Bonython Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bonython Park |
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| Part of Tulya Wardli | |
Bonython Park picnic
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| Type | Park |
| Location | North Adelaide, South Australia |
| Created | 1837 |
Bonython Park is a large, beautiful park in Adelaide, South Australia. It covers about 17 hectares (that's like 17 football fields!). The park opened in 1962. It was named after Sir John Langdon Bonython, who was an important politician and journalist in South Australia.
The park is located on the north-western side of the River Torrens, next to Port Road. It's also near the old Adelaide Gaol and the Police Barracks. Bonython Park is part of a bigger area called Park 27. Since the early 2000s, Park 27 has also been known by its traditional name, Tulya Wardli. This name comes from the Kaurna people, who are the traditional owners of this land. This area, including parts of Park 1/ Pirltawardli, is very important to the Kaurna people. Early settlements for Aboriginal people were set up here starting in 1837.
Contents
History of Bonython Park
Early Days and First Settlers
Before European settlers arrived, the Kaurna people used this area. There might have been a billabong (a small lake) here, which they used for fishing.
When the first European settlers came to South Australia in 1837, this was one of the first places they camped. They set up tents and wooden huts in two camps, named Buffalo and Coromandel. These names came from the ships that brought them to Australia. For many years, until 1914, the park area was also used as a place for cattle to drink water.
The Kaurna People and Early Settlements
After 1837, a special area called the "Native Location" was created for the local Kaurna people. The first of these was Bromley’s Camp, set up in April 1837 by Captain Walter Bromley. He was a person in charge of helping Aboriginal people. However, this camp was mostly just a place to give out food supplies. Later, in August 1837, William Wyatt took over and created a more lasting settlement south of the river.
Missionaries and Schools
In October 1838, two German missionaries, Christian Teichelmann and Clamor Schürmann, arrived. They set up their mission at what was called the "Old Location." They learned the Kaurna language and taught in that language. This was the first mission in South Australia.
In 1839, the Native Location moved again. It went across the river to the north side, where part of a golf course is now. This new place was called Pirltawardli, which means "possum place." It's now also known as the "Aboriginal Location."
A school opened at Pirltawardli in December 1840, supported by Governor George Gawler. But in 1845, Governor George Grey ordered the site to be closed. He decided that children should be moved to a new government-run school that taught only in English. This new school was near what is now Kintore Avenue. The government school closed in 1851. The remaining children were then moved to a mission at Poonindie near Port Lincoln.
Even after the mission closed, some Kaurna people continued to camp near the house of Klose, one of the missionaries. In 1846, the government built some brick sheds in this area and also across the river behind the new Adelaide Gaol. These sheds were for different Aboriginal groups, including the "Murray tribe" and the remaining "Adelaide tribe".
Pirltawardli, which is just across the river and includes parts of Parks 1 and 27, is still very important to the Kaurna people. Many of the early records of the Kaurna language and culture come from this place. On May 26, 2000, a special plaque was placed there to remember its important role in Adelaide’s history.
Fun Things to Do at Bonython Park
Bonython Park, also known as Park 27/Tulya Wardli, has many interesting things to see and do. It's a great place for recreation and events.
Events and Festivals
The park has hosted many big events over the years. These include the Schützenfest, which is a German festival. It also used to host the Skyshow fireworks display. Many music festivals like Soundwave, Stereosonic, and the Big Day Out have taken place here. You might also see visiting circuses, such as Cirque du Soleil, set up their tents in the park.
Play and Relaxation Areas
Bonython Park has lots of fun things for everyone. There's the Bonython Park Adventure Playspace, which is a big playground. You can also find a kiosk for snacks, a model boat pond for sailing small boats, and open fields for playing games. There's a junior playground for younger kids and barbecue stations for family picnics.
Nature and Gardens
The "Magic Forest & Native Bee N Bee Project" is a special area in the park. It's a group of different eucalyptus trees planted in 1997. It even has a "hotel" for native bees!
The Roma Mitchell Garden is another beautiful spot. It used to be looked after by prisoners from the nearby gaol. Since the 1990s, it has been cared for by the Catholic Order of Malta.
