Coromandel Valley

Where is it?: Coromandel Valley is a south-eastern suburb of Adelaide near Blackwood. It is bounded by Main Road, a stepped line north-east to Ackland Hill Road, then west to Driscoll Road, 

Local Council area: City of Mitcham, City of Onkaparinga

Landscape Management Region: Green Adelaide

History: The ship Coromandel, 662 tons (Capt. William Chesser), came to South Australia in the infant days of the province, under charter to the Colonisation Commissioners, with 156 passengers for Adelaide, a general cargo, a special consignment of Government stores, surveyors’ tents, Manning cottages, bank notes, and specie to the value of £10,000. She left Deal on September 9, 1836, and reached Holdfast Bay on January 12, 1837, or 13 days after the proclamation of the province. The crew of the Coromandel were so attracted by the accounts they heard of this New Land of Promise that, when the time was approaching for the departure of the vessel, some of them resolved to abscond and hide in the bush until after it had sailed. Taking hammocks and a good supply, of provisions, they proceeded in a body to the hills above Brownhlll Creek, where they formed a camp, situated (according to an authority quoted by Miss Murray) at a creek on what is now Mr. Laffer’s property, just west of the National Park. There they slung their hammocks on a spreading gum tree to be out of the way of wild dogs, kangaroos, and snakes. Probably they moved camp after a little while to Chambers Creek, on the south side of the River Sturt, and near the place since called Cherry Gardens, for the description glven by one of them states that their camp was at the foot of a high hill, the summit of which commanded a fine view of the gulf, and from which, a few weeks later, they had the satisfaction of witnessing the Coromandel pass out on her return voyage.

Places to see birds: Frank Smith Park, Sturt River Linear Park 

Total Species Recorded to Date: 89 (non-passerines 42, passerines 47)

Common Species: Adelaide Rosella, Rainbow Lorikeet, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, Australian Magpie, Magpielark

Less Common Species: Australian Hobby, Red-rumped Parrot, White-naped Honeyeater, Little Wattlebird, Brown Thornbill, Red-browed Finch

Note: This checklist is a guide to the bird species that have been recorded in this local area. We encourage you to record your sightings and add your locality on the checklist and return to Birds SA for inclusion in the Biological Survey of South Australia database. 

Updated: 24/07/2021