Most people are wrong about Willaston, thinking it is just another suburb. The belief is the history stops at the water. Actually, Willaston has its own character. It was a separate settlement with its own businesses and community. Going over the river is entering a separate part of our heritage.
For buyers looking for affordability, Willaston is often a hidden gem. It offers the same historic cottages as Gawler proper, often on bigger land, but sometimes at a discount. Relaxed, yet you are only a 5 minute walk from Murray Street. The perfect mix.
Willaston's Character
The suburb began as a gateway for traffic heading to the mines. Therefore, it has a strong business background. Inns sprang up to feed and water travelers. The Willaston Hotel is a relic of this era, still serving the locals today.
The feeling is slightly more country than Gawler Central. Big streets, and there is a sense of space. There are mix of pioneer homes and bungalows. The blend gives Willaston a down to earth feel. An authentic neighborhood where folks know each other.
Recent years have seen a renewal in Willaston. Young families are moving in, renovating the old cottages. Cafes are popping up. It is becoming a trendy spot because the location to the expressway is so good for travelers.
The Historic Significance of Willaston Bridge
The Willaston Bridge is more than just a road; it is a landmark. Bridging Gawler to Willaston over the water, it has seen high water and rebuilds over the decades. Looking over gives you a great view of the river banks.
Back then, this was the choke point for all traffic going north. Carts would thunder across here. Currently, it handles commuters, but the bridge still reminds us of its importance. A good place for photos, especially when the river is flowing.
Around the bridge, you can find paths that dip down to the water. It offers a nice circuit for residents to walk into town. The link provided by the bridge is what makes Willaston feel so connected to Gawler, despite being on the other side.
Visiting the Willaston General Cemetery
Burial grounds are often the best archives of a town. The Willaston General Cemetery is no exception. Here lie many of the pioneers who built Gawler. Looking at headstones reveals names you see on street signs all over town.
The local gov has released an app for the cemetery. You can to locate specific graves or read about the people buried there. Great resource for genealogists. Instead of wandering aimlessly, you can go straight to the McKinlay monument.
The grounds itself is peaceful. Big gum trees provide shade. A location for thinking. Strangers buried there, reading the epitaphs gives you a sense of the life of early colonial life, with many young children and early deaths recorded.
Early Industry and the Brickworks
Willaston was known for its industry. The earth here was perfect for brick production. Many of the red bricks you see in Gawler's houses likely came from Willaston kilns. The brickworks employed many and drove the economy.
Signs remain in the area. Holes have sometimes been turned into parks or building sites. This fact explains why the land shape looks the way it does in some parts. It was a working village, not just a housing estate.
Making lime was another industry. The kilns would have been a constant backdrop in the 1800s. In modern times, Willaston is residential, but knowing its working history adds character to the suburb. It was once a quiet place; it was a maker's village.
Connecting with the Greater Barossa Region
Positioned on the fringe of Gawler. This makes it the starting point to the Barossa. Quick trip from Tanunda. Residing here means you can go for cellar door visits on a weekend.
The road bypasses the center now, but access is still easy. For commuters heading to the north, Willaston is the exit. It holds that openness because to the north is paddocks.
Ultimately, Willaston offers a great spot. Close to town but looking north. For property, it is often good value. Monitor this area as it continues to improve.
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