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Wilmington, SA |
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Wilmington, a very pretty small rural township with many interesting and historic buildings, is located near Mount Remarkable National Park in the heart of the Southern Flinders Ranges. It is also our very first RV Friendly Location™.
The first European settlers into the region arrived in the 1850’s. They were impressed with the richness of the region and the prettiness of the setting and decided to name the district Beautiful Valley. In 1860-61 an inn was built at the foot of Horrocks Pass and by 1864 the Cobb & Co coach stopped at the hotel. A few years later, the Globe Hotel was built nearby. It is now known as the Wilmington Hotel and it is still possible to see the old coaching stables at the back of the building. The town was officially named Wilmington in 1876.
Wilmington offers some fine examples of 19th century architecture. The coaching stables and police station were both built in 1880 and the two-story Butter Factory dates from 1848. There is a billiard club with historic tables, a fabulous toy museum and a puppet museum, including ventriloquist dolls. Walking the Town Heritage Trail is an excellent way to gain a historical perspective of the town.
Nearby attractions include the Mount Maria Walking Trail, a pleasant two hour walk, Alligator Gorge - offering some of the most colourful rock formations in the Flinders Ranges, and Hancock’s Lookout - with spectacular views overlooking the Spencer Gulf and the historic Spring Creek Copper Mine. Wilmington is also on the cycling path of the Mawson Trail and the famous Heysen Trail, which runs along the hills beside the town.
Shops include a general store, fuel and hardware, post office with internet facilities, take away foods, art and crafts and an antique store. The hotel offers meals and accommodation. RVer’s can stay at the Beautiful Valley Caravan Park or at the rest areas on Horrocks Pass. Four-wheel drive tours are available, the annual night rodeo is held in January and there is a yearly art exhibition in October.
Wilmington is an ideal stopover for travellers. Centenary Park, at the entrance of the town, has been specially earmarked for RV’s, with easy parking, lunch spots, childrens’ swings, public toilets and a dump point.