Anstey Hill walk

Prior to European settlement, the Kaurna (Gar-na) people lived in areas like Anstey Hill during the cooler months, using the woodlands for fire, warmth and shelter. During the summer, the Kaurna lived along the coast, taking advantage of cool, ocean breezes.
Anstey Hill was named after George Alexander Anstey (1814–1895), a local viticulturalist. Ruins throughout the park provide evidence of early European settlement, including Ellis Cottage and Bakehouse and Newman’s Nursery. Restored by the Friends of Anstey Hill, the cottage is located inside gate one. Newman’s Nursery was one of the first commercial nurseries in the Adelaide area.
Dolomite and quartzite was mined in the park for many years, and was used in the construction of roads throughout Tea Tree Gully. Stone quarried at Anstey Hill is featured in the Adelaide War Memorial on North Terrace, Adelaide Town Hall, St Peters Cathedral and Adelaide General Post Office. The last quarry closed in 1982.
The park was dedicated in 1989 in response to public demand that the government protect the land from development.

setting off

walk on "water"

lost in the wilderness

walk on

can you see what I see!

and here

at the nursery

In 1854 C F Newman purchased 68 acres within the Park and named it Water Gully, where he pioneered a nursery. At the height of it's operation the property covered 469 acres, with extensive glass and hot houses. By 1889, stock included 500,000 fruit trees, 100,000 orange trees, 100,000 vines, 300 varieties of orchids and 600 varieties of roses. A retail outlet established in rundle Street marketed produce to Australia and overseas. Newman was killed when he fell from his horse while returning from a council meeting in 1899. His family carried on the business until 1913, when two major storms caused extensive damage, from which the nursery never fully recovered.

a cool place to hide

and be found!

catch a stick insect!

another view?

view of ruins

the road back down