Curramulka
The town of Curramulka was surveyed in 1878. The name reputedly refers to 'emu' (curre) and 'deep waterhole' (mulka).
In the 1870s when new farming land was being sought further from Adelaide, pastoralists established sheep runs in the Yorke Peninsula. For some time the area was populated largely by the shepherds caring for these flocks. In August and September 1876 hundreds of people travelled by steamer from Adelaide to Stansbury, walking to Curramulka to view land being offered for sale in the first selections.
The small township of Curramulka is located 186 kilometres from Adelaide, and is part of a busy farming community. It is within easy driving distance of the coastal townships on either side of the peninsula, and is only a short drive from Minlaton.
Curramulka has become well known for its ‘Curramulka Lights Up!’ event held the first Saturday in December, attracting visitors from across the peninsula and state. The community comes alive every night in December following the event, celebrating the festive season with spectacular Christmas light displays throughout the town.
Curramulka is acknowledged as having the most extensive chain of limestone caves in the southern hemisphere. They are not open to the public for exploration, but the police rescue squad are regular visitors to the caves, who use the caverns as part of their training exercises.
In the late 1800′s Curramulka was a thriving town and an important service centre, providing services to the farmers who were travelling to the main port of Port Julia with their grain.