was built where the police station is now. The Woolshed Inn was used for many purposes, including church services. 3. Hawke House - First bank in Bordertown and National Bank from 1888 - 1895. Sold to Congregational Church in 1897. Used as Church Manse. Former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke was born here in 1929, when his father, Rev. Clem Hawke was Minister. 4. Apex Park - is a remnant of a recreational area ‘McLaren Place’, named by a Colonial Surveyor after himself. The area was a show reserve in 1888, but much reduced when streets were straightened in 1892. Developed by Bordertown Apex Club in the mid-sixties. The wall mural was created by
11. Pioneer Chapel. Built as Congregational Church in 1880 through efforts of pioneer Rev. David Milne. Members donated and carted the stone. Floor and fittings are of Singapore Cedar. 12. Old School Building. Built in 1874 as a School and Church building. Taken over by the Education Department in 1875. Now used as clubrooms for several community groups. 13. Bordertown Sports and Show Grounds. Dedicated as show grounds in 1899. It is used for football, cricket, pony club, and many other sports. Sculpture gates at Woolshed Street entrance were developed 2001. 14. Bordertown Railway Station. Rail reached Bordertown in 1883. Regular connection to Adelaide since 1886. Station built in 1914 with stone railed from Jim Watson’s property at Cannawigra, and the area surrounding the township of Keith.
Bob Hawke Photo by Sarah Cunningham
Tolmer Park - Photo by De Kupke
Bordertown Primary School students in 1996, every child was involved. The mural represents Bordertown through children’s eyes. The Centre Sculpture Feature was created by the Bordertown High School Students in 1999, depicting activities of the district. 5. Memorial Clock is a memorial to Mr A W Murray who established the electricity supply for Bordertown in 1924. 6. Tatiara Civic Centre The heritage- listed Institute was built in 1909, and is now the Bordertown Public Library.
major extensions to the Library. Also of interest is the tapestry created by Bordertown Embroiderers Guild to commemorate Tolmer’s Gold Escort route. 7. Mural is work of the Bordertown High School students with guidance and direction from Aboriginal Artist Judith Moffatt and BHS Art Teacher, Rose Milton. Created as a bicentenary project in 1988. 8. Croquet lawns also originally part of McLaren Place. Original well for the
DID YOU KNOW? Tolmer Park at Bordertown
15. Bordertown Hotel was built 1903. The hotel was extended and more rooms were added in 1910. Recent additions include an excellent bistro, dining rooms, and a bottle department, making the original L shaped building almost rectangular. 16. Wildlife Park - established in 1968. White Kangaroos first introduced in 1980. Also home to Wallabies, Bush- Stone Curlews, Emus, Black Swans, Peacocks and Ducks.
was once the site of the Police Camp where officers on the Gold Escort Route would change over their horses. Former prime minister, Bob Hawke, was born in Bordertown in 1929. His father was the local Congregational Church Minister - they left the district in 1935.
Bordertown swimming pool
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BORDERTOWN STREET MAP
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The memorial site, opposite Don Moseley Park, for the late Andy Caldecott. One of Keith’s favourite sons, winning four consecutive Australian Safaris and three stages of the Dakar Rally.
Keith Entry Marker
Keith, recognised as the Gateway to the South East and Limestone Coast, was proclaimed in 1889 with agriculture as its base. Climb to the top of Mount Monster when the crops are in flower, and you will soon see why the Keith district is the largest lucerne seed growing area in the southern hemisphere.
Andy Caldecott Memorial
KEITH RV FRIENDLY TOWN
ANDY CALDECOTT was an off road motorcycle racer born in Keith, South Australia. He won the Australian Safari Rally four consecutive times (2000–2003) and was a competitor in the Dakar Rally in 2004 (DNF), 2005 (6th), and 2006. During the 2006 Dakar Rally he won the third stage, but later died from a neck injury suffered when crashing during the ninth stage, 250 km into the 599 km special stage from Nouakchott to Kiffa. His was the 23rd death in the 28 years of the rally.
The local Motocross Track was renamed in his honour. Opposite Don Moseley Park is a Centurion Tank, lovingly restored by local volunteers. The Centurion Main Battle Tank became the standard battle tank for British and Commonwealth armies during the post- 1945 period. This tank was used in the Vietnam War.
Church has leadlight windows created by local artists depicting the history of Keith. Many of the local churches have magnificent leadlight windows. In 1950, the AMP Insurance Company funded the development of vast areas of bushland into farmland, resulting in a large period of growth for Keith. The AMP Memorial to this land development scheme consists of a Landrover on a Pole and one of the original Wiles huts lived in by families employed in the scheme. This is adjacent to the Dukes Highway at the Ellis Street corner. Local artist James Darling created the Keith water feature, titled “Circlework”. It is located in the Soldier’s Memorial Park on Heritage Street, which celebrates the cycle of water through the Australian landscape with particular reference to the region’s high water table and extensive irrigation industry.
In the early days, a railway siding was established on the Adelaide line near Mount Monster to serve the pastoral leases that had been taken up in the surrounding districts during the 1850’s. The Keith district typifies “real Australian countryside”. Today the township services a diverse agricultural area. Heritage Street, which parallels the Dukes Highway, features the Don Moseley Memorial Playground that includes a heritage style rotunda, a pleasant lawned picnic spot and a playground, where children can enjoy a ride on the mono-rail train. A perfect rest area for the whole family. Country Crafts and Coffee shops are also found along Heritage Street. Makin Street has two country bakeries to sustain the traveller. Historic buildings include the Early Settler’s Cottage (1894) on Emu Flat Road, the 1910 Church and the Old Manse , both in Heritage Street. The 1910
DID YOU KNOW?
The area between Tailem Bend and Keith was known as the 90 Mile Desert prior to the introduction of trace elements.
Don Moseley Park photographer Sarah Cunningham
James Darling Circlework by Sam Schrieber
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KEITH STREET MAP
PARKS Keith has many parks for travellers to rest and exercise, not only children, but dogs too! A magnificent, picturesque 18 hole golf course (all greens) is located five kilometres from the township on the Emu Flat Road. This challenging course is gently undulating and situated on a rise overlooking the town. Countless species of native birds and several families of kangaroos inhabit the course. Keith is within easy reach of several conservation parks - Mount Monster, a granite outcrop with panoramic views of Keith, just 14km south on the Riddoch Highway and Ngarkat, a group of parks including Mount Rescue (4WD access only - just 15km North of Keith), Mount Shaugh and Scorpion Springs The Keith Conservation Park, adjacent to the school, is locally known as “The Cow Patch”. The park showcases local habitats of flora and fauna that were present prior to European habitation. These habitats include: woodlands, grasslands, granite outcrops and wetlands.
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KEITH WALKING TOUR
Basketball/ Netball
1. Commence from Don Moseley Park , named after a founding member of the Keith War Memorial Community Centre. Modern toilets are located here as well as a new Sport & Recreation Centre alongside the football oval. Enjoy the mural painted by local artists, the Disability Access Swing, cook on the BBQ, or sit in the Rotunda and watch the children playing in the playground or riding on the ever-popular monorail. Opposite Don Moseley Park you can view the memorial to local legend, Andy Caldecott, and a Centurion Tank, lovingly restored by a group of locals. Continue your walk down Heritage Street. 2. Keith Institute. The original local stone building was opened in 1899, the 2nd in 1907 and the 3rd, the Makin Memorial Hall, in 1936. The community has met here for a myriad of events for over 100 years and now also includes the community cinema and meeting room. 3. IGA store. Modernised building constructed from local stone. It has housed several businesses, including a haberdashery, giftware, and a clothing shop. 4. The location of Keith’s first Blacksmith shop. This building has followed the evolution of local transport from horse and cart to modern vehicles over the last 100 years. 5. The memorial on the corner depicts Keith’s first Post Office . The concrete slab upon which it stands is part of the original veranda floor. 6. Stop and enjoy fresh brewed coffee at Henry and Rose . The renovated premises is a giftware shop combined with a licensed restaurant. It has been a general store, drapery, then a camping and motorbike sale and repair shop. In the early days it was even used as a boxing venue. 7. Across Heritage Street, to the east, in the park, is Keith’s Water Feature “Circlework” , designed by local artist James Darling. This unique artwork was a “Country Arts Trust” project. It represents the wealth of underground water in this district and is a poignant reminder of how important all forms of water are to this area. 8. Further along in the Soldier’s Memorial Park stands a monument unveiled in 1920 remembering those community members who served in WW1. It is the site of the ANZAC day dawn service. Trees along Heritage Street and the highway display plaques bearing the names of those who served in WW1 and WW2 from the Keith District. 9. Cross back over Heritage Street to stand in front of the Old Manse . Now a private residence, this building has also served as the Post Office and housed the local phone exchange when it was manually run. 10. The 1910 Church Building now belongs to the National Trust. When first built in 1910 using local stone and labour it was the only church in the town and parishioners of all denominations attended Sunday services together. View the stunning leadlight windows created by residents depicting the history of Keith over the last 100 years. 11. When electricity first came to Keith it was supplied by a locally run generator . Which is displayed on the south side of the church. 12. Towards the back of the block on land next to the church stands the building that was originally the Sunday School for the Church
and later the site of the first Community Kindergarten. It is now a clothing shop called Retail Therapy. 13. Cross over Makin Street. Public toilets situated near the highway. 14. Turn right to Carries Cottage (now Morning Loaf Bakery). It was built in the early 1900’s and was originally Wylies, Keith’s first general store. Later extensions saw it become a garage and then a general store. 15. Continue down Makin Street, and across on McBain Street to the Keith Hotel . This original old building was Keith’s first Hotel and boarding house and is now the “front bar”. 16. A little further along is a beer garden, lounge, and dining area. 17. Continue to the end of McBain Street past several small businesses and the Police Station . The police residence is an old building built from local stone with the old cells still “out the back”. 18. At Ellis Street look left for the Land Rover on a Pole and take a walk down memory lane. The memorial is dedicated to the “Desert Conquest Settlers” . This landmark shows the Wiles Huts which were homes for families while their properties were being developed. The Land Rover played a major role in opening up the district. 19. Next head to the Keith Skate Park. A great place to take the kids to burn some energy. 20. Keith’s Pump Track was built in 2021 for locals and visitors alike. 21. From here the Lions’ Park and Hockey fields can be seen. There are BBQs and toilets in the park. 22. Fire Station Artwork – The mural, painted by local Artist, Julia Davis features firefighters in action battling a blaze, a local fire truck and a bulldozer, that is used to prevent fires spreading by the making of a firebreak. 23. On the left towards the end of Ellis Street is the Scout/Hockey Hall , which was the original Recreation Hall for the AMP Settlers at Brecon before being transported to its present location. The building also served in the 1950’s as a Church Hall and Dance Hall. 24. Turn right into Tolmer Terrace (on the left look for the wallabies). This was a Keith and District Heritage and Environment Project . The area, once known as The Common or Cow Patch is a native animal and wetland enclosure. 25. Lester House was originally built as a boarding house and residence for the Publican. 26. Cross over Makin Street and continue down Tolmer Terrace with Keith Area School to the left. At the entrance to the Community Library, housed in the school grounds, is a mosaic of the School Emblem made by the Keith Activity Centre. 27. From here the original Headmaster’s residence can be seen. 28. Original classrooms that are still used today and were constructed from local stone. This along with the teacher’s residence was completed in 1913 at a cost of £1,565. 29. Look to the end of Tolmer Terrace and the Croquet, Tennis, Bowling Clubs and Keith War Memorial Sports Centre are visible .
38. Centurian Tank N0 169042 served as a training vehicle at Puckapunyal for the first 17 years of its life. It was sent to South Vietnam in 1969 but was severely damaged (burnt out) when it collided with a mine in February 1970. It was subsequently returned to Australia and refurbished before being placed in storage. It spent the majority of 1977 with the 1st Armoured Unit before being returned to Bandiana. This was its final time being issued to the regiment. The tank was purchased by local Glen Simpson who restored it and put it on display. 39. The memorial site, opposite Don Moseley Park, is for the late Andy Caldecott. One of Keith’s favourite sons, winning four consecutive Australian Safaris and three stages of the Dakar Rally in 2006 before he tragically died while competing.
30. Turn right into Dugan Street and on the left is the Old Methodist Church, later a Sunday School. It has previously been used as a hairdresser and is now a gym. 31. On the right is the previous Masonic Lodge building . 32. The building on the corner of Dugan and Hender Street sits what was formally the Bank of NSW. 33. Dugan Street Mural Designed with ideas straight from the Keith community, the Dugan St Mural was completed by artist Julia Davis in December 2023. 34. The Purple Paddock , a cooperative stocked with locally produced goods, including delicious home cooking, jams, sauces, art, crafts, jewellery, clothing and friendly members behind the counter. 35. Opposite the IGA and built from local stone is a quaint residence that was a busy Post Office for a time 36. Cross Hender Street and on the corner is the first Institute. During the WW2 years it was used as a base for Volunteer Air Observers Corp. In the early years it was also used as a school and now is the CWA rooms . If you look back across at the IGA you will see a mural of the corner of Heritage Street and Makin Street circa 1953. 37. Straight ahead are the War Memorial Gates opened in 1953 providing access to the football oval and kindergarten and what was the original showgrounds.
When first built in 1910 it was the only church in the town and parishioners of all denominations attended Sunday services together. View the stunning leadlight windows created by local residents depicting the history of Keith over the last 100 years.
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Moot Yang Gunya Swamp by Marie Clarke
Take a step back in time when you visit the beautiful big red gum country of Mundulla. Mundulla is a thriving small rural town, just a few kilometres southwest of Bordertown, which can boast some of the finest farming land in the state. manner of the local people who are very happy to share their knowledge of the district with you. The Old Mundulla Hotel (1) is a heritage listed building and a big part of Mundulla. See the Historic Drive (page 33, 34 & 35). The historic buildings of Mundulla are Old Wirrega Council Chambers (2), Soldiers’ Park (3), The Church of Christ and Mundulla Primary School. Take a short self-guided walk around the Moot-Yang-Gunya Swamp Walking Track and discover its unique flora and fauna and abundant birdlife. BBQ supplies are available from Mundulla General Store (4). Tour around the district’s vineyards, varied farms and rural settings. The picturesque Mundulla Football oval, showground and campgrounds are on North Terrace and are open to campers
BUSH STONE-CURLEW The endangered Bush Stone-Curlew is a large bird which stands on long, gangly legs. This shy ground-dwelling bird can occasionally be seen in the Mundulla district. They are most active on moonlit nights and are more often heard than seen. You may have heard their eerie, wailing “weer-lo” call at night.
all year round. There is a tin sculpture called “The Bushranger” where you can pay through an honesty system. The Adventure Playground (5) is an ideal family picnic spot and fun for children of all ages. A sheltered electric BBQ with tables and seats available, with public toilets are nearby.
MUNDULLA Many of Mundulla’s houses are old and original, dating from the early 1900’s, and represent a history of rural dwellings’ architecture from the twentieth century. Of particular interest are the iron clad cottages from various periods, most still well maintained and added on to over the years to adapt to growing families and changing lifestyles. Mundulla is unique in having so many of these homes still remaining and still lived in. In most other country towns these have disappeared long ago to make way for more contemporary structures. A walk, drive or leisurely bike ride around the town and surrounding area will reveal many of these historic homes. Pride and community spirit is reflected in the town’s excellent sporting and service facilities. You will be made to feel welcome by the cheerful and warm
Maryfield B&B
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Old Mundulla Hotel B&B
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Mister Edz Saddlery
Town Walk
Old Wirrega Council Chambers
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Padthaway Heritage Cottage
Padthaway was pioneered by Robert Lawson in 1847. He erected the first building in the Tatiara on his 127 square mile lease.
PADTHAWAY The thriving and picturesque village of Padthaway is situated on the Riddoch Highway, 60 kilometres South of Keith. The district population of just over 200 are mostly engaged in primary production and related pursuits, including vines and wineries, onions, cropping, mixed farming and seed production. Travelling along the Riddoch Highway, you will see rows and rows of vineyards rolling down through the Padthaway plains. They produce the quality grapes that are transformed into fine wines for worldwide distribution. In the centre of town, Apex Park is home to the Padthaway Marker, a huge block of green granite and exaggerated metal trellising which represents the district’s productivity. Apex Park also offers picnic facilities where you can enjoy your purchases from the nearby shops, or BBQs to use while the kids enjoy themselves in the playground or skatepark.
Padthaway House
Once you have had a bite to eat, you might consider visiting Padthaway Conservation Park for a spot of bushwalking or koala spotting, or unwind with a round of golf at the nine hole winter Golf Course. The majestic Padthaway Homestead was built in 1882. Its woolshed, built in 1901, is home to Padthaway Estate Winery where the famous “Eliza” is produced on Australia’s only traditional French Cochard Champagne Press. Travel just 4 kilometres south of the township to find the architect designed Farmer’s Leap Cellar Door. Here you will have an opportunity to sample fine wines and delicious food or just relax with a coffee.
Padthaway Golf Club
Today rows and rows of vineyards line either side of the highway producing a range of wines including the renowned Padthaway Shiraz.
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PADTHAWAY WALKING TOUR
This tour takes in the historic sites of the original settlers, vineyards, ecological and recreational areas – start at the Rotunda in Apex Park:
6. Padthaway Heritage Golf Club House This little cottage has been known to locals as “The Shepherds Hut”. It was lived in by Douglas Penny and his wife when they married in 1912. Douglas built a new home 100 metres away and Mr. Ralph Penny occupied it for some years. Messrs Doug & Ralph Penny were bee keepers and cleared only about 200 acres. They needed natural growth with varieties of flowering gums for their bees. If you wander 100 metres south from here you will notice the old fruit trees. In the spring masses of bulbs appear near the ruins of Douglas’s home. The hut was restored and opened as the Padthaway Golf Club House in 1988. 7. Historic Woolshed This old woolshed (which can be seen through the vineyards) was built in the 1880’s. The shed was capable of handling the shearing of 1,100 sheep each day by a team of blade shearers. In the 1860’s productivity of Padthaway Station was at its fore. Australia had many millions of sheep. Padthaway ran 27,000 sheep. The shed now houses the Padthaway Estate Winery where ‘ELIZA’ is produced in Australia’s only traditional Basket Champagne Press. 8. Padthaway Marker This unique granite “Padthaway marker” symbolises the region’s agricultural enterprises of livestock, grain seeds, horticulture and vineyards. The marker, opened in 2001, is a fine example of local green granite quarried in the area.
1. Rotunda View original Artwork of Padthaway and surrounds painted by local resident, Anne Emmerson. 2. Historic Padthaway Homestead Built in 1882. Read further history on the
information marker at this point. 3. Padthaway Heritage Cottage
This cottage was built for the overseer of the Padthaway run who drowned at sea. It continued to be a home to Lawson’s workmen. In the 1940’s it was used as the Padthaway Telephone Exchange. It was also used as a drop-off point for mail, bread etc. In the 1980’s it was used as the Doctor’s Surgery. 4. Padthaway Cemetery If you wander into the cemetery you’ll find a small limestone walled plot where two of Robert and Eliza Lawson’s infant children were buried. The Lawson family had 8 children. Mary (their second child) died on 21st Dec. 1855 at the age of 20 months. Anne (fourth child) died on 1st Dec. 1860 at the age of just 15 months. 5. Orchid Track This is the start of the Padthaway Bush walking trail. It leads into the Padthaway Conservation Park which was proclaimed in 1971 and conserves 984 hectares of native vegetation habitats.
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Farmer’s Leap Cellar Door
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Willalooka Playground by A. Morcom
Open Air Theatre by M. Gilbertson
Christmas Rocks by Jennifer Lenon
Willalooka Town Centre by A. Morcom
WWII Fuel Storage Tanks photograher Sarah Cunningham
Willalooka is a prosperous agricultural district located 35km south of Keith on the Riddoch Highway.
Wolseley is situated 5kms south of the Adelaide to Melbourne highway and 13kms east of Bordertown.
WILLALOOKA Visit Christmas Rocks, a pleasant five minute walk to the top of granite rocks, which was part of an archipelago of granite
WOLSELEY
There is a unique stand of bulokes and over 80 native species of flora in the Wolseley Common Conservation Park (4) on the southern edge of the town. It is only a short journey across the border to Serviceton where the historic Serviceton Railway Station can be viewed. The Institute (5) , built in 1928, was the hub of the town’s social activities and was well known for its good dance floor back in the time when balls and dances were popular. Now a private residence. The silos and bunkers (6) are located near the rail line. These storage facilities have a capacity of more than 100,000 tonnes of locally-grown grain prior to being transported to seaports. Enjoy a stroll along the main streeet’s Historical Walk with signage and photos reflecting the early settlement of the township in the 1880s.
Take the Interpretive Walk and learn the history of Willalooka by following the interpretive signs. Start at the Willalooka
The surrounding area is considered by many to be some of the best grain growing country in Australia with high yielding cereal crops, legumes and canola. Both gladioli and lavender farms are nearby to visit by arrangement. (Enquire at the Bordertown Visitor Information Centre.) Wolseley was once a bustling railway town. It was where the Adelaide to Melbourne broad gauge line met the Mount Gambier narrow gauge line. All the freight had to be transferred from one train to the other across the platform. The Hotel (1) was built in 1922. Children can enjoy the playground (2) adjacent to the tennis courts, cricket ground and clubrooms used for community events. World War II Fuel Storage Tanks (3) are well worth seeing at the western edge of the town. The Fuel Tanks were constructed by the RAAF during World War II and camouflaged to look like farm buildings. The depot ceased operation in 1944.
rocks in the shallow sea that covered the Limestone Coast 25 million years ago. The surrounding district may be viewed from this unique formation. Darwent’s Waterhole is a small park where stock once came to drink. Walk to see the old waterhole and its surrounding native vegetation. Jip Jip Conservation Park is just off Rowney Road and is one of
Tavern and read about the history of the store. Cross the Riddoch Highway to Willalooka Park, where you can get directions to many local attractions. Stroll north past the public toilets to the Willalooka Hall and view the sporting complex which was an outdoor theatre from 1961- 1976. Continue
your walk north past the children’s playground on to the Willalooka Fire Shed where you can read the history of our local fire volunteers.
the larger parks in the district. Enjoy a picnic or stroll to the top of the granites and enjoy the view.
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