The County of MacDonnell is one of South Australia’s 49 cadastral counties, in the Limestone Coast region of the state’s upper south-east. Governor Richard Graves MacDonnell proclaimed it in 1857, naming it after himself; he served as South Australia’s Governor from 1855 to 1862. Kingston and Naracoorte are its principal towns.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | South Australia |
| Region | Limestone Coast, upper south-east |
| Proclaimed | 1857 |
| Named after | Governor Richard Graves MacDonnell |
| Area | 4,784 km² |
| Principal towns | Kingston, Naracoorte, Padthaway, Keppoch |
| Local government areas today | Kingston District Council, Naracoorte Lucindale Council, Tatiara District Council |
Hundreds in MacDonnell County
- Hundred of Beeamma
- Hundred of Binnum
- Hundred of Duffield
- Hundred of Geegeela
- Hundred of Glen Roy
- Hundred of Hynam
- Hundred of Lacepede
- Hundred of Landseer
- Hundred of Lochaber
- Hundred of Marcollat
- Hundred of Minecrow
- Hundred of Murrabinna
- Hundred of Parsons
- Hundred of Peacock
- Hundred of Woolumbool
Towns and Localities Today
Kingston, on the Limestone Coast within the Hundred of Lacepede, is MacDonnell County’s coastal town, seat of the Kingston District Council. Naracoorte, further inland, anchors the Naracoorte Lucindale Council. Padthaway and Keppoch are smaller wine and farming localities in the county’s north, within Tatiara District Council.
Geography
MacDonnell County stretches from Kingston on the Limestone Coast to the Victorian border. It adjoins Buckingham, Cardwell and Robe counties in South Australia, and the Victorian counties of Lowan and Follett across the border.
History
MacDonnell County was proclaimed in 1857 as pastoral settlement extended along the Limestone Coast. It honours Richard Graves MacDonnell, Governor of South Australia through the mid-1850s to early 1860s.
FAQ
Is MacDonnell County still used?
Cadastral divisions like MacDonnell County remain in South Australian land titles and property descriptions, but the county itself has no government or administrative function today.
What towns are in MacDonnell County?
Kingston, Naracoorte, Padthaway and Keppoch are its main towns.
Which council areas cover MacDonnell County?
Kingston District Council, Naracoorte Lucindale Council and Tatiara District Council.