Gumeracha Local History
Located in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia, Gumeracha is a small town with a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The name “Gumeracha” is derived from the indigenous Kaurna word ‘kumeracha’ which means “waterfall”. The town is nestled in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and is surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and farmland.
The first European settlement in the area was established in 1839 by James Johnston, who named the area “Johnston’s Corners” after himself. The town was later renamed Gumeracha in 1860 during the gold rush. The gold rush brought many immigrants to the area in search of fortune. The population surged, and over the course of a few years, the town grew to become one of the largest in the region.
Gumeracha was a thriving community, and by the early 1900s, the town had a post office, several general stores, a hotel, a school, and a number of trades and services. The local economy was based on agriculture and timber. In the early 1900s, the town also became known for its production of strawberries, which were grown on the fertile soils of the Adelaide Hills.
Gumeracha is also home to the largest rocking horse in the world, standing at an impressive 18.3 metres tall and weighing over 25 tonnes. The idea for the rocking horse came from a local artist who was inspired by the town’s proud tradition of timber and sawmilling. The horse was constructed using locally sourced timber and took over two years to build. The landmark attracts tourists from all over the world and has become a symbol of the town.
During the 1980s, Gumeracha experienced some economic decline as traditional industries such as sawmilling declined. However, the town has remained resilient and has adapted to change. Today, the town has a number of thriving businesses, including boutique wineries, artisan producers, and tourism ventures.
Gumeracha is also home to the SteamRanger Heritage Railway, which operates heritage trains along the historic Adelaide Hills railway line. The line was originally opened in 1883 and was an essential transport link for the region until its closure in 1987. Today, the SteamRanger operates steam and diesel locomotives and provides a unique tourist experience for visitors to the Adelaide Hills region.
The Gumeracha community is proud of its history and heritage, and there are many local groups and organisations that work to preserve and celebrate the town’s past. The town has a strong sense of community and is welcoming to visitors and new residents alike.
In conclusion, Gumeracha is a small town with a rich history and a strong sense of community. From its early beginnings as a farming and timber town, through the gold rush and the decline of traditional industries, Gumeracha has remained resilient and adapted to change. Today, the town is a vibrant and welcoming community, with a thriving economy and a strong connection to its past.