Willunga's Natural and Historic Bounties

by Barry Silkstone (subscribe)

There are bright mauve flowers along the edge of the fence-line. A blue bee is dancing between them, stopping on each one for a few seconds to sip the nectar while inadvertently gathering pollen along the way. These little bees are native Australian species unlike the more common, introduced honey bees.



I am walking around the Courthouse Reserve in Willunga, a charming township just forty five minutes south of Adelaide in the McClaren Vale region. Willunga has a myriad of attractions ranging from, local markets, craft shops, restaurants, as well as nearby rose nurseries and wineries. There are also numerous historic buildings such as the old courthouse and police station that date back to 1839. The name Willunga (Willa-ungga — place of green trees) stems from the language of the original Aboriginal people, the Kaurna, who lived on the Adelaide plains





Leaving the old colonial buildings I walk down a grassy slope and cross the small footbridge that spans a spring fed creek. From the bridge, a short walking trail climbs through woodland that reflects the pre settlement forests that once covered this region. Several species of eucalyptus trees and a diverse selection of native bushes and ground covers define this environment and provide food for a variety of birds, insects and mammals. As I make my way along the trail I encounter both new Holland honeyeaters and eastern rosellas feeding on late autumn blossoms.





The circuit takes about half an hour and it is only a short stroll back to the main street for a little shopping in a local arts and craft store before a quick stop at the bakery. There are several vintage cottages in the side streets and in one garden a rowdy group of noisy miners are living up to their name as they see off a young magpie that has encroached on their territory.





Although I have spent an hour and half in the little town I feel that I have barely scratched the surface of its rich colonial and natural history. Another visit in the spring is certainly on my agenda.

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Why? An interesting walk

When: all year

Where: Willunga

Cost: none

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