Living in Adelaide, we’re lucky to be nestled so close to the foothills, it’s only a 20-minute drive from Adelaide to the heart of Stirling. You can jump in the car and experience abundant nature and some of the Adelaide Hills’ most charming (and delicious) secrets in no time.
Day Trip Highlights
After your drive through meandering tree-lined roads, past the stunning views and lush Adelaide Hills greenery, start your day with a wholesome seasonal breakfast in Stirling.
Take a peek through a charming bookshop, sip your way through a hidden cellar door and patisserie, and stock up your picnic basket with goodies. Explore nature from the bushlands to the wetlands, and soak up history on the heritage-rich Gold Mine walk. On the way home, warm up and wind down with a cuppa on the leafy streets of Mylor, daydreaming about your Newenham tree change.
Newenham Day Trip Maps_A Nature Experience
Click here to download a copy of the map.
Day Trip Itinerary
First Stop: Breakfast in Stirling at Patch Kitchen & Garden
No true adventure can really begin without a belly full of wholesome local produce and a warm cup of coffee. Your first stop serves up a phenomenal full breakfast from 8.30am to 11.30am, and whether you’re in the mood for something rich and hearty or light and fresh, you’ll leave with a happy tum and a satisfied grin. Grab a takeaway for the road if you fancy – it’ll be the perfect browsing buddy for your next stop.
Stop 2: Streetscape Exploration … to fill your picnic basket …
Independent bookshops are few and far between these days, but Matilda Bookshop has been going strong since 1982, and with its infectious charm, it’s not hard to see why. Search the shelves, flip through the pages, natter with the passionate staff and find a mesmerising story that’s the perfect pair for your picnic.
Stirling Cellars and Patisserie, The Stirling Hotel
Whether you’re in the mood for pastries, a wine tasting, or something a little harder, this is the ultimate one-stop shop. Fill up a picnic basket with your favourite bakery items from the patisserie, and a bottle of something special for later.
Stop 3: Bushwalk Through Nature at Woorabinda Bushland Reserve
Drive four-minutes to Branch road to Woorabinda Bushland Reserve and walk off that big breakfast, on the pristine Woorabinda Loop. The trails here are considered suitable for all levels of fitness, running through beautiful stringy bark forests and open woodland, over cricket-singing reed beds, and past tranquil waters alive with a cacophony of birds and frogs. Take the shorter loops, or try the entire 5.4km circuit. It’s pram and dog friendly, too, so you can take the whole tribe (though your dogs must remain on their leash).
Stop 4: Take it to the Wetlands – Laratinga Wetlands (main pic)
Hop back in the car and cruise to the Mount Barker Laratinga Wetlands to enjoy abundant bird watching opportunities, explore tranquil walking trails or pick your spot for an indulgent picnic amongst the gum trees – this is what afternoon dreams were made of. Now all you have to do is enjoy the delicious goodies you’ve picked up on your adventure and breathe in the fresh Hills air as you sit and absorb the serenity.
At Newenham, we have a shared bike and walk path that follows the contours of the creek for a 16km loop all the way to Laratinga and back. Imagine being able to enjoy this little slice of bliss any time you please.
Stop 5: Golden Opportunities to explore …
As you drive along Flaxley Road, pop in and discover Newenham – a place where nature, thoughtful design and community values combine to enrich the health, happiness and wellbeing of all who choose to call it home. From the larger allotments and focus on natural open spaces and active lifestyles to The Kitchen Farm Pantry located in the restored barn, open seven days a week Monday – Friday: 8am – 3pm and Saturday & Sunday: 8am – 3:30pm, serving a range of fresh local produce including light brunch options, juices, hot coffee and sweet pastries. Combine a visit to both the Sales & Information Centre and Kitchen Farm Pantry at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker – check open hours here.
It’s time to find the perfect picnic pit-stop. Drive out of Mount Barker along Flaxley Road until you hit the B33 and turn right, then left on Shepherd Rd onto Berry Rd for Jupiter Creek Gold Diggings (just after Echunga). Discover the self-guided interpretive historic walking trail that leads you through the heritage-listed old mine remains and the old diggings at Chapel Hill and Jupiter Creek.
Last stop: Afternoon delight – Harvest Mylor Café
If you need a little pick me up on your way down the hill, head to Harvest Mylor and settle into their leafy locale for a cuppa and a piece of cake. The café is known for their delicious menu (kitchen closes 2pm), with ingredients sourced from mostly locals. They also serve local tea and coffee and scrumptious baked goodies for the ultimate afternoon delight.
After exploring the beautiful Adelaide Hills, head back to Adelaide in less than 30-minutes via the South Eastern Freeway, recalling the best parts of your day trip while planning next weekend’s day trip to the Adelaide Hills.
View our other themed day trips to the Adelaide Hills:-
Read and download the map for A Family Safari
Read and download the map for A Food & Wine Experience
Read and download the map for A Mates and Motors Day Out
Read and download the map for A Bestie’s Day Out
Photo credit: Big thanks to Laratinga wetlands for allowing us to use their beautiful image.
