Colin Thiele Driving Tour Preview

Colin Thiele was one of Australia's most versatile authors, publishing over 100 books, and receiving universal acclaim in Australia and overseas. Some of his novels including Storm Boy, The Fire in the Stone, Blue Fin and Sun on the Stubble have been filmed for cinema television.

Colin was born in Eudunda in 1920 and this is a journey of recognition of some of the sights and places he grew up with during the early years of his life. The Colin Thiele Drive is a journey of approximately 25 kilometres, taking in the scenic beauty the district has to offer whilst highlighting spots of interest from the early life of Eudunda's favourite son - author and educator Colin Thiele.

Commencing at the Heritage Gallery in Bruce Street, the Colin Thiele Drive winds through the town and nearby countryside, the points of interest are signs fronted with 'Gustav and his Dog'.

Depart from the Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery in Bruce Street, travel north, turn left onto Lloyd Street, and then turn right onto Barwell Street.

The second house on the left (no 26) was home to two of Colin's bachelor uncles where he lived whilst attending Eudunda Higher Primary School.

It was here he first heard the stories of 'Uncle Gustav's Ghosts', stories he used in later books.

Continue along Barwell Street and turn left onto Bruce Street. Travel 0.6km and turn left onto Pine Avenue. The first house on the left was Mutter Knabe's Nursing Home where Colin was born in November 1920.

Return to Bruce Street (World's End Highway), and continue northwards for 3.8km, passing the SA Water pumping station on the left, to the small settlement of Emmaus, founded in 1872 with a church, manse, and later a school. All that remains today is the cemetery found adjacent to the pine plantation. Turn left at the intersection onto Emmaus Road.

Travel 1.8km along this road and you will see the ruins of the Rabbit Cannery Factory to your left. This was established in 1878 in an attempt to eradicate the plagues of rabbits in the district at that time.

Continue a further 1km, passing one of the districts larger dairy herds, then turn right onto Julia Road. Travel 2.3km and veer right onto Scenic Road. Louann Park is on your right (named after popular Julia family of the early 1920's - Lou and Ann Rahder).

Travel 1.3km - on your left is the home of Colin Thiele from 1920-1936, the view to the right overlooks the Murray Flats to the east.

Travel north along Scenic Road for 2.3km to Reichelt Road taking in the view over escarpments, of the golden church spire of Immanuel Lutheran Church Point Pass, and the wide valley below.

Turn left onto Reichelt Road, and travel 1.8kms to Julia Road. Turn left, 0.3km on your left is the old Julia School which Colin attended. This is a private residence; please respect the owner's privacy.

At the 1.1km mark is the Julia Lutheran Church and cemetery where Colin Thiele's parents and grandparents are buried. (Note the nearness of Colin's family home away to the left).

The church is now a private residence.

Drive on south, passing Louann Park again, and after 4.6km, turn right onto Hampden Road.

All that remains of the Railway Station is the platform on your left. Colin caught the train here to Kapunda where he attended High School. The complex of buildings on the opposite side of the road was once the thriving store of AG Obst.

Return to Julia Road; turn right onto the narrow bridge over the old Kapunda-Morgan railway line.

After 4km, turn left onto the Eudunda-Marrabel Road and continue to the T-junction.

Turn left towards Eudunda.

At the 0.6km mark, 50 metres to your left, is a Gustav marker against the fence.

In the gully behind are the Eudundacowie Springs. The springs are not accessible to the public.

Travel on the bitumen towards Eudunda, after 0.7km turn left into Gunn Street.

If you have time, in the parking bay to your right (before you turn) is the start of the track to the lookout. This is a short but steep 5 minute walk which provides wonderful views over the town and beyond.

After 0.3kms you will arrive at the car park for the Centenary Gardens, where you can rest a while with Colin Thiele, at his sculpture.