This very historical site was believed to have been settled back in 1841 with the first police station.

Wellington was the first site for a river crossing given its geographical location. In 1838 the first crossing was completed.

With this, in approximately the 1850’s gold shipments were transported from Mt Alexandra through to Adelaide via our river crossing at Wellington. An upgrade of services for Wellington was ordered and the new Police station, Courthouse, stables, store and accommodation were planned. Commencing construction in about 1859 and completion in about 1861, this building was considered the most complex use of a building of it’s kind in South Australia.

There were 18 shipments of gold to Adelaide.

In 1946, the Wellington Courthouse and police station ceased as a public establishment. It was still utilized as accommodation for the Ferrymen for many years.

In 1975 a local band of residents with a gentlemen by the name of Mr. Bob Turner had a vision of this grand old girl being returned to its former glory. All South Australians should be so grateful that this piece of history didn’t go under the
bulldozers blades.

We would like to hear from any one who would like to add a story to this page. Any ancestors with information, which could assist in building an account of the years between 1840 and 1950.

The Old courthouse and Police station provides wonderful examples of early living and local history, like period costumes, artefacts and pictorial examples of the building and area back in the 1800’s.
Don’t forget to come and see our great museum.