People often miss Willaston, thinking it is just part of Gawler. They assume the history stops at the water. Actually, Willaston has its own character. It used to be a separate town with its own hotels and vibe. Going over the river is entering a separate part of our heritage.
If you are buying looking for good buys, Willaston is often a smart pick. There are the same old houses as Gawler proper, often on bigger land, but sometimes at a discount. It is quiet, yet you are only a short stroll from Murray Street. Great location.
The Identity of Willaston
It started as a stopover for traffic heading to the mines. As a result, it has a strong history of trade. Hotels and inns sprang up to serve travelers. The hotel is a example of this era, still serving the community today.
The atmosphere is slightly more country than Gawler Central. Big streets, and there is a airiness. You see mix of pioneer homes and bungalows. The blend gives Willaston a down to earth feel. It is a real neighborhood where neighbors talk.
Lately have seen a revival in Willaston. Couples are moving in, restoring the old cottages. Shops are popping up. Becoming a popular spot because the location to the expressway is so good for commuters.
Crossing the River
The bridge is more than just a way across; it is a icon. Linking Gawler to Willaston over the water, it has seen disasters and changes over the decades. Looking over gives you a great view of the waterway.
Back then, this was the entry for all traffic going north. Horses would thunder across here. Currently, it handles traffic, but the design still reminds us of its role. It is a favorite spot for photographers, especially when the river is flowing.
Nearby, you can find river walks that dip down to the water. It offers a nice walk for residents to commute on foot. The link provided by the bridge is what makes Willaston feel so close to Gawler, despite being on the other side.
Local History in Stone
Graveyards are often the best history books of a town. The Willaston General Cemetery is no exception. Here lie many of the families who built Gawler. Visiting reveals names you see on buildings all over town.
The Council has released an app for the cemetery. It lets you to find specific graves or learn about the people buried there. Amazing feature for family historians. Rather than getting lost, you can go straight to the McKinlay monument.
The cemetery itself is serene. Big gum trees provide shade. A location for thinking. Even if you don't know anyone buried there, reading the plaques gives you a sense of the life of early colonial life, with many young children and early deaths recorded.
Working Willaston
It was famous for its industry. The earth here was perfect for making bricks. Red brick you see in local homes likely came from Willaston. The brickworks employed workers and drove the economy.
Evidence remain in the suburb. Holes have sometimes been changed to parks or building sites. Knowing this explains why the terrain looks the way it does in some parts. Industrial past, not just a housing estate.
Lime kilns was another industry. The industry would have been a constant backdrop in the 1800s. Now, Willaston is quiet, but knowing its gritty past adds interest to the suburb. Formerly it was a quiet place; it was a busy hub.
Barossa Connection
Willaston sits on the boundary of Gawler. It acts as the launch pad to the wine region. Quick trip from Tanunda. Residing here means you can go for cellar door visits on a whim.
The highway bypasses the center now, but the connection is still easy. Residents heading to the Riverland, Willaston is the final town. It holds that openness because to the north is paddocks.
Ultimately, Willaston offers a great spot. handy to shops but close to rural. Buying here, it is often undervalued. Keep an eye on it as it continues to improve.
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