Bowman Park, Crystal Brook

205km N from Adelaide CBD

Where is it?: Bowman Park is about 5km E of Crystal Brook off the Gladstone-Huddleston Road. Camping is allowed at this site.

Owner: Crown Land managed by Port Pirie Regional Council.

Bowman ParkProperty summary: Total area c. 31 hectares. Hundred of Crystal Brook – Section 1900; Hundred of Howe – Sections 7 and 2411.

Landscape Management Region: Northern and Yorke

History:  Sections 7 and 1900 were first proclaimed as a Waterworks Reserve on 30 May 1940 2. On the 30 June 1960 they were declared a Recreation Reserve under the care, control, and management of the District Council of Crystal Brook 3. Sections 7 and 1900 were resumed on 23 December 1982 and along with Section 241 dedicated as a Recreation Reserve under the care, control and management of the District Council of Crystal Brook 4. On 4 October 1990 Section 1900 was declared Bowman Park sanctuary5.

The Bowman Park Committee, a group of volunteers meet monthly to discuss improvements and maintenance of the park. 

Habitat: Along the Crystal Brook there is Woodland of South Australian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon). On the higher slopes there is Mallee Box (E. porosa), Southern Cypress Pine (Callitris gracilis). Understorey plants here include Elegant Wattle (Acacia victoriae), Golden Wattle (A. pycnantha) and Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa).

Bowman ParkMore information: Crystal Brook Community Association

Total Species Recorded to Date: 69 (non-passerines 27, passerines 42)

Common Species: Peaceful Dove, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, Australian Magpie, Crested Pigeon, Willie Wagtail, Dusky Woodswallow

Less Common Species: Rainbow Bee-eater, White-winged Chough, Black-faced Cuckooshrike, Diamond Firetail, Yellow-rumped Thornbill

References:
 1 Port Pirie Regional Council-Community Land Register. ID#25. 

 2 Waterworks Reserves. The South Australian Government Gazette. Government of South Australia: 22: 1161. (30 May 1940). 

 3 Crown Lands Act, 1929-1957: Hundreds of Crystal Brook and Howe—Waterworks Reserve Resumed and Recreation Reserve Dedicated. The South Australian Government Gazette. Government of South Australia: 27: 1692. (30 June 1960). 

 4 Crown Lands Act, 1929-1980: Hundreds of Crystal Brook and Howe—Recreation Reserve Resumed and Dedicated. The South Australian Government Gazette. Government of South Australia: 73: 1930. (23 December 1982). 

 5 National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1972. Declaration of Sanctuary. The South Australian Government Gazette. Government of South Australia: 86: 1089. (4 October 1990). 

Updated: 9/01/2022