Point Sturt

The area was originally inhabited by the Ngarrindjeri Nation which consisted of 18 Lakinyeri (clans). 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".[8] 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 or forcibly removed to Raukkan as Europeans took over the land for farming.

The native title rights and interests of the Ngarrindjeri people were recognised in Ngarrindjeri and Others Native Title Claim on 14 December 2017. The determination granted the Ngarrindjeri people rights including the right to access and move around the Native Title Land, hunt, fish and gather, share and exchange, use Natural Water Resources, cook and light fires for ceremonial purposes, engage in cultural activities and protect cultural sites. All waterways and possibly land parcels are within the Native Title legislation with developments requiring approval through the Registered Native Title Body Corporate.

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.[1][9][10]

By the early 1850s the land on the Sturt Peninsula was divided into sections and sold to settlers.

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.[11][8] In 1855 Thomas Oakley purchased a 96-acre parcel of land at Section 13 for 96 Pounds Sterling. This property was called Nanda Farm. On the day of Thomas' death, 1 December 1880, he transferred the property to his young grandson James Albert Oakley. James owned Nanda Farm until his death in 1951 when the property then transferred to James' nephews, Albert Charles (Charlie) Oakley and Stanley Thomas Oakley. The property finally left the Oakley family after 112 years, when it was sold in 1967.[12]

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 (see photo).

Point Sturt is home to the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Echidna. The lake provides good breeding zones for the abundant bird life and is a natural habitat for the Australian Pelican, Black Swan, Kite, Cape Barren Goose, Galah, Ibis and many other birds at various times of the year. Reptiles include Turtles, Blue Tongue Lizards, Shingleback Lizards, Eastern Brown, Red Bellied Black and Tiger Snake.