A Guide to Willaston and Surrounds

Commonly people ignore Willaston, thinking it is just a drive-through. They think the history stops at the river. In reality, Willaston has its own distinct identity. Historically it was a separate village with its own industries and vibe. Heading north is entering a separate part of our heritage.

If you are buying looking for good buys, Willaston is often a great choice. There are the same historic cottages 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

The suburb began as a gateway for traffic heading to the mines. As a result, it has a strong history of trade. Pubs sprang up to host 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 sense of space. 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. New businesses are popping up. Becoming a popular spot because the access 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 river, it has seen high water and repairs over the decades. Walking across gives you a great view of the red gums.

In the past, this was the bottleneck for all traffic going north. Bullock teams would thunder across here. Today, it handles cars, 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. Access 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 museums of a town. The Willaston General Cemetery is no exception. Here lie many of the early settlers who built Gawler. Strolling through reveals names you see on street signs all over town.

The Council has released an app for the cemetery. It lets you to search specific graves or discover the people buried there. Great resource for descendants. Rather than getting lost, you can go straight to the McKinlay monument.

The grounds itself is peaceful. Native vegetation provide shade. It is a place for remembering. Strangers buried there, reading the epitaphs gives you a sense of the hardship of early colonial life, with many young children and short lives recorded.

Willaston's Industry

Willaston's fame for its brickworks. The earth here was perfect for making bricks. The materials you see in Gawler's houses likely came from local yards. The trade employed hundreds and drove the economy.

Signs remain in the suburb. Holes have sometimes been turned into parks or building sites. Understanding this explains why the land shape looks the way it does in some parts. Hard working area, not just a dormitory suburb.

Making lime was another industry. The industry would have been a constant backdrop in the 1800s. Today, Willaston is residential, but knowing its working history adds character to the suburb. It used to be tough a quiet place; it was a industrial zone.

Barossa Connection

Willaston sits on the north side of Gawler. It serves as the doorstep to the Barossa Valley. It takes minutes from Lyndoch. A home here means you can go for tasting on a whim.

The Sturt Highway bypasses the center now, but getting there is still easy. Workers heading to the Renmark, Willaston is the exit. There remains that openness because to the north is paddocks.

Ultimately, Willaston offers a strategic location. Near Gawler but looking north. Investment wise, it is often good value. Look here as it continues to grow.