Minlaton - Places to See

Minlaton Museum
A typical rural museum run by the National Trust the Minlaton Museum contains blacksmith's artefacts, domestic and rural memorabilia and some interesting information about Captain Harry Butler. Open Tuesday to Friday 1:30 p.m. to 4:40 p.m., Saturday morning on holiday weekends and during craft shop opening hours - (08) 8853 2027

Captain Harry Butler Memorial
The major attraction in Minlaton is the the Captain Harry Butler Memorial which has the extraordinary Red Devil preserved inside. Captain Harry Butler purchased this plane from the British government and shipped it to South Australia in 1919 and used it to carry airmail from Adelaide to his home town of Minlaton on 6 August 1919. This was the first flight across sea in the Southern Hemisphere by any plane. The Red Devil was then flown by Captain Butler for joy rides, barnstorming and peace loan promotion. The plane was modified in 1931 and fitted with 110 horsepower De Havilland Gypsy engine. It was last flown in 1945. It is believed that approximately 200 of these Bristol monoplanes were manufactured and this plane is the only one of this type in existence anywhere in the world. It was designed by the British government with great urgency in 1916 to meet the pressing need for a fast, single seat fighter aeroplane with the greatest possible fire power. It has a speed of 209 km/hr or 130 m.p.h and was designed by Frank Barnwell for the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company.

Harvest Corner Information & Craft Co-operative
This operates as the town's information centre. It sells local crafts and produce and operates as a tearoom. Contact (08) 8853 2600 for opening times.

Jollys Vintage Tractor and Engine Collection
Located on the main road to Maitland at the northern edge of Minlaton this is an impressive collection of old engines and agricultural machinery. It is only open by appointment. Contact (08) 8853 4306 for more details.

Port Rickaby
Located 16 km north west Port Rickaby is a quiet holiday destination on the coast. It is ideal for families with good swimming and fishing available.

Brentwood
A novel holiday on the Yorke Peninsula can be taken by booking a gypsy wagon and making your way around this part of the country by horse and wagon. For more information contact Gipsy Waggon Adventure Holidays - (08) 8853 4201

Farm holidays
A number of destinations offer farm holidays. For more information contact Sandalwood Park - (08) 8852 4455, (08) 8853 4201; Hardwick House - (08) 8852 4455, (08) 8853 4201; or The Lodge - (08) 8852 4455, (08) 8853 4201.