Horrocks Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Horrocks Pass |
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View of Horrocks Pass facing east from Nectar Brook
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| Elevation | 462 m (1,516 ft) |
| Traversed by | Horrocks Pass Road |
| Location | South Australia, Australia |
| Range | Flinders Ranges |
| Coordinates | 32°38′25″S 138°02′15″E / 32.6403°S 138.0375°E |
Horrocks Pass is a special place in the Australian state of South Australia. It's found within the areas of Nectar Brook and Woolundunga. This pass is part of the southern Flinders Ranges, which are ancient mountains. It's located about 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) west of the town of Wilmington.
A road called Horrocks Pass Road goes through the pass. This road connects Wilmington to the Augusta Highway in the west. Horrocks Pass is named after John Ainsworth Horrocks, an early explorer.
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Discovering Horrocks Pass
Horrocks Pass was first found by John Horrocks and his team. They explored this area in August 1846. Horrocks was on an important journey to explore lands north of Spencer Gulf. Sadly, this expedition was not successful for Horrocks.
John Horrocks' Expedition
John Horrocks was an English explorer. He arrived in South Australia in 1839. He was known for his attempts to explore the dry inland areas. His 1846 journey aimed to find new grazing lands. He also wanted to find a way to the northern parts of Australia.
His team included several men and even a camel. This was one of the first times camels were used for exploration in Australia. Camels were thought to be better for the dry conditions.
The Journey Through the Pass
When Horrocks and his group passed through this area, they found the natural gap in the mountains. This gap made it easier to travel. It became an important route for future settlers and travelers. The pass helped connect different parts of the region.
Horrocks Pass Lookout
At the very top of Horrocks Pass, there is a special lookout point. From here, you can see amazing views of the surrounding landscape. There is also a monument at this spot.
The Monument's Purpose
The monument was built to remember John Horrocks and his team. It honors their bravery and efforts in exploring the region. The District Councils of Wilmington and Port Germein worked together to build it.
Dedication of the Monument
The monument was officially opened on September 21, 1946. This date marked 100 years since Horrocks first traveled through the pass. It stands as a reminder of the early days of exploration in South Australia. It also shows how important this pass was for travel and development.
