Claypans, South Australia

Claypans South Australia
Claypans
Coordinates	34°49′22″S 139°42′48″E / 34.8228°S 139.7132°ECoordinates: 34°49′22″S 139°42′48″E / 34.8228°S 139.7132°E
Postcode(s)	5238
Location	10 km (6 mi) NE of Purnong
LGA(s)	Mid Murray Council
State electorate(s)	Chaffey
Federal Division(s)	Barker
Localities around Claypans: Nildottie Purnong Claypans Copeville Bowhill Perponda

Claypans is a locality in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia. Claypans had a Methodist church in 1928.^[1] The school opened in 1907 and closed in 1947. The name refers to the claypan at which the settlers camped on their first night.^[2]

References

1. "CLAYPANS TO MINDARIE.". Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record (Renmark, SA : 1913 - 1942) (Renmark, SA: National Library of Australia). 7 December 1928. p. 5. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
2. "Placename Details: Claypans". Government of South Australia Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. 26 October 2009. SA0065588. Retrieved 6 April 2015. A descriptive name applied to land near Section 44, Hundred of Forster, and a school 8 km north-east of Purnong Landing opened in 1907; it closed in 1947. The veteran pioneer of Claypans, William Towill, attained his 81st birthday on 9 June 1928 - "The place was named after a claypan at which the settlers drew water and camped their first night, five dingoes running away from the claypan at their approach. The first season Mr Towill chopped down mallee scrub to the extent of 100 acres' He frequently conveys the Claypans mail twice weekly on horseback to Purnong Landing and return - a distance of over 12 miles 'on behalf of his son, W.E. Towill, who is the Claypan's postmaster".