It is located in the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges, around 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south-east of the Adelaide city centre.

Situated on the east side of the Mitcham district, the land was first purchased from the crown in 1841 by Richard F. Newland, manager of the Bank of Australasia.

Fifty years ago, the area was purchased from Mr. Frank Rymill by Springfield Limited which boasted a subdivisional design "entirely different from any previous scheme or organised suburban development in South Australia".

Residents were also relatively religious; citing the Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Churches of Western Christianity as their preferred choice of religion.

Carrick Hill is a property accessible to the public that was established in the 1930s by Bill Hayward and his wife, Lady Ursula.