The County of Newcastle is one of South Australia’s 49 counties, straddling the central Flinders Ranges. It was proclaimed on 22 June 1876 and named after Francis Pelham-Clinton-Hope, 8th Duke of Newcastle. Quorn, in the Hundred of Pichi Richi, is its central town.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | South Australia |
| Region | Central Flinders Ranges |
| Proclaimed | 22 June 1876 |
| Named after | Francis Pelham-Clinton-Hope, 8th Duke of Newcastle |
| Area | 3,160 km² |
| Principal town | Quorn |
| Local government area today | Flinders Ranges Council |
Hundreds in Newcastle County
- Hundred of Boolcunda
- Hundred of Crozier
- Hundred of Cudlamudla
- Hundred of Kanyaka
- Hundred of Moockra
- Hundred of Palmer
- Hundred of Pichi Richi
- Hundred of Wyacca
- Hundred of Yarrah
Towns and Localities Today
Quorn, in the Hundred of Pichi Richi, remains Newcastle County’s principal town, known for the historic Pichi Richi steam railway. The former District Council of Kanyaka-Quorn amalgamated with the District Council of Hawker to the north in 1997 to form the Flinders Ranges Council, which now administers the whole county.
Geography
Newcastle County is bordered by Blachford County to the north, Hanson County to the north-east, Manchester County to the east, Granville County to the south, Frome County to the south-west, and Dalhousie County to the west.
History
Newcastle County was proclaimed in 1876 as pastoral and agricultural settlement pushed into the central Flinders Ranges. Local government was progressively established across it between 1883 and 1888, and its western third was later ceded back to the state in the early 1900s. It is named for the Duke of Newcastle.
FAQ
Is Newcastle County still used?
Cadastral divisions like Newcastle County remain in South Australian land titles and property descriptions, but the county itself has no government or administrative function today.
What is the main town in Newcastle County?
Quorn, home to the Pichi Richi heritage railway.
Which council area covers Newcastle County?
The Flinders Ranges Council.