Echunga
Echunga is a quiet, attractive little township in the midst of fertile acres with cattle and horses grazing. In January 1839 John Barton Hack, a prosperous English Quaker took up a large area of land known as the Echunga Survey. He established an English style estate - Echunga gardens - with dairy herds, fields of wheat, orchards and 12 acres of grapes from which to make his own wine. While Echunga was becoming an organised village community, gold was discovered in Victoria and so the Government of the day offered a reward of 1,000 pounds for the discovery of payable gold in South Australia. Echunga Goldfields have become South Australia’s most productive goldfields.
Today Echunga is a vibrant can do community featuring local shops and businesses, a primary school, a highly visited golf course and a number of community and sporting groups. Echunga has more recently established itself as one of the key equestrian destinations for the Adelaide Hills with many riding schools and stabling facilities surrounding the town. The town also hosts major events such as the All British Day (a classic car show) and frequently hosts stages of the Tour Down Under.
places of interest
Jupiter Creek Goldfields Historic mining reserve, with 80 metre tunnel and old shafts open to the public for fossicking.
Echunga Golf Course popular rural 18 hole golf course.
Hagen Arms Hotel historically significant hotel in the centre of the town.
RSL Garden of Remembrance currently features RSL memorial and WWII Leopard army tank.
recreation areas
Echunga Recreation Grounds
Echunga Road, Echunga
- 2 ovals
- tennis courts
- netball courts
- public toilets
- BMX track
- playground
Kidman Trail Head
Strathalbyn Road, Echunga
Woodgate Reserve
1A Woodgate Street, Echunga
- playground
- mini urban forest
The Kidman Trail
A trail head for the Kidman Trail is located at the corner of Strathalbyn and Echunga Road, Echunga. The trail is a 269 km multi-use trail for walkers, mountain biking and horse riding.
Kangowirrinilla Trail
40 km walking and cycling trail that forms a loop with the Heysen Trail click here to view map
more information
For more information about Echunga, visit the Echunga Community Association's website www.echunga.org
To find out how to connect with and get involved in this community, including sporting and community groups, visit SAcommunity, South Australia's community information directory.
Council has endorsed a Township Plan for Echunga at its meeting on 2 December 2019 (minutes / agenda). The plan was developed in association with the community to provide a long term vision for the town, identifying key objectives and priorities across a number of themes to ensure that the town continues to develop as a highly liveable place. This project is part of a Council initiative which will see Townships Plans developed for all major settlements throughout the District by 2020.
Community Consultation Submissions
Community Consultation Survey Results
Implementation Progress
To see the progress on the implementation of the Echunga Township Plan, please view the document below:
Project Contact
For further information, please contact Kristian Wohlstadt, Senior Strategic Planner via email on kwohlstadt@mountbarker.sa.gov.au or phone on (08) 8391 7219.
Main Street Design
What we’re doing
The project is to complete a detailed concept design for the Echunga Main Street.
How much it is going to cost
$50,000
Timeframes
The project is on track with the design to be completed by the end of the financial year.
Background
A key priority within the endorsed Echunga Township Plan (Actions 39) which sought to undertake improvements to the main street, with landscaping treatments, street trees, lighting, street furniture and footpath surfaces.
The progress
Council are currently obtaining a survey for the Main Street as to better understand the existing conditions and to enable the future design.
Undergrounding Power Lines
What we’re doing
Registration of interest to underground some powerlines in Echunga Main Street.
How much it is going to cost
$1,900,000 (Council contribution $720,000)
Timeframes
Registration of Interest for 2024/25.
Background
A key priority within the endorsed Echunga Township Plan (Actions 39) sought to underground powerlines in the main street of Echunga
The progress
Council have submitted a registration of interest to the Power Line Environment Committee (PLEC) for F2024/25.