With Hills-grown flavours, vibrant events, stunning natural attractions and a rich history, Mount Barker district offers something for everyone. As the Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo makes its South Australian debut at Summit Sport and Recreation Park from November 14 – 16, the team at Mount Barker District Council has given us the low-down on what to see and do while you’re here.
About Mount Barker district
Just 20 minutes from the heart of Adelaide, Mount Barker district boasts an incredible range of experiences. The region comprises 16 communities and townships, each with its own unique charm. These include Mount Barker, Hahndorf, Nairne, Macclesfield, Echunga, Meadows, Prospect Hill, Littlehampton, Blakiston, Brukunga, Dawesley, Harrogate, Kanmantoo, Callington, Wistow and Flaxley.
Taste Hills-grown flavours
Thanks to its fertile soils, the district is home to some of Australia’s most celebrated names in food, wine and spirits. From November to April every year, visitors and locals flock to the strawberry patches at family-owned Beerenberg Farm in Hahndorf to pick their own fruit to take home.
Gin lovers can sample small batch spirits from Ambleside Distillers, 78 Degrees Distillery and Tin Shed Distilling Co, while wine and food enthusiasts can enjoy the best of both worlds at Longview Vineyard in Macclesfield and Howard Vineyard in Nairne.
And for those with a sweet tooth? Don’t leave without stopping by the FruChoc’s shop in Hahndorf and try this uniquely South Australian treat.
Enjoy vibrant events
Mount Barker district is known and admired for its vibrancy, creativity and community spirit, hosting approximately sixty events each year. Major highlights include the Tour Down Under and Adelaide Hills Rally alongside seasonal celebrations such as the Mount Barker Christmas Pageant, Meadows Easter Fair and Echunga’s Hills Winter Lantern Festival just to name a few. Whatever the season, there’s always something happening here!
Be absorbed by nature
Laratinga Wetlands is the district’s environmental jewel in the crown. Located off Bald Hills Road in Mount Barker, this 12-hectare man-made sanctuary of lagoons and ponds is a haven for local wildlife, including rare species, and a popular spot with walkers and cyclists. The wetlands also celebrate Peramangk culture with a dedicated cultural precinct featuring several significant artworks.
Beyond Laratinga, explore bushland reserves including local landmark Mount Barker Summit which is right near the Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo site, Coppins Bush and Turners Bush in Littlehampton, Echunga’s Stringybark Reserve and Yantaringa Reserve near Hahndorf.
Head to Meadows in summer for the perfect photograph opportunity picking sunflowers at Atkins Farm or go behind the scenes of leading organic beauty brand Jurlique and tour the company’s biodynamic farm at Biggs Flat.
Celebrate culture in Hahndorf
Hahndorf is South Australia’s most visited tourism town and welcomes more than one million visitors every year. This iconic village blends old-world charm with contemporary culture. Stroll historic streets, savour artisan food and wine, browse boutique shops and discover the region’s rich German heritage. Hahndorf continues to captivate locals and travellers alike with its thriving arts scene, stunning natural surrounds and a warm village atmosphere. A visit to the state’s second most visited art gallery the Hahndorf Academy is a must!
Heading to Mount Barker for The Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo? Make time to explore the area’s sweeping countryside, wide range of accommodation, fresh local produce and world-class wineries, and discover why Mount Barker district is on its way to becoming the most liveable region in South Australia.
Discover more at: www.visitadelaidehills.com.au/hahndorf-mount-barker
