Mount Crawford Forest

Located in the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia, approximately 15 kilometres north of Birdwood, Mount Crawford Mountain, formerly known as Teetáka, is a prominent natural landmark in the region.

The forests that grow around the mountain are collectively known as Mount Crawford Forest, managed by the South Australian Forestry Corporation.

The indigenous name of Mount Crawford, Teetáka, reflects its cultural and spiritual significance to the Indigenous tribes that inhabited the area before the arrival of colonizers. The mount was renamed in 1839 by the explorer Charles Sturt, to honour James Coutts Crawford, a Royal Navy veteran, and a pioneer cattleman who established a hut near the mountain with his drovers. During the early years of closer settlement, pioneer families settled near the area, and engaged in pastoralism and mining activities. In the late 19th century, gold was discovered in the region, and alluvial goldrush occurred. Fossicking activities still continue in the area.

Mount Crawford Forest refers to the group of government forest lands in the Mount Crawford area. The largest of the group encompasses the area around the Mount Crawford mountain, while other significant areas of the forest can be found to the west (Mount Gawler), south (Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Creek Dam), and further north (Barossa Valley). Most of the timber growth in the forest are pine trees, alongside a few native eucalypt plantations. The South Australian Forestry Corporation manages the forest and operates a visitor information centre near the mountain. The Heysen Trail passes through the forest, offering scenic trails for hikers.

The Mount Crawford region has a Mediterranean climate, with moderate to cool temperatures throughout the year. Summer temperatures typically range