Cocata, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids CocataSouth Australia |
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Established | 1928 | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 5654 | ||||||||||||||
Location | 27 km (17 mi) south-west of Wudinna | ||||||||||||||
LGA(s) | Wudinna District Council | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Stuart | ||||||||||||||
Federal Division(s) | Grey | ||||||||||||||
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Footnotes | Coordinates |
Cocata is a small rural area in the Eyre and Western region of South Australia. It's a quiet place, known for its natural beauty and a bit of history.
Contents
Exploring Cocata's Past
Cocata has been known by its name since the 1800s. It was a place explorers passed through long ago.
Early Explorers and Challenges
In 1844, an explorer named John Charles Darke traveled through the Cocata area. Early settlers faced challenges like finding fresh water. There were "soakage wells" at Cocata Hill and Koballa Hill, but they didn't have much water. Getting goods to and from the area was also tough. People hoped for better roads and even a railway to help.
How Cocata Got Its Name
The name "Cocata" became official for a larger area called the Hundred of Cocata in 1928. A "Hundred" is an old way of dividing land in Australia. The modern boundaries for Cocata as a locality were set in 1999, keeping the long-used name.
Life in Early Cocata
Life in Cocata slowly developed. In 1938, a weekly mail service started, making it easier for people to connect with the outside world. The area also had its own school for many years, starting in the early 1920s. However, it was a small school, sometimes with only six or seven students.
Nature and Landmarks
Cocata is home to some interesting natural spots.
Cocata Conservation Park
A large part of southern Cocata is covered by the Cocata Conservation Park. This park helps protect the local plants and animals. It's a great place to see the natural environment of the region.
Ucontitchie Hill
Towards the northern end of Cocata, you'll find Ucontitchie Hill. This hill is very special because of its geology. It's listed on the South Australian Heritage Register for its important geological features. This means it's a significant place for understanding the Earth's history.