Main street of town
Located approximately 198 kilometres from Adelaide is
Crystal Brook, a small town in the heart of South Australia's sheep and wheat country. The town declares itself as a place "where the Flinders begin".
Rotunda and picnic area
Crystal Brook Hotel
The charm of this town lies in the main street called Bowman Street, named after the famous pastoralist family of John, William and Thomas Bowman who purchased the Crystal Brook run in 1856.
The Royal Hotel
The Institute building
Shady peppercorn trees lined the centre of the main street with picnic tables and chairs and even a rotunda along the median strip. There are two hotels, the Crystal Brook Hotel built in 1878 and the Royal Hotel built in 1882. The Crystal Brook Institute was built in 1881 and today housed the town's library. There is also the Heritage Museum, one of the earliest buildings built in Crystal Brook.
Bronze silhouette, "Footsteps
Bronze silhouette, "Ships"
Also along the median strip are several bronze silhouettes mounted on rocks with plaques telling stories of the town's history. One was called "Footsteps" and tells the story of Australia's first explorers, the Aborigines, who walked barefoot to find food, water and shelter. Another silhouette, called "Ships" tells of explorer Matthew Flinders who charted the "unknown coastland" now known as South Australia.
Rotunda Memorial in Adelaide Square
Further down the street is a park called Adelaide Square. A rotunda in the square was erected as a memorial to those who died in the great war.
Playground in park
Signage
Opposite the square is another big park with a playground, and picnic areas with a shaded BBQ. There is a big signboard all about the town and the early explorers.
Yummy pastie
Also when visiting, do stop by the local bakery, called Kupsch Bakery which has been an integral part of the town since 1979. It is the home of the famous Crystal Brook pastie. We did try the pastie and we certainly gave it a "thumbs up". The pastry was really flakey and light and the vegetables inside are moist and tasty.
