Coobowie History
Coobowie
The location was originally called “Deception Bay” by the Government Auctioneer, Robert Cock and a Dr. R. G. Jameson, who in 1838 explored the land surrounding “a beautiful semi-circular bay.” They explored for 40 kilometres inland but did not find fresh water. They felt they had been deceived by the beautiful surroundings – hence the name.
It was the original landing spot for early settlers and their stores which were brought over by ketch. Because of the tidal inlet, it was once known as “Salt Water Creek.” The present name “Coobowie” is the name the aborigines knew it by which means “Wild Fowl and Water.”
It is here where Inspector Tolmer, of the South Australian Police Force, captured 3 bushrangers who had escaped from Tasmania after shooting 2 policemen. They had boarded a whaler and when the vessel was in the vicinity of Kangaroo Island, they had stolen a boat from the ship. After investigation Tolmer captured the men and they were transported back to Tasmania where they were subsequently hanged.
The old causeway, built in 1878 at a cost of $1080, shortened the journey around the bay by 7.2 kilometres. The town was officially dedicated on 7 January 1875.
(Information sourced from https://veryphotographic.com.au/coobowie-home-page)















Coobowie is a small, relaxed coastal town located on the heel
of the Southern Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. Its history dates back to
the mid-19th century when European settlers began to arrive in the area, with
settlers attracted by its agricultural potential.
The town of Coobowie was officially proclaimed on the 7th
January 1875, with its name derived from the Aboriginal word meaning “wild
fowl”, “a place of water.” It was originally called “Deception
Bay” by Government Auctioneer Robert Cock and Dr. R G Jameson who in 1838
explored the land surrounding ‘a beautiful semi-circular bay’. They explored
for 40km inland but did not find fresh water. Coobowie was the original landing
spot for early settlers and their stores, which were brought over by ketch;
because of the tidal inlet it was once known as “Salt Water Creek”.
It is here where Inspector Tolmer, of the South Australian
Police Force, captured 3 bushrangers who had escaped from Tasmania after
shooting 2 policemen. They had boarded a whaler and when the vessel was in the
vicinity of Kangaroo Island, they had stolen a boat from the ship. At Western
River, Kangaroo Island, the boat was wrecked on rocks. They had then stolen a
settler’s boat and had made their way to this location. To account for their
presence, they said they had harpooned a gigantic whale which had towed them
well away from their ship. They said they eventually cut the harpoon line and
had made their way to the shore. After investigation, Tolmer captured the men
and they were transported Back to Tasmania where they were subsequently hanged.
The town grew primarily as a farming and fishing community,
benefiting from its proximity to the coast. During the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, Coobowie developed further, with the establishment of various
facilities, including the hotel, schools and churches. The first institute (up
near the Baptist Church) was established in 1875 with 206 volumes in the
library. As the community grew, Rev. John Nancarrow and his congregation of 3
at the time, decided to build a church. The baptist church was completed in
1875, 1km up Gumbowie Road. The methodist church was built in 1876. The
Coobowie Hotel was also built in 1876. Both churches were made into holiday
flats named ‘The Recluse’ and ‘The Coobowie Outpost’ but have since become
private residences. The first government school came in 1878. The old causeway
was built in 1878 at a cost of $1,080. Prior to this being built, people had to
take a 7km detour to get to the other side. The present causeway has been in
use since 1966. The latest Coobowie Institute was built in 1905, being 40ft x
25ftx 15ft at first. In 1907 an extra 18ft was added, this section being
divided into 2 rooms. 1934 saw the opening of what was known as the supper
room; and in 1954 the addition of two front rooms. Unfortunately, the Institute
no longer stands on its site, replaced by housing. The Coobowie Jetty began
erection in February 1925 and was opened on 7th August 1925. It was demolished
in 1953.
Coobowie has a population of approximately 250 people, where
the median age is 59 years.
Today, Coobowie is known as the ‘Pelican Port on the Yorke’ because
of the Coobowie Estuary being home to a fascinating array of birdlife,
including pelicans. It is well known for its beautiful beaches, fishing, and as
a base for exploring the natural beauty of the Yorke Peninsula. The shallow
waters of Coobowie Bay are ideal for children to walk for miles on low tide,
fossicking for crabs, shells and marine life that can only be found on the
Yorke Peninsula.
The Coobowie Aquatic Reserve was declared for the
‘protection of important fish nursery habitats’. The reserve consists of two
areas, which are both located to the south and south west respectively of the
township. Area 1 is the Salt Creek Bay, north of the line from Port Giles Point
to the causeway on the west side of the bay. Activities allowed include fishing
from a boat or shore using rod and line or handline, collecting bait from the
beach, boating, diving and swimming. Area 2 is a small estuary known as Salt
Swamp Creek, located to the west side of both Salt Creek Bay and the causeway
(between the old and new causeways). Fishing or the collection or removal of
any marine organisms is prohibited in this area.
The town maintains a strong community spirit and celebrates
its rich history through local events and heritage preservation efforts. We
will celebrate 150 years of Coobowie in October 2025. Keep your eyes peeled for
more information about the celebrations.
Coobowie Hotel
The late rains have retarded harvest operations nearly a fortnight, but the weather is now fine, and the hum of machines is heard in all directions.
The Coobowie Hotel, a commodious building, and an ornament to the place, was opened last week under the proprietorship of Mr. Giles, late of Aldinga. The convenience will be appreciated by passengers and by visitors from Adelaide, as they have not now to go six or ten miles to seek accommodation; and the beautiful bay, which is named MacDonnell Sound on Messrs. Wigg & Son’s new map of the colony, with its shelly beach, will prove an attractive resort for invalids and such as seek a respite from the noise and bustle of the metropolis. It is not Utopian to suppose that marine villas will be dotted along the beach as communication becomes more frequent.
A few residents interested in education collected round an Inspector of Schools as he was waiting to embark for Adelaide, and stated their opinions as to the most suitable suite for a school, expressing dissatisfaction with the place proclaimed in the Gazette, it not being, as they expected it to be, on a knoll at the end of the township, but out of sight in a hollow half a mile distant. The Inspector recommended them to apply for a piece of land in a central position; but this was objected to as being too near the public-house. It was then suggested that an application should be made to Messrs. Anstey and Giles for a block, which proposal was adopted. Mr. Giles has already shown practical liberality, without respect to person or sect, by giving an acre of land at Diamond Lake to the Baptists and an allotment at Coobowie to the Wesleyans.
On Sunday the first baptismal immersion in this district was administered by the Rev. J. Nancarrow on the beach near Mr. Sharp’s property, at Troubridge. The weather was showery, but there was a good attendance. Mr. Nancarrow has two or three more candidates for the ordinance.
Displeasure Is expressed at the reply of the Treasurer to the deputation regarding vessels loading at this port clearing from Edithburgh.
If Mr. Colton thinks that he has settled the subject he does not know the people of tins place, and either he or his successor will hear from the residents about it again. It is not creditable to the Customs Department to say that captains of vessels in Port Adelaide have sometimes to go as far to do business as the Custom-House as captains here would have to do in going to Edithburgh, which is about six miles distant by land. When the tide is sufficiently low to enable them to cross at the mouth of the swamp half the distance may be saved; but the means of conveyance are not always at hand. It is not just that vessels should be compelled to clear from Edithburgh when no benefit is derived; but considerable inconvenience is involved, and expense incurred by captains and those concerned with them. Coobowie possesses geographical advantages which cannot be long ignored.
- The Coobowie Hotel, a commodious building, and an ornament to the place, was opened last week under the proprietorship of Mr. Giles, late of Aldinga. The convenience will be appreciated by passengers and by visitors from Adelaide, as they have not now to go six or ten miles to seek accommodation; and can stay in the beautiful bay.
(State Library B31797 – 20th December 1875)
- The present hotel was built in 1876 and although extensively altered inside over the years, has still retained the original look on the outside. The first licensee was William Giles, who purchased the land from Alex Reid.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 25 December 1875, page 5
Coobowie Jetty
A large and influential public meeting was held at the Coobowie Hotel on Saturday, September 12. Mr. T. Wood, salt merchant, the convener of the meeting, who presided, stated that the meeting was called to discuss the best means of getting better facilities for shipping the produce of several salt factories and limeworks now in full swing at Coobowie, and for landing goods shipped to that port. He considered that the amount, of shipping done and the fact of it being a Government town entitled them to have a jetty. Mr. W. V. Cornish thought that after drudging along for ten years landing and taking in cargo by means of bullocks and dray they were entitled to have a jetty at Coobowie, as the trade was increasing so rapidly; and that it should be declared the port of Coobowie, seeing that the- township was laid out expressly for shipping purposes, and the allotments brought as much as £G0 apiece. The Government therefore were in duty bound to spend a certain sum of money in giving the energetic and speculative manufacturers and tradespeople better shipping facilities, and they ought to agitate the Government until they got what was wanted. He understood that a jetty could be erected at Coobowie for a very trifling amount. Messrs. Tocchi, Riddle, Bartram, Elliott, Griffin, and Gordon also, spoke in favor of having a jetty erected, after which Mr. E. Johnson proposed that a memorial be prepared and forwarded to the members for the district to bring, the matter before Parliament, praying that that the Government should without delay erect a jetty at Coobowie to meet the growing trade of the place. Mr. Broadford, in seconding the motion, said the Government had either not been agitated enough in the past as to the wants of Coobowie, or they were doing a great injustice to the people who bought the town allotments and paid such a high price for them, if they would not grant their prayers and petitions but he hoped whatever had been done in the past they would let the Government know that they were alive now, and keep agitating until they had their request satisfied. The. proposition was carried. Messrs Cornish, Broadford, and Elliott were appointed a committee to draw up a memorial and obtain signatures. Mr. Cornish stated, that the postal arrangements were very unsatisfactory, and thought they were entitled to three mails a week. A great inconvenience was felt by the tradespeople by having their letters delayed so long as at present. It was proposed by Mr.Broadford, and seconded by Mr. Riddle— “That a deputation, consisting of Messrs. H, Bartram, T. Wood, W.Riddle, and W. V. Cornish wait on the Postmaster General, and lay their case before him.” This was arried.
Tenders were called for the erection of a causeway (jetty) at Coobowie in April 1923. The embankment to be 730 feet long, 9 feet wide at the top and well above highwater mark. It was estimated that 3,000 cubic yards of stone would be used. A short jetty and wharf to be built at the sea end, a track line of 40lb rails, 3ft 6in gauge, running the full length. Mr Brennan secured the contract.
In February 1925, Mr White had commenced the timber work of the jetty at Coobowie. Six 35ft pies were to be driven into a depth of 17ft. The timber work to extend to a distance of 95ft from the sea end. Two berths were to be provided, one on each side of the pile end. A small dredger was to be engaged to deepen a basin to 6ft at low tide.
COOBOWIE. OPENING OF COOBOWIE JETTY.
Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 – 1954), Saturday 15 August 1925, page 3
At. 3 o’clock on Friday, August 7, 1925, the new jetty at Coobowie was officially opened by Mr E. A. Farquhar (Chairman of the Harbors Board . Mr. E. H. Giles, J.P , Chairman of the Melville District Council, and also Chairman of the Coobowie Jetty Committee, in introducing Mr Farquhar, said it was for all present an interesting occasion. They had looked for this event for some 20 years. He referred to the period when jetty tolls had been collected at Coobowie, although at that time they were without shipping facilites in the way of a jetty or wharf. After a deal of agitation the charges were removed. The people were at that time, as now, quite prepared to pay jetty dues if they had jetty facilities. He was pleased to say the Harbors Board had now provided them with a jetty that will meet their requirements for some time to come. He had pleasure in asking Mr. Farquhar to declare the jetty open.
The Chairman of the Harbors Board said it gave him great pleasure to be present that afternoon. Coobowie was probably the oldest port on the Peninsula, and was the last to be provided with harbor facilities. The jetty had cost a great deal, and he hoped it would be used by the residents and farmers. The Board’s motto was “No service without charge and no charge without Service.” The old Marine Board by-law of jetty tolls being levied at all shipping places within three miles of a jetty was brought into force because in several places residents had asked for a jetty and after it had been erected they had shipped alongside of it instead of using the equipment provided. The speaker mentioned that, the Members for the District (Messrs. Allen and Tossell) had worked hard for the jetty, and had been champions for Coobowie. He had very great, pleasure in declaring the jetty officially opened.
There was a large crowd of residents and visitors present. After the opening ceremony an adjournment was made to the Institute Hall, where light refreshments were partaken and several toasts honored. Sir. E H. Giles presided, and among those present were the following gentlemen : —Messrs E. A. Farquhar (Chairman of Harbors Board), R de N. Lucas (Harbors Engineer), W J P. Taylor {Secretary Harbors Board), Messrs H. G. Tossell and P. Allen, M’s P., H. Bartram, T. Croser (Coobowie Harbor Master), Capt. Patterson (Edithburgh Harbor Master), J. W. Bartram (Postmaster, Coobowie), B. Kinnare, Cr. B. H. Farrow (Yorke town Corporation), L G. Bertram, W. Diprose, and R. Wilkinson.
After the loyal toast had been honoured, Mr. R. Kinnane proposed ” The Parliament of South Australia.” In doing so he said he felt sure that if it had not been for the efforts of Messrs Allen and Tossell there would have been no jetty at Coobowie that day. Both gentlemen had been most persistent, and it was mainly due to their effort that the jetty had been erected. He referred to the splendid work done by both Members in connection with the Yorketown School and Hospital and the Edithburgh Road.
Messrs. Allen and Tossell responded, and both expressed pleasnre at being present at such a fine gathering, and at the interest taken in the jetty.
Mr. Tossell, in proposing ” The Harbors Board,” said they were indebted to that Department for the jetty. As the Board was at present constituted it generally took a wide view of requests from outports for harbor facilities.
Mr. Farquhar acknowledged the toast, and said he had been asked why the steamer that brought them over the Gulf had gone to Edithbuigh and not to Coobowie. As the boat, drew 11 feet he had been wondering which would be cheaper to bring the boat to the jetty or take the jetty to the boat. He again wished them success, and hoped the jetty would meet their requirements.
Mr. B H Farrow proposed “The Port of Coobowie,” and in doing so congratulated the Jetty Committee on the way they had worked to get the structure erected.
Mr. Henry Bertram, who lived for 50 years at Coobowie, was pleased to be present. He felt like coming back to the old spot. He wished them good luck, and hoped the future would repay them for all the good work they had done.
Mr. E H Giles responded on behalf of the Committee. He said Coobowie was the oldest port in the immediate neighborhood. He could remember being told of an incident that occurred about 1840, when a sailor was found by the late Charles Patrington attempting to make a rude raft to ship himself form Salt Creek (the present Coobowie) to Port Adelaide. From those days until the present Coobowie had been a shipping port. He was sorry that Mr. A. N. Byrne, one of the original movers for the erection of a jetty, had been unable to be present. Mr. Giles concluded a very interesting speech in hoping that before next grain season the basin would be deepened on the sea end of the jetty, and thus allow the larger craft to load.
At the insistance of Mr Peter Allen the health of the Jetty Committee, Chairman, and Ladies was heartily drunk.
A public tea meeting followed, and was well patronised. In the evening the Coobowie Cricket Club social and dance took place.
The Jetty was demolished in 1953.