Watervale, South Australia

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Watervale
Established: 1847
Postcode: 5452
LGA: District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys


Watervale (33°57′S 138°38′E) is a town located in the Clare Valley, South Australia, approximately 9 kilometres north of Auburn and 15 kilometres south of Clare. It is surrounded by a number of small wineries and several B"Bs. The Riesling Trail runs past the town to the west, between the Main North Road and the Skilly Hills. The town has a number of 19th century heritage buildings, including the former Stanley Grammar School, which is now a private residence.

[edit] Facilities

The townhship posesses a general store, hotel, CFS unit, Anglican and Uniting churches, a garage, a handful of local businesses and a variety of recreational facilities (oval, tennis courts and a bowling green).

[edit] History

Watervale is located on a creek of the same name which is a tributary of the Wakefield River. The area on which the town was settled was originally granted to a pioneer named David Davies in 1847 by Governor Robe, and he named this section of land Watervale.

The area was settled by a number of protestant families who founded a Bible Methodist Church in the township. The current Uniting Church and accompanying hall are examples of such colonial constructions in the area.

[edit] Government

Watervale is in the District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys, the state electoral district of Frome, and the Australian House of Representatives Division of Grey.