A Weekend Voyage of Discovery: From Adelaide to the Adelaide Hills, Gumeracha, Birdwood, Mount Pleasant, Springton, Eden Valley and Angaston in the Barossa Valley.
Sometimes the best weekends aren't the ones where you have every minute planned.
They're the ones where you point the car towards the hills, take the scenic road, stop whenever something catches your eye and allow the countryside to reveal itself one little discovery at a time.
For anyone living in Adelaide or visiting South Australia, there is a wonderful road-trip adventure waiting just beyond the city so if you are local and have friends visiting from interstate or overseas, a little trip like this is perfect for showing off what makes South Australia so delightful.
Pack an overnight bag, bring your appetite, leave plenty of room in the car for unexpected purchases, and set off on a weekend voyage of discovery through Gorge Road, Gumeracha, Birdwood, Mount Pleasant, Eden Valley and Angaston.
And the beauty of this scenic journey?
It's not really about getting somewhere. It's about everything you discover along the way. And you can go by motorcycle too of course, or hire a driver if you are considering sipping local wines and spirits along the way...
First Stop: A Koala Encounter
Leaving Adelaide, head into the Adelaide Hills via Gorge Road.
The landscape begins to change almost immediately. The city disappears behind you and the roads begin winding through trees, hills and beautiful countryside.
I have been riding the Gorge Road since I could first push a Malvern Star or a BMX up there with my brother and our mad mates (you know who you are), but please take care, it is alive, exhilarating, the scenery is spectacular and full of surprises too, so take it easy around all of it's gorgeous curves..
If you are a serious motorcycle enthusiast, then make a little detour into Lobethal and head for the Amberlight Cafe, it is simply South Australia's Motorcycle Mecca on weekends...
If you're travelling with children or you're simply a big kid yourself, why not make your first stop a wildlife encounter?
A visit to Gorge Wildlife Park can provide an unforgettable beginning to the weekend, particularly if you've always wanted the quintessential Australian experience of getting close to a koala.
There's something wonderfully Australian about beginning a road trip by meeting one of our most recognisable native animals.
Take your time, wander through the park and enjoy seeing some of Australia's wildlife before continuing further into the hills.
Because the weekend is only just beginning.
Gumeracha: Giant Rocking Horses and Childhood Memories
Continue towards Gumeracha, where you'll discover one of those wonderfully quirky South Australian attractions that makes a road trip so much fun.
The Big Rocking Horse is difficult to miss and frankly, you wouldn't want to.
It has become an iconic Adelaide Hills landmark and provides the perfect excuse to stop, stretch your legs and take a few photographs.
But don't simply stop at the giant rocking horse, climb up for a look from the top and make sure to get your certificate to prove that you made it.
Explore the fascinating toy shop, where you can rediscover the simple pleasure of toys, gifts and things that make you smile.
And if you're travelling with children, the opportunity to feed the kangaroos and other lovely animals makes this stop even more memorable.
It is exactly the sort of place that reminds us that travel doesn't have to be serious, or expensive.
Sometimes it's perfectly acceptable to stop beside an enormous rocking horse and have some fun.
While you are in Gumeracha, why not visit the charming Peregrine Store, a local shop that helps you get back to basics and connect to nature.
Birdwood: Motorcycles, Memories and Motoring History
From Gumeracha, continue towards Birdwood.
For anyone interested in Australia's motoring history, this is a particularly exciting stop.
The National Motor Museum provides an opportunity to explore an extraordinary collection of vehicles and discover how Australians have travelled, worked and played on the road over generations.
Cars and motorcycles aren't simply machines.
They are memories.
A particular car can remind someone of their childhood.
A motorcycle can bring back memories of a first road trip.
A classic vehicle can transport you straight back to another era.
Give yourself plenty of time to explore and keep your eyes peeled for the Bay To Birdwood annual car event each October that sees plenty of magnificent historical vehicles head up to the Birdwood Motor Museum for a static display on the lawns. You can sit on the side of the road and watch the car parade roll past or wander around the lawns 'ooh-ing and ah-ing' at classics and vintage machines too.
Then, when you're ready for something completely different, pop across the main road of Birdwood and discover the River T Store.
A Little Retail Therapy
The River T Store is the sort of unique place where you shouldn't walk in with the intention of spending exactly five minutes.
You might find yourself browsing beautiful gifts, locally inspired products and things you didn't realise you needed until you saw them.
Look out for locally created products like Heirloom Homestead's collection of soothing goats milk soaps and other carefully selected gift ware, jewellery, ladies fashion, home wares and souvenirs.
This is one of the pleasures of exploring small country towns.
You find things that aren't necessarily sitting on the shelves of every major shopping centre.
Perhaps you'll discover a gift for someone at home.
Perhaps you'll find something for yourself.
And perhaps you'll walk out carrying something completely unexpected.
That's the fun of a road trip.
And the Blumberg Hotel might be just the ticket for a lunch stop.
On to Mount Pleasant
By now, if you haven't had lunch, you'll probably be ready soon or at least in need of a good coffee.
Continue towards Mount Pleasant, a beautiful little town surrounded by magnificent countryside and vineyards.
If your timing is right on a Saturday before 12pm, see whether the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is operating during your travels.
Markets are one of the best ways to discover the personality of a country region and this has to be one of Australia's best and friendliest.
Fresh produce.
Local growers.
Homemade treats.
Flowers.
Specialty products.
People from near and far chatting with the stallholders.
It all feels wonderfully different from doing your weekly shopping in a supermarket.
Mount Pleasant Markets also create events such as The Spring Fair with added local arts, crafts and even more local food available.
On a Saturday Morning you may be surprised to see a little group of locals chatting outside the multi award winning Mount Pleasant Butcher Shop and I might be one of them. People travel far and wide to visit this tiny specialist butcher shop that is like a Tardis inside for meat lovers, full of the highest quality meats you find on earth, including Tomahawk Steaks and specialty metwursts too. Maybe bring an Esky and some ice so you don't have to miss out on this stop.
For the Motorcycle Enthusiast
If motorcycles are your thing, make time to visit Lee's Spot On Motorcycles.
There is something particularly appropriate about incorporating motorcycles into a road trip through the hills.
After all, these roads were made for exploring.
Whether you're an experienced rider, a classic-bike enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates beautiful machinery, it's another opportunity to discover a local business and meet people who are passionate about what they do.
And by this stage, you may be beginning to appreciate the theme of the weekend:
small businesses, interesting people and unexpected discoveries.
Beer, Gin, Moonshine, Cocktails and Pizza at Robbers Dog Distillery
Now comes the important part.
You've been exploring all morning and into the afternoon.
You've met wildlife.
Seen a giant rocking horse.
Visited a toy shop.
Fed kangaroos and other adorable animals.
Explored Australia's motoring history.
Browsed through beautiful gifts.
Perhaps bought some fresh produce.
And looked at motorcycles.
You deserve a drink.
Head across the road to Robbers Dog Distillery.
This is where the weekend starts to transition from sightseeing into serious relaxation.
Order a beer and Rob will tell you all about the 'Beer of The Moment'.
Try a salubrious cocktail made from Robber's Dog Gin, Rum, Moonshine or Limecello for example. I love their Moonshine Apple Pie.
Share a sensational pizza made by Cath, they are completely brilliant.
And if you are lost for ideas ask Rob or Cath, maybe even book a cabin at the local Caravan Park if you are having so much fun that you simply do not want to leave.
This is precisely why road trips like this work so well.
You're not simply travelling between tourist attractions.
You're moving from one genuinely authentic experience to another.
And each stop has its own personality.
Into Eden Valley
After lunch, it's time to head deeper into the wine country.
Make your way towards Eden Valley via Springton. There is a general store open for fuel 7 days a week (91 RON, 95 RON and Diesel available) and other essentials, and you can stretch your legs in the shade of The historical Herbig Family Tree just across the road.
The scenery becomes increasingly beautiful as you travel through the hills.
Vineyards start to appear between stretches of farmland.
The roads become quieter and there's an opportunity to drive up to the Eden Valley Scenic Look Out that is perfect for giving you an understanding of the beauty of this Valley.
And eventually you reach one of South Australia's most beautiful wine-growing areas.
If you're lucky, the Eden Valley Farm Stand may be open on the weekend.
Take a look, it is operated by enthusiastic and well known locals who focus on local, home grown, home made goodies for you.
You might find fresh eggs, (even duck eggs some days) vegetables, herbs, seasonal produce or beautiful farm-cut flowers in season from the Heirloom Homestead.
There is something wonderfully satisfying about buying fresh organic food or flowers directly from the local people who grew or produced them.
Perhaps pick up some eggs for breakfast.
Grab some fresh vegetables for dinner.
Or simply take home a bunch of flowers because they looked too beautiful to leave behind.
Again, no tourist prices here.
A Little Antique Hunting
While you're in Eden Valley, take some time to explore the local antique shop hiding in what was the old Eden Valley Winery.
Antique shopping is another road-trip pleasure.
You never know what you're going to find, and believe me, I popped in for ten minutes and came out an hour later.
Old bottles.
Furniture.
Kitchenware.
Books.
Vintage signs.
Memorabilia.
Objects that have survived decades and somehow still have a story to tell.
You might find a treasure.
Or you might find absolutely nothing.
But that's not really the point.
The fun is in looking at so much fascinating history all in one lovely location.
Into Angaston — With a Wine Detour
From Eden Valley, you can wind your way towards Angaston.
But why take the direct route?
If you've got time, make another wonderful detour and visit Brockenchack Wines. Probably best to call first and make an appointment though or check out brockenchack.com.au for booking details before set off.
Nestled around Mount McKenzie, Brockenchack is a family-owned Eden Valley winery with a beautiful story and a fascinating collection of wines.
If Trevor Harch is at the cellar door, you may find yourself staying much longer than expected while he talks you through the family's wines.
And after a day of exploring, a relaxed wine tasting can be the perfect transition into evening.
Alternatively, if you're lucky enough to have timed your trip with an event at Collingrove, check whether the famous Collingrove hill climb is taking place.
For anyone who loves motorsport, watching cars attack the hill is a completely different way to experience this beautiful part of South Australia.
Suddenly the peaceful Eden Valley countryside becomes a stage for speed, noise and competition.
Finally — Angaston
By now, you have earned the right to stop driving or at least give your Designated Driver a rest.
Head into Angaston, check into a local bed and breakfast, hotel or other accommodation and give yourself permission to relax.
No more schedules.
No more destinations.
Just dinner.
Find a local restaurant or pub.
Order something delicious from my recommended faves at The Brauhaus Hotel, Otherness, Wanera Wine Bar or the mighty Vintners where you will have the dining experience of your lifetime.
Perhaps open one of those awesome boutique wines you discovered during the day.
Chill out and think about your adventures together
The koalas.
The kangaroos.
The Giant Rocking Horse.
The cool cars.
The motorcycles.
The Mount Pleasant Market.
The Eden Valley Farm Stand.
Those almost timeless antiques.
The small batch local wines.
The exotic pizzas at Robbers Dog Distillery.
The unexpected purchases that help you capture this trip's fun memories forever.
And the wonderful scenery, and all the little moments in between that weren't on the original itinerary.
Tomorrow Morning
The next morning, don't rush home.
That's the whole point.
Wake up in the revitalising country air.
Have breakfast.
Take a leisurely drive.
Perhaps explore another part of the Barossa or Eden Valley.
Or simply find somewhere beautiful for a morning walk like up on Mengler Hill in amongst the Sculpture Park that overlooks The Barossa Valley, before heading back towards Adelaide.
Because this is the sort of weekend where the journey matters just as much as the destination.
A good drive will see you call into Nuriootpa or Tanunda in the Barossa, before following the road down into Lyndoch on the Southern End then heading towards Williamstown and The Famous Whispering Wall, for a stretch on the water's edge, on the way back to Adelaide.
The Art of Getting Lost
There is a wonderful philosophy behind this kind of travelling.
Don't try to see everything, because no doubt you will want to do this again.
Don't make a list of twenty attractions and race through them, just keep a few in mind and have a little time up your sleeve for the unexpected.
Choose a general direction and allow yourself to discover what happens along the way.
The Adelaide Hills, Gumeracha, Birdwood, Mount Pleasant, Williamstown, Eden Valley and Angaston in the Barossa Valley are filled with people who have built small businesses, farms, wineries, shops and experiences around things they genuinely love.
That's what makes exploring them so rewarding.
You aren't simply visiting attractions.
You're meeting local people with authentic stories.
And perhaps that's the greatest souvenir you can bring home.
A memory of a koala, however you can't take the Koalas home, sorry.
A photograph beside a giant rocking horse.
A beautiful bar or two of handmade soap.
A classic car.
A bottle of wine.
A bunch of freshly cut flowers.
A great pizza.
A cocktail.
And the recollection of sitting somewhere in the hills thinking:
"We really should do this again."
So pack the car or motorbike or van or book a Driver to take you.
Leave Adelaide behind.
Take the scenic route.
Stop often.
Talk to locals.
Support small businesses.
Try something you've never tried before.
And most importantly...
don't be afraid to get a little lost.
Because sometimes getting lost is the best way to discover South Australia.
If you are thinking of sipping the local wines and spirits, please drink responsibly, stay safe on our roads, and think of others.
Or, of course book a driver like Mark from SA Limousines or Sofi from Barossa Wine Tours for example, sit back and relax.
Cheers from Glenn the Wine Guy.
Amberlight Motorcycle Cafe in Lobethal is on Facebook and Instagram
gorgewildlifepark.com.au
peregrinestore.com in Gumeracha
Blumberg Hotel in Birdwood is on Facebook
The National Motor Museum in Birdwood and info on the Annual Bay to Birdwood event: motor.history.sa.gov.au
River T Store Birdwood is on Facebook for gifts and fashions
Heirloomhomesteader is on Instagram for Goats Milk Soaps and more
thebigrockinghorse.com.au in Gumeracha
robbersdog.net.au Cellar Door in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Butcher is on Facebook
lees-spoton.com.au Motorcycle Shop and Mechanical in Mount Pleasant
mtpleasantfarmersmarket.com.au
talungapark.com.au for cabins or caravan park in Mount Pleasant
Springton Post Office and General Store (and Petrol) is on Facebook
Eden Valley Farm Stand is on Facebook and Instagram
Eden Valley Antiques is on Facebook
brockenchack.com.au to book your cellar door visit in Eden Valley
sportingcarclub.com.au for info on the Collingrove Hill Climb
barossabrauhaus.com.au for meals in Angaston
otherness.com.au for food and wine in Angaston
vintners.com.au for lunch or dinner in Angaston
Barossa Wine Tours sofia@barossawinetours.me
SA Limos Phone Mark 0400101515
