The area was originally inhabited by the Ngarrindjeri nation which consisted of 18 Lakinyeri. Although the population of the Ngarrindjeri nation is unknown, it is believed to have been substantial, as the lake and surrounds provided plenty of food and water. The Ngarrindjeri name for the end of Sturt Peninsula was "Tipping", which meant "the lips". Contact with Europeans and subsequent exposure to various diseases in the early 1800s had a devastating effect on the Ngarrindjeri population, and many people died. Many others were displaced as Europeans took over the land for farming.
European settlement
The Sturt Peninsula was discovered in December 1837 by a team of European explorers led by Thomas Bewes Strangways and Young Bingham Hutchinson who travelled by water from Currency Creek to Lake Alexandrina to ascertain its extent and outflows. Point Sturt was the name they gave to their landing place at the end of the Peninsula. By the early 1850s the land on the Sturt Peninsula was divided into sections and sold to settlers. Most of the native vegetation including dense woodlands of Mallee, Pink Gum, She-oak and native pines were harvested for fuel for paddle steamers. The peninsula comprises a sand dune capped with secondary limestone, which provided many challenges to farmers trying to plough their fields. However, the stones were a very useful resource for building houses and fences. Many of the original buildings and stone fences are still standing and are a distinctive feature of what is now Point Sturt. A good example of this architectural element can be seen today in its original form at Nanda Farm. Early European settlers include dairy cattle breeder John H. Yelland, sheepfarmers George and William Pearce and Thomas Oakley, and pastoralist and politician John Howard Angas. Thomas Oakley built and lived in the stone cottage at Nanda Farm.
Establishment of the locality
Boundaries were created on 31 August 2000 for the locality which was given the " long established local name" which is derived from the point at the east end of the Sturt Peninsula.
Most of the land at Point Sturt is used for cattle and sheep grazing.
A good portion of Point Sturt is a designated conservation area and is part of a Ramsar site.
Free camping is available at the end of Point Sturt Road. The area is completely natural, and there are no facilities, so vehicles must be self-contained. Please take all rubbish away and leave the environment as you found it.
Lake activities - sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, jetskiing, fishing and swimming.
