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Crystal Brook is a pleasant town, just 5 kms off the Augusta Highway and well worth a visit. About 200 kms north of Adelaide, the town is central to a thriving wheat and other crops, sheep and beef district. Crystal Brook takes its name from the picturesque spring fed creek named by explorer Edward John Eyre. The area was once part of the “Crystal Brook Run” a vast sheep station established in 1847.
Parks: At the northern end of the main street, are two attractive green parks. One has bbq facilities and playground, the other has a rotunda with flowers and lawns. The main street central corridor features interpretive artworks celebrating Australian explorers. Some explored this area. Each side of the street are interesting shops, cafes, 2 hotels and bakery. The Big Goanna sculpture is of interest and the large monitors (tree goannas) are found locally. The skate park is popular.
The Crystal Brook Heritage Centre is in the town’s first two storey building built in 1875 as butcher’s and baker’s shops with residences – the bakery oven is still there. To view, call the phone number on the door and one of the townsfolk will be happy to open up for you. Pride of place is the scrapbook of congratulatory telegrams and letters of Crystal Brook’s famous son, Corporal Arthur Percy Sullivan (1896–1937). He achieved the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry on 10 August 1919 during the post-World War I Russian Campaign. Whilst under heavy fire, he plunged into the Sheika River and rescued 4 drowning men from his platoon.
At the southern end of the main street the Ghan and the Indian Pacific trains pass by several times a week.
Bowman Park, just east of town, is the site of the historic Bowman Station. It is picturesque with gum trees, creek, original buildings, ruins and new hall. It is an ideal spot for a picnic or a stroll on one of the walking trails. The Heysen Trail passes nearby.
Crystal Brook’s fascinating walking trail around town depicts places of interest and stories of earlier times. Ask for the brochure at Reflections or other places locally.
Water was supplied to the town by the Brook until 1890 when the Beetaloo Reservoir was completed. At the time it was the largest concrete dam in the southern hemisphere.
Crystal Brook is an ideal spot to stay a few days. The Golf Course is on the edge of town. The Flinders Ranges are nearby and a variety of accommodation is in town.
See Reflections for more information.
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