Sheringa, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SheringaSouth Australia |
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 Sheringa
Location in South Australia
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| Postcode(s) | 5607 | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 113 km (70 mi) northwest of Port Lincoln | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | District Council of Elliston | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Flinders | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Grey | ||||||||||||||
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Sheringa is a small coastal area in South Australia. It is located on the western side of the Eyre Peninsula, right next to the big ocean area called the Great Australian Bight.
The main road, Flinders Highway, goes right through Sheringa. In this area, you can find a community hall, a Church, a Country Fire Service (CFS) station, and a Roadhouse. Surf Life Saving Australia says that Sheringa Beach is a popular spot. People like to visit for the views, and local surfers and fishers enjoy the beach.
Contents
Exploring Sheringa's Past
Early Journeys to Sheringa
In August 1843, two young adventurers made an important journey. Joseph Cummings, 16, and Samuel Harris, 14, walked across the Eyre Peninsula. They were only the second group of non-Aboriginal people to do this.
They followed the path of explorer Edward John Eyre. They also used a coastal map made by Matthew Flinders in 1802. Flinders had sailed all the way around Australia.
Joseph and Samuel had left a whaling station because conditions were very tough. They walked about 650 kilometers (400 miles) until they saw a ship at Point Drummond. The ship took them to Port Lincoln.
How Sheringa Got Its Name
In Port Lincoln, a local judge heard their story. He set them free. But first, they had to guide a survey team to the good farming land they had found. This land later became Sheringa.
The judge also gave them pieces of land there, which they farmed. This was a big step in settling the area.
The town of Sheringa was officially planned in October 1882. It was first called Holsworthy in April 1883. But then, its name was changed to Sheringa in August 1883.
The name "Sheringa" comes from "Tjeiringa." This is an Aboriginal name for a root that looks like a yam and grew in the area. The Sheringa Post Office opened in 1891 and closed in 1984.
Community Buildings in Sheringa
In 1886, the Wesleyan Methodist church allowed a church building to be built in Sheringa. By 1898, the town had a few important places.
There was a hotel that didn't serve alcohol. There was also a general store and a blacksmith's shop, all under one roof. A public building was used as a church, a school, and even a place for dancing. St. John's Anglican Church opened in 1910.
The Historic Round Lake Washing Pool
Near Sheringa, there is a special historic site called the Round Lake Washing Pool. This was a place where sheep were washed a long time ago. It is now listed on the South Australian Heritage Register.
Before 1870, farmers washed their sheep before shearing their wool. This washing pool was built in the 1840s. Several nearby sheep farms used it to clean their sheep. After about 1870, farmers no longer needed to clean the wool themselves. Factories could clean the wool and even make lanolin from it.
The "Nowhere Else Road" Sign
Sheringa has a unique road sign that often gets attention. It points to a road named "Nowhere Else road." This unusual name makes people curious!
