Discovering Willaston: Gawler's Historic Neighbour

Commonly people ignore Willaston, thinking it is just another suburb. The belief is the history stops at the bridge. But the truth is, Willaston has its own character. It used to be a separate village with its own businesses and community. Entering Willaston is entering a new zone of our heritage.

House hunters looking for affordability, Willaston is often a smart pick. There are the same stone homes as Gawler proper, often on larger blocks, but sometimes at a cheaper rate. Relaxed, yet you are only a few steps from Murray Street. Great location.

Defining Willaston

It started as a gateway for traffic heading north. Because of this, it has a strong commercial history. Inns sprang up to accommodate travelers. The pub is a remnant of this era, still serving the community today.

The feeling is slightly more laid back than Gawler Central. Streets are wider, and there is a airiness. There are mix of stone cottages and bungalows. The variety gives Willaston a genuine feel. It is a real neighborhood where community exists.

Lately have seen a revival in Willaston. First home buyers are moving in, updating the old cottages. New businesses are popping up. It is becoming a cool spot because the position to the freeway is so good for commuters.

Crossing the River

The river crossing is more than just a crossing; it is a icon. Joining Gawler to Willaston over the river, it has seen raging waters and repairs over the decades. Looking over gives you a great view of the nature.

Historically, this was the entry for all traffic going north. Carts would thunder across here. Today, it handles cars, but the design still reminds us of its significance. It is a favorite spot for photographers, especially when the river is flowing.

Close by, you can find river walks that dip down to the water. It offers a nice path for residents to stroll to shops. The connectivity provided by the bridge is what makes Willaston feel so integrated to Gawler, despite being across the river.

Local History in Stone

Burial grounds are often the best records of a town. The local cemetery is no exception. Here lie many of the pioneers who built Gawler. Walking the rows reveals names you see on street signs all over town.

Management has released an online tool for the cemetery. You can to search specific graves or research the people buried there. Useful tool for family historians. Instead of wandering aimlessly, you can go straight to the sites.

The cemetery itself is serene. Trees provide shade. A location for remembering. Strangers buried there, reading the inscriptions gives you a sense of the hardship of early colonial life, with many young children and short lives recorded.

Bricks and Mortar

It was famous for its industry. The earth here was perfect for firing bricks. The materials you see in Gawler's houses likely came from Willaston. The brickworks employed hundreds and drove the economy.

Signs remain in the landscape. Excavations have sometimes been converted parks or building sites. The history explains why the land shape looks the way it does in some parts. Hard working area, not just a residential zone.

Lime burning was another industry. The fires would have been a constant backdrop in the 1800s. Today, Willaston is residential, but knowing its background adds depth to the suburb. It wasn't always a quiet place; it was a maker's village.

Heading North

It is located on the northern edge of Gawler. It acts as the gateway to the wine region. You are minutes from the wineries. Living here means you can go for cellar door visits on a whim.

Main North Road bypasses the center now, but access is still easy. People heading to the country, Willaston is the last stop. It holds that openness because to the north is farmland.

To conclude, Willaston offers a smart place. Near Gawler but close to rural. Investment wise, it is often undervalued. Look here as it continues to rise.