Watervale, South Australia

Watervale
South Australia

The Watervale Hotel, Watervale
Watervale
Coordinates 33°57′0″S 138°38′0″E / 33.95000°S 138.63333°E / -33.95000; 138.63333Coordinates: 33°57′0″S 138°38′0″E / 33.95000°S 138.63333°E / -33.95000; 138.63333
Population 293 (2006 census)[1] (2006 Census)
Established 1847
Postcode(s) 5452
Location
  • 120 km (75 mi) north of Adelaide
  • 15 km (9 mi) south of Clare
LGA(s) District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys
Region Mid North
State electorate(s) Frome
Federal Division(s) Wakefield

Watervale is a town on the Horrocks Highway in the Clare Valley, South Australia, approximately 9 kilometres north of Auburn and 15 kilometres south of Clare. It is surrounded by a number of small wineries and several B&Bs. The Riesling Trail runs past the town to the west, between the Highway and the Skilly Hills. The town has a number of 19th century heritage buildings, including the former Stanley Grammar School, which is now a private residence.

History

Watervale is located on Eyre Creek, which is a tributary of the Wakefield River. The area on which the town was settled was originally granted to a pioneer named David Davies in 1847 by Governor Robe, and he named this section of land Watervale.[2]

The area was settled by a number of Protestant families who founded a Bible Methodist Church in the township. The current Uniting Church and accompanying hall are examples of such colonial constructions in the area.

The town today

The township boasts a general store and Post Office, Hotel, Primary School, CFS unit, Anglican and Uniting churches, a Garage, a small number of local businesses, wineries,and a variety of recreational facilities at the "Watervale Soldiers' Memorial Park" (Tennis Club,Tennis courts and a Bowling green). Several Bed and Breakfast and Holiday Cottages are available for rent, including Watervale Retreat, Battunga B&B, Quince Cottage. The town can be readily accessed from the Riesling Trail. The Grandstand has recently been renovated, overlooking the town oval.

As part of the Clare Valley, the area is known for Riesling. Cabernet and Shiraz wines are also produced. Local wineries include Crabtrees, Stephen John Wines and Annie's Lane.

A local artist of note is Harry Sherwin.

Watervale hosts an annual 'Day on the Green' concert at Annie's Lane, attracting up to 6,000 concert-goers. Many have a great experience camping nearby on the town oval.

The Watervale Town Hall has remained in disuse and has been sold and is now private land.

Governance

Watervale is in the District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys, the state electoral district of Frome, and the Australian House of Representatives Division of Wakefield.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Watervale (State Suburb)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
  2. ↑ Rodney Cockburn (1984) [1908]. What's in a name? Nomenclature of South Australia. Fergusson Publications.
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