ATTRACTIONS SPRINGTON SA

The Herbig Family Tree is a large, hollow red gum tree at Springton. It is estimated to be 300 to 500 years old with a diameter of seven metres at its base and a height of 24 metres. A small stream runs nearby. The tree was the first Australian home of 27 year old Friedrich Herbig who arrived in South Australia in 1855. In 1858 he married 18 year old Caroline Rattey and took her to live in the tree home. The first two of their 16 children were born there. In 1860 he built a two roomed pine and pug hut nearby, and as his family increased, built a stone cottage adjacent to the hut. Today the Herbig Family Tree represents a graphic link to early European settlement of the area. Herbig family reunions are held at the tree, usually every five years, contact us for more information.

Built in 1861 on land and with money donated by George Fife Angas, Friedensberg (Hill of Peace) Schoolroom with Headmaster's residence attached also served for four decades as St Johannes Church for the early Prussian Lutheran pioneer settlers at Springton. The school was closed in 1917 as a result of the hostilities towards German people during the First World War, and re-opened in 1995 as an authentic German School Museum with original furniture and fittings and hands-on activities, including writing with pen and ink. Group visits by arrangement on a tour that includes the significant Herbig Tree, the heritage listed Friedensberg Cemetery and gift souvenir booklet. 150th Anniversary will be celebrated in 2011. Group visits by arrangement on any day. Contact Tours Organiser David Herbig on telephone 8568 2287.