The town came into existence in 1840 as one of the many stopover points on the route from the Burra copper field to Port Wakefield.

The first European settlers in the area were James and Mary Dunn, who opened a hotel in 1847.

The town proper was established in 1870 by an Adelaide grain merchant, Charles Fisher.

It was named after the famous Battle of Balaklava from the Crimean War.

Fisher reversed the usual settlement process by building large wheat stores, hoping that the commercial advantage would attract farmers to the area.

The reason for this unusual development was that a “tramway” had been completed between Hoyleton and Port Wakefield in 1870 and there was no stopover point on the route.

Fisher’s instincts were correct as sheep and wheat farmers moved into the area soon after.

The first meeting of the town council occurred in 1878 and by 1885, the town had a population of 550.

Still today, Balaklava is economically driven by wheat, hay and sheep.

Balaklava hosts the annual Balaklava Cup horse racing meet in early spring, considered the largest regional racing meet in the state.

Balaklava also holds its own music Eisteddfod every year in early August.

It has been running since 1997 and is a major event for the township, attracting performers from across the state.
The town has many sporting facilities and clubs, such as the local basketball competitions, cricket and tennis in summer, with football and netball in winter.

The basketball, netball and tennis courts along with the newly developed indoor cricket nets are all centralised with the oval at Ralli Park.

Balaklava also has its own solar heated swimming pool complex, which is open to the public from mid October through to April.

The township of Balaklava has four education institutions – the Balaklava Community Kindergarten, Balaklava Primary School, Balaklava High School and the Balaklava Horizon Christian School.

Balaklava Area Committee (BAC) is responsible for assisting the community to advocate for funding and to speak to a wide range of organisations, including Wakefield Regional Council, to convey what the community really wants to happen.

The committee aims to improve and maintain the local infrastructure and environment; support continued economic growth and strategic planning; and support social wellbeing.

The committee liaises with other bodies within the town, including schools, sports clubs and community groups.

If you would like to join the Balaklava Area Comittee, download this form and follow the instructions.