Australian Travel Information "Designed by Travellers ... for Travellers"

Oakbank

OAKBANK ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Oakbank Information | Oakbank Events | Oakbank Map | Oakbank Weather

The site of the biggest picnic race meeting in the southern hemisphere, Oakbank is an attractive town with a fascinating history. Founded in 1840 by Scotsman James Johnston, Oakbank (initially Oak Bank) was named after an area near Glasgow.

In 1843 James and his brother Andrew established the Oakbank brewery – the complex is still intact and now sells cordials and soft drinks. A second brewery, Pikes, was established in 1886 and there was much rivalry between the two businesses. The Pikes brewery, complete with distinctive tower, is a local landmark and is now home to the Oakbank Weaver.

The Oakbank Heritage Walk takes in all the historic sights, including a 130-year-old oak tree that is listed on the National Trust's Register of Significant Trees. Each Easter, thousands of racegoers descend on the town to see the Great Eastern Steeplechase, a major feature of the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival. There's also a nine-hole golf course, said to be one of the best of its kind in the country.

POPULAR SOUTH AUSTRALIA TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

PLEASE NOTE: The South Australia travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for South Australia Holidays can be found on the main South Australia Holidays location guide.