Minlaton

Minlaton SA 5575 (Pop 980)

Minlaton is a small Yorke Peninsula agricultural service centre located 198 km west of Adelaide. First named Gum Flat due to the many red gums in the area, it became Minlaton after the local Aborginal word ‘minlacowrie’ meaning ‘sweet water’. Originally settled in 1870s, today it sells itself as ‘The Barley Capital of the World’ and is surrounded by sheep and wheat and barley farms.

Tourist Attractions & Info: Minlaton Museum, Main St interesting National Trust museum housed in the old general store with blacksmith’s artifacts, historic displays and Capt Harry Butler memorabilia. Open (1.30pm-4.40pm) Tues-Fri. Captain Harry Butler Memorial, Main St home to the Red Devil fighter plane shipped to Australia in 1919 and which flew continuously until 1945. It is believed to be the last of the approx 200 ever made. Minlaton Fauna Park, Maitland Rd pretty recreational area with emus and kangaroos.

Nearby:
Port Rickaby (16 km n-w) a quiet coastal holiday spot with good swimming and fishing. Ramsay Park (between Minlaton & Port Vincent) native flora & fauna reserve.

Accommodation:
Minlaton has a hotel/motel, B&B and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: 29 Main St. Tel (08) 8853 2600.

Airport:
Adelaide Airport (ADL), 1 James Schofield Dr, Adelaide Airport. Tel (08) 8308 9211. (204 km east).

Hospital:
Minlaton Hospital, South Terrace. Tel (08) 8853 2200.