Kersbrook facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kersbrook South Australia
Kersbrook Location in South Australia
Established	1850s
Postcode(s)	5231
Location	36 km (22 mi) from Adelaide
LGA(s)	Adelaide Hills Council
State electorate(s)	Newland
Federal Division(s)	Mayo
Suburbs around Kersbrook: Yattalunga Humbug Scrub Williamstown Mount Crawford Sampson Flat Kersbrook Forreston Inglewood Millbrook Chain of Ponds Gumeracha

Kersbrook, once known as Maidstone, is a small town. It is located near Adelaide in South Australia. This town is part of the Adelaide Hills Council area. In 2006, about 367 people lived in Kersbrook.

The Story of Kersbrook

Kersbrook's history began in the early 1830s. The first settlers started farms here. They liked the gentle slopes of the land.

How Kersbrook Got Its Name

A man named John Bowden bought some land in 1831. He was a manager of a dairy farm. He named his new land Kersbrook. This was after a farm in Cornwall, England, where he was born. By 1844, John Bowden had a busy farm. He raised many sheep, cattle, and pigs. He also grew wheat, barley, oats, and other crops. He even had a fruit garden.

From Maidstone to Kersbrook

The town itself was started by William Carman. He was a blacksmith. He saw that the area was on a busy road. This road led to the Barossa Valley. In 1851, Carman built an inn called the Wheatsheaf Inn.

By 1858, more people had moved to the area. Carman gave some of his land to build a town. He named it Maidstone. This name came from Maidstone in Kent, England. But local people kept calling the area Kersbrook. So, in 1917, the town was officially renamed Kersbrook. This name honored John Bowden's original farm. Kersbrook became well known for its farming, especially for fruit.

Recent Events

Kersbrook is a quiet country town. Many of its old buildings are still standing. In January 2015, a large bushfire hit the area. Twelve houses in the town were sadly destroyed. This was due to the 2015 Sampson Flat bushfires.

Where is Kersbrook?

Kersbrook is located between Chain of Ponds and Williamstown. It is along the Little Para Road. You can also find it southeast of One Tree Hill. In 2001, the town had 314 people. They lived in 120 homes.

What Can You Find in Kersbrook?

Kersbrook has a primary school. It first opened in 1868. There is also a general store and other small shops.

Nature and Outdoor Fun

Nearby areas like Humbug Scrub and Mount Gawler are great for outdoor activities. People enjoy orienteering there. This is a sport where you use a map and compass. Mountain biking is also popular on the steep trails.

About 10 kilometers north of Kersbrook is the Warren Conservation Park. This is a rugged nature reserve. It covers about 353 hectares. The park was created in 1966. It helps protect many rare animals. You can also find a pine forest nearby. This forest is now part of the Mount Crawford Forest.

Sports in Kersbrook

Kersbrook has a very successful Australian Rules football team. They are called the 'Brookers'. Their team colors are double blue. This team has produced three players who went on to play in the AFL. Two of them are brothers, Brett James and Roger James. Both of them won AFL championships. Many players from Kersbrook have also played in the SANFL league.