A Guide to Willaston and Surrounds

People often miss Willaston, thinking it is just part of Gawler. They think the history stops at the water. Actually, Willaston has its own distinct identity. Historically it was a separate village with its own industries and community. Heading north is entering a different precinct of our heritage.

Property seekers looking for value, Willaston is often a great choice. It offers the same historic cottages as Gawler proper, often on huge lots, but sometimes at a cheaper rate. Peaceful, yet you are only a stone's throw from Murray Street. It is the best of both worlds.

Willaston's Character

Willaston developed as a stopping point for traffic heading up country. So, it has a strong trading past. Hostelries sprang up to accommodate travelers. The Willaston Hotel is a relic of this era, still serving the people today.

The mood is slightly more relaxed than Gawler Central. Roads are wide, and there is a room. Spot mix of early settler cottages and post-war homes. The variety gives Willaston a genuine feel. An authentic neighborhood where folks know each other.

Recent years have seen a revival in Willaston. New buyers are moving in, restoring the old cottages. New businesses are popping up. Becoming a popular spot because the access to the expressway is so good for drivers.

Willaston Bridge

The old bridge is more than just a structure; it is a symbol. Bridging Gawler to Willaston over the North Para, it has seen floods and rebuilds over the decades. Standing on the bridge gives you a great view of the river banks.

Historically, this was the choke point for all traffic going north. Bullock teams would thunder across here. Nowadays, it handles commuters, but the look still reminds us of its history. A good place for pictures, especially when the river is flowing.

Next to it, you can find tracks that dip down to the water. This forms a nice circuit for residents to stroll to shops. The link provided by the bridge is what makes Willaston feel so part of 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. It is the final resting place many of the families who built Gawler. Visiting reveals names you see on parks all over town.

Gawler Council has released an interactive map for the cemetery. Users can to track specific graves or discover the people buried there. Great resource for genealogists. Without a guide, you can go straight to the ancestors.

The design itself is peaceful. Greenery provide shade. An area for thinking. Strangers buried there, reading the stones gives you a sense of the hardship of early colonial life, with many young children and accidents recorded.

Working Willaston

The area was known for its brick making. The ground here was perfect for firing bricks. The bricks you see in structures likely came from local yards. This industry employed locals and drove the economy.

Traces of this remain in the area. Holes have sometimes been changed to parks or building sites. Knowing 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 smoke would have been a constant backdrop in the 1800s. Now, Willaston is suburban, but knowing its industrial roots adds interest to the suburb. Formerly it was a quiet place; it was a busy hub.

Barossa Connection

It is located on the boundary of Gawler. This makes it the gateway to the vineyards. It takes minutes from the wineries. Being here means you can go for a winery lunch on a weekend.

The Sturt Highway bypasses the center now, but getting there is still easy. Residents heading to the Riverland, Willaston is the final town. It holds that openness because to the north is farmland.

To conclude, Willaston offers a smart place. Close to town but looking north. For property, it is often good value. Watch this space as it continues to improve.