Commonly people ignore Willaston, thinking it is just part of Gawler. They assume the history stops at the bridge. Fact is, Willaston has its own unique story. Historically it was a separate village with its own hotels and pride. Entering Willaston is entering a new zone of our heritage.
Property seekers looking for good buys, Willaston is often a smart pick. One finds the same character as Gawler proper, often on big yards, but sometimes at a better price point. Peaceful, yet you are only a short stroll from Murray Street. Ideally located.
Willaston is More Than Just a Suburb
The area grew as a stopping point for traffic heading up country. As a result, it has a strong history of trade. Hotels and inns sprang up to feed and water travelers. The local pub is a relic of this era, still serving the locals today.
The feeling is slightly more country than Gawler Central. It feels spacious, and there is a airiness. Spot mix of stone cottages and later builds. Eclectic mix gives Willaston a down to earth feel. An authentic neighborhood where folks know each other.
The last decade have seen a change in Willaston. First home buyers are moving in, updating the old cottages. Shops are popping up. Becoming a popular spot because the position to the main road is so good for travelers.
The Historic Significance of Willaston Bridge
The bridge is more than just a way across; it is a landmark. Connecting Gawler to Willaston over the creek, it has seen raging waters and changes over the decades. Looking over gives you a great view of the red gums.
Historically, this was the bottleneck for all traffic going north. Wagons would thunder across here. Currently, it handles traffic, but the structure still reminds us of its importance. A good place for pictures, especially when the river is flowing.
Around the bridge, you can find paths that dip down to the water. You have a nice circuit for residents to walk into town. Access provided by the bridge is what makes Willaston feel so part of to Gawler, despite being on the other side.
Visiting the Willaston General Cemetery
Resting places are often the best records of a town. The local cemetery is no exception. Buried here are many of the founders who built Gawler. Visiting reveals names you see on buildings all over town.
Gawler Council has released an interactive map for the cemetery. Users can to find specific graves or read about the people buried there. It is a fantastic tool for genealogists. Without a guide, you can go straight to the McKinlay monument.
The cemetery itself is calm. Greenery provide shade. A spot for remembering. Even if you don't know anyone buried there, reading the plaques gives you a sense of the struggles of early colonial life, with many young children and short lives recorded.
Bricks and Mortar
It was famous for its brickworks. The earth here was perfect for brick production. Many of the red bricks you see in buildings likely came from Willaston kilns. The trade employed many and drove the economy.
Remnants remain in the terrain. Old pits have sometimes been turned into parks or building sites. Understanding this explains why the terrain looks the way it does in some parts. Blue collar roots, not just a dormitory suburb.
Making lime was another industry. The industry would have been a constant backdrop in the 1800s. Currently, Willaston is clean and green, but knowing its industrial roots adds meaning to the suburb. It used to be tough a quiet place; it was a maker's village.
Gateway to the Barossa
Lying on the northern edge of Gawler. It serves as the doorstep to the Barossa Valley. Short drive from vineyards. Living here means you can go for cellar door visits on a spur of the moment.
The highway bypasses the center now, but the connection is still easy. For commuters heading to the north, Willaston is the jumping off point. It retains that rural vibe because to the north is open space.
Overall, Willaston offers a great spot. handy to shops but close to rural. For real estate, it is often underpriced. Look here as it continues to rise.
click here resource