Blachford County is one of South Australia’s 49 cadastral counties, about 90 kilometres north-east of Port Augusta. It runs from the east coast of Lake Torrens to the Flinders Ranges. It was proclaimed on 18 January 1877 and named after Frederic Rogers, 1st Baron Blachford, Under Secretary of State for the Colonies from 1860 to 1871.
Key Facts
| State | South Australia |
|---|---|
| Region | Flinders Ranges |
| Proclaimed | 18 January 1877 |
| Named after | Frederic Rogers, 1st Baron Blachford |
| Area | 2,940 km² |
| Principal towns | Hawker |
| Local government areas today | Flinders Ranges Council; Pastoral Unincorporated Area |
Hundreds in Blachford County
The county has 5 hundreds, proclaimed between 1877 and 1888.
- Hundred of Barndioota
- Hundred of Cotabena
- Hundred of Warrakimbo
- Hundred of Wonoka
- Hundred of Woolyana
Towns and Localities Today
Hawker, in the county’s south-east corner, is the only town. It sits within the Flinders Ranges Council area, one of the few incorporated pockets on this part of the map. The rest of Blachford County, across the hundreds of Barndioota, Cotabena, Warrakimbo, Wonoka, and Woolyana, is grazing and pastoral country, most of it in the Pastoral Unincorporated Area rather than under a district council.
Geography
Blachford County covers 2,940 square kilometres, spanning from Lake Torrens eastward to the Flinders Ranges. It is bordered by Taunton County to the north and north-east, Hanson County to the east, Granville County to the south-east, and Newcastle County to the south. The Outback Highway runs north-south through the county, and the Marree railway line, once part of the Ghan route, crosses it to the north-east.
History
The county’s five hundreds were surveyed in stages: Wonoka in 1877, Woolyana in 1880, Barndioota in 1881, and Cotabena and Warrakimbo in 1888. Grazing, mining, and tourism remain the main land uses today.
FAQ
What does Blachford County cover?
It covers Flinders Ranges country between Lake Torrens and the ranges, around 90 kilometres north-east of Port Augusta.
Is Blachford County still used?
Cadastral counties like Blachford remain in land titles and property descriptions but have no government function today.
What is the main town in Blachford County?
Hawker, in the county’s south-east corner.