Stansbury

Situated on the pristine waters of Oyster Bay in Gulf St Vincent against a background of Norfolk Pines, Stansbury is a popular holiday and tourist destination for families, fishing or just relaxing the hours away. Located on Yorke Peninsula, a pleasant easy 2 ½ hour drive from Adelaide, Stansbury is an ideal base from which to explore Yorke Peninsula, as it is centrally located for access to Innes National Park 110kms to the south and the Copper Coast 110kms to the north.

The Mediterranean climate, sandy beach and calm waters of the bay are ideal for beach activities, swimming and water-skiing. The well maintained foreshore features one of the best children's playgrounds on the peninsula with 2 colourful play stations. There are also shaded barbecue and picnic facilities along the foreshore and at the jetty reserve.

An all-tide two lane boat ramp, and beach and jetty fishing provide the angler with plenty of opportunity for fishing. Popular seasonal catches include King George Whiting, garfish, mullet, tommies and squid. Blue swimmer crabs can be raked from the shallows or netted from the jetty or boat.

Tourism, Oyster farms and limestone are some of the major industries of today found at Stansbury. The development of oyster farms now supplying fresh locally produced oysters is another popular attraction, as are the many beautiful older buildings and even fence lines constructed of limestone due the large deposits of this stone found under the top layer of soil and rock.

History

The first settler in the district was Alfred Weaver who brought 7,000 sheep with him. Weaver built a shearing shed in 1846 where Stansbury now stands. He was constantly confronted with problems in terms of disease, reliability of water and the penchant of the Aborigines to kill the sheep whenever they needed meat. Due to the abundance of Oysters found in the bay, Stansbury was originally known as Oyster Bay and had a reputation for the best oysters in South Australia. For a number of years there were between fifteen and twenty oyster dredges working the bay, until eventually it was fished out. The old jetty was built in 1877, a new jetty, situated in deeper water, was built and opened in 1905. Military Engineers needing a project to test their skills on, demolished the old jetty in 1941.

The name of Stansbury came into being when Governor Sir Anthony Musgrave, KCMG, the South Australian Governor from June 9th 1873 to January 29th 1877; renamed it in July 1873 after his friend Mr Stansbury. Stansbury was officially proclaimed on July 31st 1873, and land allotments were offered in November and December of that year with a total of 37 blocks being sold before the end of 1873.

The name Dalrymple features prominently in the town. The Governor at the time of proclamation, Sir James Fergusson, named the area after his father in Scotland - Sir Charles Dalrymple Fergusson.

Attractions

3 coastal walking trails and a historic walk of Stansbury identifying important sites. A 5km coastal walking trail from the jetty south to Pitts cutting has fantastic scenery and wildlife often dolphins, pelicans and black swans can often be seen.
Stansbury Museum, incorporating the history of the town and a recently acquired Shell Collection. Life from the past and much of the local history is on display at the museum housed in the old school built in 1878 on North Terrace. The museum opens on Wednesdays and Sundays 2.00pm to 4.00pm and daily in January. However you can visit by appointment at any time if you phone 8852 5020.
Historic first Stansbury grave
Klein's Point Quarry, South Australia's largest Limestone Quarry established in 1919 by Adelaide Brighton Cement
Nearby Wool Bay features a fuchsia nursery and historic lime kiln ruins
Seaside Markets have become a popular attraction to the town and are held monthly on Saturdays from September to May. Stalls feature an array of products including local produce, craft, plants and food stalls. For more information phone the Information Centre on 8852 4577.
Historic Walk of Stansbury: follow the guidebook (available for sale at the Visitor Centre), and see and learn about the historic and noteworthy buildings in Stansbury

Activities

Modern playground featuring 2 play stations
Sporting facilities including Golf Club, Cricket and Football Oval, Tennis, Netball & Basketball Courts, and Bowling Green
Monthly bingo at the Stansbury Bowling Club
Senior Citizens
RSL
Crabbing
Fishing
3 coastal walking trails within the township
Swimming
Water-skiing
Windsurfing
Old Style dance (monthly)
Line Dancing
Weekly Craft morning
Darts Club
Bike Riding

Events

Stansbury Seaside Markets have become a popular attraction to the town and are held monthly on Saturdays from September to May. Stalls feature an array of products including local produce, craft, plants and food stalls.
Stansbury Country Bazaar, held on the Easter and October long weekends, in the Stansbury Institute
New Years Eve Fireworks, Jetty Reserve, 31st December 10.00pm
Stansbury Sheepdog Trials, biennial
Stansbury & Port Vincent Classic & Wooden Boat Regatta, 1st & 2nd April 2006 - will be held biennially.
The Stansbury Visitor Centre is located in the old post office building on the corner of Weaver and Towler Street. Drop in for information, accommodation listings, maps and brochures or a memento of your visit here.

Town Facilities

Jetty, and 2 lane all-tide boat ramp
ATM facility in Hotel Dalrymple
Blue Lime Café and Takeaway
Police Credit Union, Bank SA & Commonwealth Bank agencies
Doctors from Minlaton & Yorketown Medical Centres visit twice a week
Fuel outlet at Dalrymple Motors
Stansbury Foreshore & Oyster Point Drive Caravan Parks, phone (08) 8852 4171, with camping sites available
Police and Fire Stations
Hotel Dalrymple
2 Motels
Two 7 day Supermarkets
Stansbury Meat Store
Town Institute, with Library Depot open Tuesday and Friday

Nearest Visitor Information

Stansbury Visitor Centre
corner Weaver & Towler Street, Stansbury, 5582