Milang, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Milang South Australia
Milang
Milang Location in South Australia
Established	1853
Postcode(s)	5256
Time zone	ACST (UTC+9:30)
• Summer (DST)	ACDT (UTC+10.30)
Location	63 km (39 mi) SE of Adelaide 20 km (12 mi) NE of Goolwa
LGA(s)	Alexandrina Council
Region	Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island
State electorate(s)	Finniss
Federal Division(s)	Mayo
Localities around Milang: Angas Plains Nurragi Angas Plains Lake Plains Nurragi Finniss Milang Lake Plains Lake Alexandrina Clayton Bay Clayton Bay Point Sturt
Footnotes	Locations Adjoining localities

Milang is a cool town in South Australia. It sits right on the western shore of Lake Alexandrina. You can find it about 71 kilometers (44 miles) south-east of Adelaide, the state capital. It's also about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north-east of Goolwa.

Milang's Past: A Look at Its History

Milang was first planned out in December 1853. It quickly became a very important port on the River Murray system. This was especially true between 1860 and 1880.

For many years, a special train line connected Milang to the main railway. This line was mostly used for moving goods. It also offered a small passenger service. The train line was closed down in 1970.

Milang also has a special place in the history of Boy Scouts. The very first Boy Scout camp in South Australia happened here. This was during the summer of 1909–1910. You can find a bronze plaque that marks this important spot.

Historic Buildings and Places in Milang

Milang is home to many buildings from the 1800s. Some of these places are so important they are officially listed as heritage sites.

Here are a few of them:

• Coxe Street: The 1867 Royal Salute cannon, Soldiers Memorial Park
• 46-50 Coxe Street: The Milang School
• 22-23 Daranda Terrace: The Milang Butter Factory
• Lake front: The Milang jetty and hand crane
• 5-7 Markland Street: A house with a special pressed iron front

The Milang Butter Factory: A Sweet History

The Milang Lakeside Butter Factory started making butter in 1893. Farmers would bring milk from their small farms to the jetty. Much of the butter made here was sent to the Western Australian Goldfields.

In 1919, a company called Farmers Union bought the factory. They added more buildings, including a house for the manager. The factory stopped making butter in the 1960s.

Even after it closed, parts of the factory were used. In 1990, it was a filming location for a TV show called Shadows of the Heart. The factory was officially added to the SA Heritage Register in 1998.

In 2014, the factory and manager's house were put up for sale. A group of local residents worked hard to save the buildings. They asked the council to buy the property. The council helped by donating $350,000 towards the purchase.

Many other groups gave money to help restore the buildings. Community members also held fundraisers and volunteered many hours. By February 2024, the restoration was almost complete.

Where is Milang and How is it Governed?

Milang is located on the western side of Lake Alexandrina. It is about 71 kilometers (44 miles) south-east of Adelaide. It is also 20 kilometers (12 miles) north-east of Goolwa.

Milang is part of the Alexandrina Council area. This is the local government that helps manage the town. It is also in the federal division of Mayo and the state electoral district of Hammond.

In the 2021 Australian census, 831 people lived in the Milang area.

Fun Things to Do: Tourist Attractions in Milang

Milang has many fun things for visitors to enjoy. You can go fishing from the historic jetty. The Milang Historical Society museum is also a great place to visit. You can also take the Milang Historical Walk.

Lake Alexandrina is perfect for boating and swimming.

Milang Historical Railway Museum

The Milang Historical Railway Museum opened in 1992. It is located in the old station building of the closed Milang railway line. The museum has many old photos and items from when Milang was a busy port.

It shows the town's railway history. You can see old locomotives and carriages. There's even a computer-operated driving simulator. Visitors over 10 years old can try driving a train!

South Australian Light Railway Centre

Another cool railway attraction is the South Australian Light Railway Centre. It's on the same site as the museum. This center tells the story of about 700 small railways. These "light railways" once operated all over the state.

They were used in mines, forests, and factories. They also helped move goods from ships at jetties. The center has three historic locomotives and other displays. There's even a model light railway that visitors can drive!