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Battunga Country – the land of tall trees and rolling hills.
MACCLESFIELD
Macclesfield is an historic township nestled alongside the Angus River in the Adelaide Hills south of Hahndorf, between Echunga, Meadows and Strathalbyn. Macclesfield is well known for its beautiful 19th century architecture. Many buildings were constructed of locally hewn pink marble – the stone is still in demand today. The graceful staircase in the Adelaide Town Hall was built from Macclesfield marble.
Macclesfield was named after the Earl of Macclesfield in England. During the prosperous days of the Jupiter Creek Gold rush the township was on the major transport route. Macclesfield boasted a telegraph station, hotels shops and cottages. There was even a brewery – the buildings were destroyed in the 1939 bushfires, but the ruins can still be seen, near the river.
An historic town walk takes in points of interest including heritage buildings, the cemetery and describes the pioneer residents and local identities. Ask locally for a leaflet. There are also several Parkland Trails of interest.
MEADOWS
Meadows, well known for its magnificent countryside, is central to a rich diary industry. Forestry in another agricultural pursuit.
Famous Antatctic explorer Douglas Mawson was a resident at one time, spending his days at Harewood, a 1200 acre property near Meadows.. The main street is named in his honour.
Events during the year include:
Meadows 4 day Easter Fair and the
Meadows Country Fair in October.
ECHUNGA & Jupitor Creek Diggings
Echunga is a small village between Meadows and Hahndorf . The town thrived during the gold rush days and was a staging post where horses were changed on the coach route east.
Jupitor Creek Diggings, near Echunga is an important fossicking area and a fascinating heritage site. It was the first proclaimed gold field in South Australia in 1852 and was the State's most important goldfield.
Gold was found on the Jupitor Creek alluvial flats by William Chapman, after returning from the goldfields at Bendigo to his father's farm at Echunga. A rush followed. By the late 1860s Jupitor Creek Diggings were in full swing with over 1,000 people. Many nuggets were found, even a few diamonds, but most diggers only made wages. A number of reef mines eventuated in the area.
KUITPO FOREST
Kuitpo Forest Reserve was created to ensure sustainable timber resources for South Australia while conserving native bushland and wildlife. The reserve is managed by Forestry SA on behalf of the South Australian Government.
For information and permits contact Kuitpo Forest Information Centre, 9-11am every day. Situated 7kms from Meadows on the road to Willunga.
Telephone (08) 8388 3267
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