Montacute, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MontacuteSouth Australia |
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 Montacute
Location in South Australia
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| Postcode(s) | 5134 |
| Elevation | 291 m (955 ft) |
| Location | 14 km (9 mi) from Adelaide |
| LGA(s) | Adelaide Hills Council |
| State electorate(s) | Morialta |
| Federal Division(s) | Mayo |
Montacute is a small, mostly rural area located in the beautiful Adelaide Hills in South Australia. It sits along Fifth Creek. This area stretches from Rostrevor in the west to Lenswood in the east. To the north, it borders Castambul, and to the south, it's next to Norton Summit and Cherryville.
A tiny town called Montacute Heights is also part of this area. It's found on top of a ridge between Fifth and Sixth Creeks. You can reach Montacute from Adelaide by driving along Montacute Road.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Montacute has an interesting history, especially when it comes to mining.
Early Discoveries: Copper and Gold
In 1843, a valuable metal called Copper was found in the Montacute area by a person named Thomas Burr. Soon after, a mine was started to dig up the copper. One of the people who helped pay for the mine was Sir John Baker. He decided to name the area Montacute. He chose this name because it was similar to Montacute in Somerset, which was a place near where he grew up.
Just a few years later, in 1846, another exciting discovery was made: Gold! This gold mine was called the "Victoria Mine." It became very important because it was the first time gold was dug up and sold for money in Australia.
What Happens in Montacute Today?
While mining was important in the past, Montacute's main activities are different now.
Farming and Nature
Today, the main jobs in Montacute involve farming. People grow fruits in orchards and vegetables in market gardens. These farms help provide fresh food.
Montacute is also home to a special natural area called the Montacute Conservation Park. This park was created in 1971 and covers a large area of 200 hectares. It's a place where nature is protected.
Fun on Corkscrew Road
There's a small road in Montacute called Corkscrew Road. It connects Montacute Heights to Gorge Road. This road is famous for being very steep and having many twists and turns, like a corkscrew! Because of its challenging and scenic route, it's a very popular spot for cyclists and people who enjoy day trips to see the beautiful views.
