If you are planning a visit to Adelaide, South Australia, you should consider visiting Mount Barker, the city seat of the District Council of Mount Barker. Mount Barker is situated about 33 kilometres from the city center and is home to a population of 16,629 people. It is one of the fastest growing towns in the state. There are several attractions and things to do in Mount Barker. Here are some of the most popular activities.
SteamRanger Heritage Railway
You can enjoy a day trip to this historical volunteer railway and ride a steam train or diesel. The railway has an 80km line and runs both steam and diesel stock. The trains travel at a slow pace and stop at each location, making the journey as scenic as possible. Steam trains are more fun to ride than diesel ones, so you can take the family along to enjoy the scenic scenery. This historic volunteer railway is well worth a visit if you love history and trains.
There are many things to do in Mount Barker and the SteamRanger Heritage Railway offers different rides. Train rides depart from the Mount Barker station in South Australia and visit the town of Victor Harbor. The train travels up the crest of the line and winds down the eastern escarpment of the southern Mt Lofty Ranges. There are a few long abandoned stations along the way that you can visit.
Prancing Pony Brewery
The Prancing Pony Brewery in Mount Baker SA produces award-winning beers and cider. All brewing activities are carried out on-site in full view of the public. You can enjoy an extensive menu of local produce and enjoy the award-winning brews at the beer garden. You can also try local wines and other non-alcoholic beverages. While weekends are busy, the place is also well-suited to families. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the beer garden.
The Prancing Pony Brewery in Mount Baker, South Australia, is an independent craft brewery that won the World’s Best Beer award in 2016. Founded in an industrial shed in Mount Barker, the business has since opened a dining hall in Totness, a suburb of Adelaide Hills. The beer list is growing each year, and their food menu is expanding as well. Among the award-winning ales are Pony Stable Muck, India Red Ale, and Pagans Empire. If you’re a true hop-head, you’ll love Prancing Pony’s brews.
Prancing Pony Brewery is a fantastic destination for a weekend in the Adelaide Hills. With its unique brewshed experience, you’ll have the chance to watch the beer brewing process up close and personal. The beer is brewed with local ingredients, and the brewmaster’s friendly staff will gladly answer any questions you may have. You can also dine on a wood-fired pizza. You’ll enjoy an award-winning brew and plenty of food options.
Laratinga Wetlands
Located in Mount Barker, South Australia, the Laratinga Wetlands were built in 1999. The area gets its name from the Aboriginal Peramangk people’s word for the local creek. Visitors will enjoy a variety of activities and attractions while exploring this natural park. It’s well worth the trip! Here are some things to do in Mount Barker:
When visiting Mount Barker, make sure to take the time to explore the Laratinga Wetlands, located in a suburban area. You’ll find a walking track with boardwalks along the banks of a lake, as well as a koala-filled effluent pond. It takes approximately 45 minutes to walk around the wetlands, and you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of native wildlife.
The Laratinga Wetlands are a 0.7-mile (1,500 steps) walk. It features natural habitat for a variety of species, including a koala, tiger lizard, and a variety of frogs and other native animals. The Wetlands are also an excellent spot to enjoy a picnic, and they are equipped with picnic tables and shelters.
Mount Barker Summit
At 513 metres above sea level, Mount Barker Summit offers spectacular panoramic views of the region. Located in the Bremer Valley, Mount Lofty and the Cream Bowl regions, the peak is an important location for hiking and nature enthusiasts. The peak is also home to important conservation areas and the Peramangk people. Whether you want to explore the natural environment or hike through the wetlands, Mount Barker Summit is the perfect place to start.
To reach the summit, drive approximately forty minutes from central Adelaide. To get there, take the South Eastern Freeway and exit at Bald Hills Road. Continue on this road to a roundabout, where you’ll find the Old Princes Hwy. From here, follow the road and continue onto Summit Road. Continue up Mount Summit Road, which will take you to the carpark. This walk is suitable for people with limited time. If you’d like to see Mt Lofty from the top, make sure to pack enough water.
Originally, the Peramangk people lived at Mount Barker. Later, the Ngarrindjeri people used the area for ceremonial purposes. As a result, Mount Barker is considered an important Aboriginal area, and may be one of the most sacred places near Adelaide. It is also important to note that Captain Charles Sturt first sighted Mount Barker during his voyage down the Murray River in 1830. Matthew Flinders later mapped Mount Lofty from the deck of his ship, the “Investigator.” After the discovery of Mount Barker, Sturt recommended further examination of the land and made a recommendation for a settlement.
Hills Sculpture Trail
The Hills Sculpture Trail is an excellent way to explore Adelaide’s beautiful countryside, including the acclaimed Mt Barker sculptural park. With 26 sculptures and a variety of locations to visit, this trail offers the opportunity to explore the Fleurieu Peninsula and other great Adelaide Hills towns. Stops on the Sculpture Trail include Hahndorf Fairy Garden, The Farm Barn, Beerenberg, and the sculptural park at Mount Barker.
The Hills Sculpture Trail is a 1.7km scenic route through the town of Mount Barker, SA, featuring the works of internationally acclaimed South Australian sculptor Silvio Gibson. The sculpture trail, which spans the hills from Newenham to Mount Barker, features over two dozen works by local artists. A guide can be arranged to take you along the trail and answer any questions you may have.
Ukaria Cultural Centre
Located in the Adelaide Hills, the UKARIA Cultural Centre in Mount Barker, South Australia, has been hosting concerts since the mid-1990s. Recently, they built a new, 220-seat concert hall to replace their modest old one. This purpose-built facility boasts excellent acoustics and stunning views of the surrounding Adelaide Hills countryside. It is a great place to enjoy live music in an incredibly beautiful setting.
When UKARIA began the project, it had to find an environmentally sustainable way to construct a new home for chamber music ensembles. The roof of the Ukaria Cultural Centre was constructed using composite steel & single-span timber beams with highly detailed triangular panels that varied in depth for acoustic performance. The interior wall spaces were made from plywood. The building’s interior is a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary design elements.
The Ukaria Cultural Centre has a story similar to many other arts institutions in Australia. It opened its new 220-seat concert hall in 2015, replacing the modest concert hall it had previously had. In the meantime, the building’s occupant, Ulrike Klein, had been hosting chamber music concerts on the site of a former herb farm. Eventually, she decided to build a purpose-built venue that was both beautiful and functional.
Totness Recreation Park
Located in the central Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia, the Totness Recreation Park is a 41-hectare protected area. The park is divided by the South Eastern Freeway and features a large dam. Visitors to the park are encouraged to go fishing, birdwatching, or horseback riding. Getting lost in this natural beauty spot will be an adventure in itself! You can even take a rafting tour in the park!
Located between the towns of Hahndorf and Mount Barker, Totness Recreation Park is a beautiful place to relax, hike, and cycle. The park offers a number of activities that visitors can enjoy year round. It is also home to a number of other nature attractions in the region. A map of Totness Recreation Park is available below. After you’ve explored Totness Recreation Park, make sure to visit other parks near Mount Barker.
The Totness Recreation Park is located 25km from Adelaide and is just 2.5km from Mount Barker. It contains 41ha of parkland. It is separated into 9ha north and 32ha south by the South Eastern Freeway. A 1.5m high concrete storm water pipe connects the two parts. Access to Totness Recreation Park is restricted to the public, and the park is surrounded by rural properties. You can take a leisurely stroll through the park or take your dog for a jog.
9 interesting facts about Mount Barker SA
- Mount Barker is a town located in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia.
- Mount Barker is known for its cool climate, which makes it a popular location for growing fruit and vegetables.
- The town has a rich history, with many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Mount Barker Summit Lookout and the Mount Barker Homestead.
- Mount Barker is home to a number of wineries and breweries, making it a popular destination for wine and beer lovers.
- The town is home to a number of sporting clubs, including the Mount Barker Football Club, the Mount Barker Cricket Club, and the Mount Barker Rowing Club.
- Mount Barker is located near a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Adelaide Hills Wine Region, the Barossa Valley, and the Adelaide Hills Scenic Drive.
- The town has a number of public parks and reserves, including the Mount Barker Summit Reserve, the Mount Barker Linear Park, and the Mount Barker Springs Conservation Park.
- Mount Barker is home to a number of events and festivals, including the Mount Barker Summit Fair and the Mount Barker Agricultural Show.
- The town has a strong community spirit, with a number of local organizations and groups, including the Mount Barker Rotary Club and the Mount Barker Community Development Association.
