The County of York is one of the 49 cadastral counties of South Australia. It was proclaimed by acting Governor Samuel Way in 1895 and named for King George V, who was known at the time as the Duke of York. The county covers a portion of the state on the eastern coast of the Eyre Peninsula, at the latitude of Whyalla, and stretches westwards to the eastern boundary of Lake Gilles Conservation Park.
Location and Geography
The County of York is located on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula, bordering the Spencer Gulf. Its coordinates are approximately 33°05′S 137°13′E. The county covers a total area of 3,419 square kilometres (1,320 square miles). It is situated within the local government area of the City of Whyalla.
Adjacent Counties
The County of York is bordered by the following cadastral counties:
- Hore-Ruthven (to the north)
- Manchester (to the north-west)
- Frome (to the west)
- Buxton (to the south-west)
- Jervois (to the south and east, across the Spencer Gulf)
Hundreds
The County of York is subdivided into seven hundreds, which are the traditional cadastral subdivisions used for land administration in South Australia:
| Hundred | Localities |
|---|---|
| Hundred of Cultana | Cultana, Port Bonython |
| Hundred of Ash | Middleback Range, Myola Station |
| Hundred of Randell | Middleback Range, Whyalla, Mullaquana |
| Hundred of Nilginee | Secret Rocks, Cooyerdoo |
| Hundred of Moonabie | Middleback Range, Cooyerdoo |
| Hundred of Batchelor | Middleback Range |
| Hundred of Poynton | Middleback Range, Murninnie Beach |
History
The County of York was established in 1895, relatively late compared to many other South Australian counties, which were first proclaimed in 1842. It was named in honour of the Duke of York, who later became King George V (reigned 1910–1936). The county forms part of the lands administrative division system of South Australia, which was established to facilitate the survey and sale of land in the colony.
