Mount Crawford (South Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Crawford |
|
|---|---|
Mount Crawford (centre right) from Tower Hill, looking east
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 526 m (1,726 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Mount Crawford
Location in South Australia
|
|
Mount Crawford is a special hill in South Australia. It's about 15 kilometers north of Birdwood. This hill is part of the beautiful Mount Lofty Ranges. The area around the hill is also known as the Mount Crawford Forest. It's a popular spot for nature lovers and outdoor activities.
Contents
Discovering Mount Crawford's Past
The original name for Mount Crawford, given by the Indigenous people, was Teetáka. This name tells us that people lived here long before European settlers arrived.
How Mount Crawford Got Its Name
In 1839, an explorer named Charles Sturt gave the hill its current name. He named it after James Coutts Crawford. James Crawford was a former Royal Navy officer. He arrived in April 1839 with 700 cattle. He set up a small hut and a cattle farm at the base of the hill. Soon after, he moved to New Zealand.
Early Settlers and Gold
Many families moved to the Mount Crawford area in the early days. Some of these families included the Colemans, Hammats, and Rankines. At first, people mainly mined for minerals and raised animals. Later, the area became more focused on growing trees for wood and offering fun outdoor activities.
There was a small goldrush in the late 1800s. People rushed to the area hoping to find gold. Even today, some people still search for gold in the area as a hobby.
Exploring Mount Crawford Forest
Mount Crawford also refers to the Mount Crawford Forest. This is a large area of government-owned forest lands. The biggest part of the forest is around Mount Crawford itself. Other parts are located west at Mount Gawler and south near Cudlee Creek. The famous Barossa Valley is just north of the forest.
Trees and Activities in the Forest
The forest headquarters and an information center are located near Mount Crawford. Most of the trees grown here are pine trees. However, there are also some native eucalypt trees.
The Mount Crawford Forest is a great place for fun activities. The Heysen Trail, a long walking path, goes through the forest. Schools often hold fairs and camps here. You might even see a rally car race in the forest!
