Whether you’re new or old to the Hills, sporting and activity groups can be the best way to meet new friendly faces, and form strong friendships within your community. From setting the alarm for an early morning swim, kicking the footy, or popping out for a spot of croquet, forming a healthy routine around sporting activities is one of the most fun and social ways to keep your mind and body moving!
If sport isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get involved with like-minded locals, get your creative juices flowing, and learn fascinating new skills – have a read of our Local Community and Connection guide for some other great ideas!
At Newenham, we’re all about living life to the fullest and making the most of the fresh Hills air – get out, get active or join a local sports group. The Hills is full of them, so we’ve done the running around, so you don’t have to … until you get there, of course. Whether you’re a fitness expert or out of your element, these groups are a fantastic way to start a new hobby and make new friends in a team environment. We’ve put together the ultimate list of Mount Barker sporting and activity clubs to get you into the team spirit and meeting the people in your neighbourhood – there really is something for everyone!
Adelaide Hills Masters Cycling Club
Established in 2007, The AHMCC welcomes female cyclists over 30 years and male cyclists over 35 years wanting to cycle competitively in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Their focus is to promote improved health and wellbeing and they have established a name for well organised, safe and enjoyable events with a strong social atmosphere. A great place to start if you’re interested in competitive cycling.
Mount Barker Aquatic Centre
A brand new aquatic centre for Mount Barker has been announced to accommodate the needs of a growing hills community. Planned to be located within a precinct bordered by Bald Hills and Springs Road, Mount Barker. The site already contains Stage 1 of the Summit Sport and Recreation Park, linear trail, heritage barns and will include a planned adventure playground. An exciting recreation opportunity for all those in the Adelaide Hills!
Mountain Pool Amateur Swimming Club
In operation since 1957, this longstanding club is open to swimmers of all ages. While the club offers regular training sessions, they also have championships and club nights throughout the year. Expert backstroker or freestyler? You can even compete at state and national levels through the club.
Mount Barker Cricket Club
Formed in 1872, the Mount Barker Cricket Club is still regarded as one of the best in the region. With teams from juniors to seniors, they also have a number of volunteer positions available if you’re not quite up to baggie-green status. From scoring to umpiring, as well as coaching and leadership roles, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get on the field.
Mount Barker Croquet Club
Make like the Queen of Hearts, don your best garden gown and enjoy a spot of croquet at the Mount Barker Croquet Club. Something a little bit different, the Croquet Club hosts weekly tournaments for all members.
The Mount Barker Football Club
The MBFC is more than just a football club, it’s a thriving community with 300 players and 700 members. The club is focused on engaging the community with events throughout the year like the Sponsor’s Breakfast and Ladies’ Day. There are junior and senior teams, as well as a separate AFL Women’s club. Get involved for a bit of footy fever.
Mount Barker – Aston Hills Golf Club
Who doesn’t love a putt on some lush green lawns? A great way to get sociable with fellow buggie-lovers, the Aston Hills Golf Club is as pretty as they come, complete with crooked creeks and pristine little ponds. Suitable for pros and not-so-pros, the course is easily accessible to everyone, with an easy walk across the 18-hole course. Featuring a fully licensed Clubhouse with views of the property, as well as The Bistro, you can stop by for a casual lunch or a fancy dinner after your hole-in-one.
Mt Barker United Netball Club
Winter is the key season, Mt Barker United Netball Club is open with opportunities to play, umpire or coach. Located on Howard Lane Mount Barker, the club is linked to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, allowing teams to attend Adelaide games at discounted rates. Community spirit abounds in this club, with frequent family and quiz nights allowing players to mingle off the court.
Mount Barker United Soccer Club
Home to 22 teams of 260 players, this soccer club is a shining example of a community in action. With a strong focus on teaching soccer within a positive and encouraging environment, the club is great for all ages. The official home & clubrooms are at the new Summit Sport and Recreation Park at Springs Rd, Mount Barker. Officially opened in April 2021, the park boasts two synthetic soccer (football) pitches, complete with clubrooms and facilities.
Find out more about Summit Sport and Recreation Park
World Taekwondo Mount Barker
Let’s face it, we’ve all watched action movies at times in our lives and wished we could move like a taekwondo master. A great way to boost confidence, exercise, meet new people and learn self-defence, taekwondo is suited to big and little kids alike. Classes are available to adults and children aged five and up, combining an active lifestyle with real-life skills.
Can’t decide on a sport? Try these all-rounders…
Adelaide Hills Arts Centre
There’s more to getting active than ball sports and swimming pools – you can also get your heart racing through artistic expression. Dance classes are a great way to exercise all that creative energy. Get involved at the Adelaide Hills Performing Arts Centre, located in Mount Barker, with a variety of classes including ballet, tap, contemporary and hip-hop. They’ve also got drama and singing classes on offer.
The Adelaide Hills Recreation Centre
Volleyball, Gymnastics, Badminton, Netball, Basketball – you name it. If you can tap it, hit it, throw it, bounce it – they’ve probably got it. It’s a fun option for the whole family in the heart of Mount Barker.
Summit Sport and Recreation Park
The Mount Barker District Council opened a premier regional sports hub to serve the whole community in April 2021. This purpose-built facility found at 304 Springs Road, Mount Barker, accommodates a range of sports including football, soccer, netball and tennis. It also includes grandstands, multi-purpose clubrooms as well as plenty of parking.
If you’re interested in living in this thriving Hills community, see our land for sale or contact us here about living at Newenham. You can also pop into our Sales & Information Centre at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker. With our own community events, markets and a wide range of activities, we can’t wait to welcome you to our place.