In & Around Bordertown

Civic Centre Walkway Gallery

Housed in the recently redeveloped Tatiara Civic Centre, the Walkway Gallery offers an exciting and diverse program of exhibitions, with particular emphasis on artists who live and work in regional South Australia.


The gallery hosts national and state tourism programs, curates local exhibitions of topical and community interest, and offers an extensive workshop program throughout the year. Open Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Clayton Farm Heritage Museum

A visit to Bordertown would not be complete without spending some time at the faithfully restored Clayton Farm. Just 3 km from the town centre, the Bordertown and District Agriculture Museum has a recently restored and refurbished homestead and a comprehensive range of vintage farm machinery where you can experience farm life as it was more than a century ago when the original settlers - the Wiese family - first occupied the land.


Open Hours: Mon, Wed & Fri - 11 am to 4 pm, Sun - 1-5 pm. Other times by appointment

Historic Horse Dip

Wiese's horse dip was built in 1931 by local landholders using timber from nearby buloke trees. Its main function was to control a parasitic itch in working horses (Clydesdales). Horses were walked into the dip and, due to the horses' size, the operators bucketed and sponged the solution over the horses to complete the task.

Poocher Swamp

The wetlands of Poocher, with its mature river red gums and abundant wildlife, inspire many artists and delight locals and visitors. Don't miss the large hollowed tree known as "Pinkie's Tree," once home to the Pinkie family. Follow the track along the north-western side of the swamp to visit the "wash pool," where Aboriginal women washed wool before it was sold to England.

Bordertown Recreation Lake

Bordertown Recreation Lake was created after the overpass was built in 1988. To develop the overpass, construction had left an ugly hole, and it was decided to turn it into a lake. Walking trails have been developed around the lake; there is also a jetty and three public artworks - the Crooked Tank, the Horse Fence, and the Sluice Gates, to look at along the way.


Fishing is a popular pastime, with the lake regularly stocked with a variety of fish. Canoeing is also another suitable leisure activity. It is a great picnic spot with a shelter and an electric barbecue.

Bordertown Skate & BMX Park

Located across the park from 105 On The Park, the park includes:

  • Concrete skate and BMX bowl for both beginners and experienced users
  • Metal Half Pipe
  • BMX jumps for all skill levels
  • BMX track for beginners

White Kangaroos - Bordertown Wildlife Park

Bordertown Wildlife Park, developed in 1968 near the Dukes Highway entrance, features Western Grey Kangaroos, Dama Wallabies, and various birdlife. Notably, it houses a mob of White Kangaroos, a genetic strain of Western Greys (not albinos). In 1980, a large White Kangaroo was captured near the South Australian/New South Wales border and brought to the park, becoming the founding father of the White Kangaroo mob. The first white joey was born in 1984, followed by another two years later.

Bordertown Swimming Pool

On the southern end of the parklands and just a short walk from 105 On The Park, the Bordertown Swimming Pool is open from mid-November to mid-March.


Open daily from 2 pm to 7 pm (above 35 degrees may stay open later). Entry fees payable

Bob Hawke Gallery

Bob Hawke, one of Australia's most iconic Prime Ministers, was born on 9 December 1929 in Bordertown, South Australia, to Congregational minister Clem Hawke and teacher Ellie Lee. After the death of his 18-year-old brother Neil in 1939, the family moved to West Leederville, Perth.

Hawke House

This house was built in 1885 as the National Bank office and manager's residence. In 1897, it was bought by the Congregational church and became their manse. In 1929, it was the birthplace of Robert James Lee Hawke, Prime Minister of Australia 1983-1991, son of Clement and Ellie Hawke, nee Lee.


Clement Hawke was a Congregational Minister in Bordertown from 1928 until 1935, when the family moved to Maitland on the Yorke Peninsula, and subsequently to Perth. The house remained the manse until the Uniting Church was formed in 1977, when it was sold and became a private house.