Wattle Range

Local History of Wattle Range, South Australia

Indigenous history

The Wattle Range region of South Australia is the traditional land of the Buandik people. For thousands of years, they were hunters and gatherers who lived off the land and its resources. They had a profound spiritual connection with the land and its animals, and their culture was rich in song, dance, and storytelling.

European settlement

The first Europeans to explore the Wattle Range region were the French explorers Nicolas Baudin and Louis de Freycinet in 1802. They named the area Cape Banks in honour of botanist Sir Joseph Banks. The first European settlers arrived in the 1840s and began to establish grazing properties.

The town of Millicent was founded in 1870 when a group of farmers petitioned the government to establish a town in the area. It was named after Millicent Glen (1836-1927), the wife of the Governor of South Australia at the time, Sir Richard MacDonnell. The town grew rapidly and became a centre for agriculture and forestry.

Industry and infrastructure

The Wattle Range region is known for its forestry, with pine and eucalyptus plantations covering much of the landscape. A major timber mill was established in Millicent in the early 1900s, and it remains a significant employer in the area today.

The Wattle Range irrigation scheme was established in the 1950s, which allowed for the development of dairy farming and other agricultural industries.

Road and rail infrastructure was also developed in the region, with the completion of the Princes Highway in 1928 and the extension of the railway line to Mount Gambier in 1954.

Recent history

In recent years, the Wattle Range region has seen a decline in traditional industries like forestry and dairy farming, and a rise in tourism and viticulture. The region is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and natural attractions like the Tantanoola Caves and the Blue Lake in Mount Gambier.

The town of Millicent has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with the construction of a new sporting complex and a new hospital.

In 2020, the Wattle Range Council adopted a Reconciliation Action Plan, which recognises the traditional owners of the land and commits to building a more inclusive and equitable community.

History of in Wattle Range

The history of the Wattle Range region is rich and varied, from its ancient indigenous culture to its more recent European settlement and industrial development. Today, it is a region of natural beauty and cultural richness, with a focus on sustainability and inclusiveness for the future.