Commonly people ignore Willaston, thinking it is just a drive-through. The belief is the history stops at the river. In reality, Willaston has its own unique story. Historically it was a separate village with its own industries and community. Heading north is entering a different precinct of our heritage.
Property seekers looking for value, Willaston is often a great choice. It offers the same stone homes as Gawler proper, often on huge lots, but sometimes at a better price point. Peaceful, yet you are only a stone's throw from Murray Street. It is the best of both worlds.
Willaston's Character
Willaston developed as a stopping point for traffic heading up country. So, it has a strong trading past. Hostelries sprang up to accommodate travelers. The Willaston Hotel is a relic of this era, still serving the people today.
The mood is slightly more relaxed than Gawler Central. Roads are wide, and there is a room. Look for mix of stone cottages and post-war homes. This mix gives Willaston a honest feel. A true neighborhood where community exists.
The last decade have seen a renewal in Willaston. Young families are moving in, fixing up the old cottages. Coffee shops are popping up. It's now a trendy spot because the location to the freeway is so good for workers.
Crossing the River
The river crossing is more than just a crossing; it is a historic site. Joining Gawler to Willaston over the water, it has seen disasters and changes over the decades. The view from here gives you a great view of the nature.
Back then, this was the entry for all traffic going north. Horses would thunder across here. Currently, it handles vehicles, but the design still reminds us of its role. People love for photographers, especially when the river is flowing.
Nearby, you can find walking trails that dip down to the water. It offers a nice path for residents to stroll to shops. The link provided by the bridge is what makes Willaston feel so part of to Gawler, despite being separate.
Willaston Cemetery
Cemeteries are often the best museums of a town. This site 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.
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 grounds itself is quiet. Greenery provide shade. An area for remembering. Outsiders buried there, reading the stones gives you a sense of the hardship of early colonial life, with many young children and short lives recorded.
Willaston's Industry
Willaston was known for its clay pits. The local clay here was perfect for manufacturing. The bricks you see in Gawler's houses likely came from here. This industry employed locals and drove the economy.
Traces of this remain in the area. Old pits have sometimes been turned into parks or building sites. Understanding this explains why the ground looks the way it does in some parts. It was a working village, not just a residential zone.
Lime burning was another industry. The fires would have been a constant backdrop in the 1800s. In modern times, Willaston is residential, but knowing its background adds character to the suburb. It was once a quiet place; it was a hive of activity.
Heading North
Lying on the north side of Gawler. It serves as the doorstep to the wine region. Short drive from vineyards. Living here means you can go for cellar door visits on a spur of the moment.
The Sturt Highway bypasses the center now, but getting there is still easy. People heading to the country, Willaston is the last stop. It keeps that edge of town feel because to the north is fields.
Ultimately, Willaston offers a great spot. handy to shops but close to rural. For real estate, it is often undervalued. Keep an eye on it as it continues to grow.
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