Kag & Ali Does Prison Hard Labour! Dry Creek Linear Park
- Kag & Ali
- Jul 19, 2020
- 5 min read
Dry Creek Linear Park – by Kag Allwood
A trail of intrigue and possible ghosts!
HISTORY OF DRY CREEK LINEAR PARK AND YATALA LABOUR PRISON
Looked after by Salisbury Council, the Dry Creek Linear Park gets its name from being dry during summer months. Something that Alison eventually picked up on during our walk!
Towering above the Dry Creek Linear Park, looking eerily impressive in a strange sort of way, is Yatala Prison. Many Adelaidians are unaware that this prison, once known as the Stockade, was built in 1854 making it only 13 years younger than our Old Adelaide Gaol (built 1841). From certain vantage points, you get a great look at the older parts of the prison where the resemblance to the Old Adelaide Gaol is uncanny. Yatala prison was built as a high-security hard-labour prison (Adelaide Gaol being only low to medium). They used the land below in Dry Creek for prisoners to quarry rocks and boulders used for buildings and roads. It was seen as essential work to keep the prisoners occupied and acted as a form of punishment in itself. This prison has seen many notorious prisoners over its time such as John Bunting (Snowtown murders) and Bevan Spencer Von Einem (convicted serial killer). Even Alan Bond and David Hicks spent a short time in Yatala Prison.
It was due for closure in 2011, but due to the financial climate, it remained in operation and is still operating to this day.
THE DRY CREEK LINEAR PARK TRAIL
Having parked up just off from a busy road, Alison and I made our way to the beginning of the trail. Here I discover that there is a fairly long walk ahead of me, but I needed the exercise, so all was good.
At the beginning of the Dry Creek Linear Park trail, there is a board to explain some of the buildings or structures you will see on your walk. It’s a good job we took photos of the signage as be warned, there are no more on this walk.
Off we went to explore. I would like to point out that if you come in from the entrance we did (Walkley’s Road end), please check the information board properly, unlike us. This board is actually for the other end of the trail, so walkers from our end have to view the structures backwards. Instead of starting by looking for number one (Yatala Powder Magazine), try starting with number six (R.M. Williams Site) and work backwards from there.
The first structure that we were supposed to see was the R.M. Williams site, which used to belong to the rags-to-riches self-made man who opened a number of shops in his name. We must have missed it as the next structure to come into view was one of the three Guard Towers. We did see an old, dilapidated looking building up the hill and behind a fence earlier, but that couldn’t possibly be it. We would have to look properly on our return journey.
The three Guard Towers are really interesting structures and obviously made from the quarry rock. These were built in 1870 so that the guards could keep an eye on the prisoners working in the quarries below. In differing stages of repair, they give a great insight into how things would have looked back in the day.
Although vegetation has grown over the years, you can still get a good overview of the area including the old compound areas with the fencing still intact in places.
They also provide a good vantage point to view the back of Yatala Prison.
Our favourite structure was the Blacksmith’s Shop - a very cute little building which unfortunately was locked and has bars at the windows and door. Built in 1854 by prisoners, it sits in a stunning setting, surrounded by old pepper trees. It’s one of those buildings that you just have to investigate, so we did, with some interesting results. Now it could have just been radio, but through the ghost box (a device that scans radio and white noise) we heard my name followed by the word ‘haggis’ come out in a Scottish accent [See video below]. Could it have been a previous occupant of the prison or one of my deceased rellies joining in on our walk? No, none of my relatives were in Yatala.
Our walk ended when we eventually made it to the Yatala Powder Magazine. It was a bit of a trek to get up to the building itself, but we made it. Built in 1879 it was used to hold the explosives for use in the quarries. Everything was put in place for the safety of its volatile contents. It had thick stone walls, rubber flooring to prevent sparks, lined wooden roof, lightning conductor and high walls surrounding it all. This fascinating and unusual looking building is absolutely covered in graffiti which in the right place has its own artistic beauty. Sadly though, for us, it spoils an interesting historic building.
Leaving the Powder Magazine, we clambered back down and headed back to our cars, looking for the lost R.M. Williams site on the way. Being not that far from the entrance, we again came across the dilapidated building we saw on the way in and, low and behold, it turned to be the building we were looking for.
Reginald Murray Williams purchased 55 acres in this area in 1951 and built his homestead from the quarry stones. Later the area was compulsorily purchased and the house demolished as escaped prisoners were using it to hide out in. All that remains today is the Stockman’s cottage. You can’t access the building from the trail that we were on, but from another route, leaving us disappointed. So disappointed that we rang Alison’s husband and complained about this. He is associated with the area, so it has to be his fault …. Right?
All in all, it is an amazing walk with plenty to see along the way. The history is an added bonus. Look out for the small puddles along the creek, as amazingly they are teeming with life!
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HOW TO FIND DRY CREEK LINEAR PARK TRAIL
Location:
Dry Creek Linear Park, Walkley’s Road, Walkley Heights, 5098
Please note - parking is limited.
The relatively smooth pathway is fairly flat, with a couple of small undulations.
As stated above, there are a few buildings left from days gone by which adds to the history of the area and also makes the walk that more enjoyable. It is a shame there aren’t notice boards next to these buildings with more information, rather than the quick write-up at the beginning of the walk which you have to memorise. It was also a shame that there isn’t easy access to all of the buildings, such as the Powder Magazine (we had to clamber up to that one) and also the R M Williams Site. These need to be reached from other roads.
The area is a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. We also found a large puddle with contained small fish with bees and skinks helping themselves to the water. It’s surprisingly peaceful with excellent views and many photo opportunities. There is a lack of public seating and picnic areas, but plenty of grassy areas if required.
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Salisbury Council signage
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