Eudunda - Places to See

Colin Thiele Statue
Eudunda's was the birthplace of highly-regarded educationalist Colin Thiele who achieved a degree of fame with his hugely successful children's books, 'Storm Boy' and 'Blue Fin', both of which were adapted to film. Thiele's presence is subtly suggested by the silhouette of one of his characters, 'Gustav', over each entrance to the town.

A statue of Colin Thiele is located in the park on Kapunda Street which is just south of the town's main street, Bruce Street. Thiele, who came from German stock, wrote of the local area: 'It was basically rural - farm and township, fallow and stubble, week-day and Sunday. But in being that it was much more. It was yabby creek and red gum hillock, candlelight and oven bread, mealtime grace and family Bible, Christening font and graveside coffin. It was ice on puddles and the fluffing of summer dust through barefoot toes; it was frost to the horizon and frogs in the flooded cellar and, literally, possums in the kitchen.' Thiele was born in 1920, unveiled his own statue in 1995, and died in 2006. His ashes are interred at Dayboro Cemetery with the final line "With Mr. Percival now".

The Eudunda Emporium and Trading Post
Located at 2 Gunn St, the Emporium is housed within a former general store which was also used, c.1876, as the base for a local midwife and, at one time, as an hostel. The upper storey was added at a later date. It is now operating as an antique store, tel: (08) 8581 1333.

Family Heritage Gallery
The Family Heritage Gallery is a large complex, which incorporates an old renovated cottage, displaying material relating to the history of the town and some of the townsfolk. A considerable amount of effort has gone into providing particular information on the exhibits, such as what the items were used for and by whom. Displays include old doctor's beds with inbuilt stirrups for delivering babies, furniture, clothing from the late 19th and early 20th century, farm equipment etc. The shop section includes books by Colin Thiele, local history books and family histories. The Gallery is located at 19 Bruce St and is open Friday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and at other times by prior arrangement, tel: (08) 8581 1218 or (08) 8581 1359. The entry fee is a gold coin donation.

The Eudunda Toy Soldier Museum
Eudunda also boasts a privately-owned toy soldier collection, dating from the period 1950-1970. As the owners work during the week the collection is best viewed by prior arrangement, although it is open periodically on Fridays and Saturdays. It is located at 2 Bruce St, tel: (08) 8581 1820. If calling during the week ring after 6.00 p.m. Entry is $2.50 for adults and $1.00 for pensioners and those aged under 12.

Old Immanuel College and Manse
Old Immanuel college, manse and church are located to the north of Eudunda at Point Pass. They are all fine Edwardian buildings which were originally part of the first Lutheran tertiary institution in Australia. Today they offer 'home-style' accommodation and it is possible to book for the night by contacting (08) 8581 1552.