It’s said that dogs are a man’s best friend, and we’re sure every dog owner would agree. But, did you know our four-legged friends are providing us with not only companionship, but mental and physical benefits? According to several studies, having a furry best friend can improve your wellbeing, and in some cases, dog owners live longer, healthier lives. Not only do dog owners generally get more physical activity, but pets also provide us with a lot of joy and social support, and can improve our happiness and mental health.
It’s safe to say dogs are an integral and cherished part of our family. At Newenham, we understand that, and it’s why we’ve created a place and a community where you and your furry friends are free to roam and explore nature, where people and pets alike can flourish. But we also understand that it can be hard to know where your four-legged friends will be welcome, outside the comfort of your own home. So, we’ve compiled a list of our top dog-friendly attractions in the Adelaide Hills – enjoy your escape from the city.
(Please note: while your furry friends are welcome at all these venues, most will require your pooch to be on a leash at all times.)
WALKS AND PARKS
Mount Barker off leash Dog Park, “Barka Park”
Officially opening for ‘doggy’ business in 2015, Barka Park is an enclosed dog exercise area that features two shelters and seating, doggy bag dispensers, drinking fountains, dog exercise equipment, park furniture and several walking trails and paths. If you’re pampered pooch is looking to make some more four-legged friends, or you’re simply looking for more than a classic walking trail, we highly recommend Barka Park.
Little Hampton on and off leash Dog Park, “The Glebe”
The Glebe in Littlehampton is a large open space with designated on and off leash areas. It also includes a play space for children, toilet facilities, shelter and walking paths.
Not only a productive water reclamation facility, the Laratinga Wetlands are a great place for yourself and your dog to walk, picnic and laze around in the beautiful, natural environment. There are several walks and routes you and your four-legged friend can explore. The trails in the wetlands are also linked to the Mount Barker Linear Trail, an amazing, award-winning shared use path that follows the local Western Flat creek line through Mount Barker and into the heart of Newenham some 8kms away.
Located in Mount Barker, a trip to Totness Recreation Park is a must for dog-owners and is a great walking trail for both yourself and your pup. It is considered a hidden gem and is the perfect spot for your dog to frolic and enjoy their surroundings. We guarantee he or she will absolutely love it here.
With a 4.8 star review on Google, this is an amazing dog park that is regularly visited by local dog lovers. Balhannah Dog Park is a fully off-leash area filled with gorgeous oak trees, a winter creek, well-defined walking paths while offering wide open spaces for your furry-friend to roam.
The Tinjella Trail in Kuitpo Forest is perfect for walking and hiking, trail running, horse riding and mountain biking, but more importantly, it is perfect for dog walking. This relatively easy track takes 4 hours via a 14km circuit.
In the heart of the Adelaide Hills, Belair National Park is a fantastic outdoor space to explore with your beloved pooch. With picturesque views and challenging hikes, Belair has something for every dog and features several picnic areas that allow you and your four-legged friend to relax and recharge. Due to the abundant wildlife seen in this park you can walk your dog in this park as long as it is on a lead.
Mount George Conservation Park
Perhaps one of the less accessible parks of the Adelaide Hills region, Mount George Conservation Park boasts gorgeous scenery and various picnic areas. Dogs are permitted in the designated recreation park on a leash—between Cox Creek and Mount George Road.
DOG-FRIENDLY EATERIES, RESTAURANTS AND CAFES
The Kitchen Farm Pantry is an exciting new addition to Newenham, open seven days a week Monday – Friday: 8am – 3pm and Saturday & Sunday: 8am – 3:30pm. Created with the intent to support good quality, locally sourced food and producers, the Pantry offers light brunch, hot coffee, fresh-pressed juices, handmade cakes, sweet and savoury tarts, pies and pastries. The space is incredibly warm and inviting with expansive green space for families & friends to relax, children to play and furry friends to socialise.
The relatively new Lot 100 is a very popular hot-spot in the Adelaide Hills, located in Nairne. This 84-hectare property features Mismatch Brewing, Adelaide Hills Distillery, The Hills Cider Company, Ashton Valley Fresh and Vinteloper. So, there’s something for everyone! And even better, it’s dog friendly. So, bring along your family, friends and your pooch (on a leash) for a fun day out.
Bird in Hand is a family-owned and ever-popular winery, but not many people know that it’s actually a dog-friendly venue. So, we’re here to report they most certainly are! Their shaded courtyard is a great place to sit with your furry friends. They can sit by your side while you relax and indulge on some of South Australia’s best wine, and will be brought cool water to ensure they stay hydrated and happy.
A popular spot for good reason, this café has several mouth-water options for humans and pets alike. This eatery offers free dog biscuits, and better yet—a doggie latte of lactose-free milk with a dog biscuit and turmeric sprinkled on top. If you’re thinking about bringing along your four-legged pal, it will be one spoiled pooch! Find Fred Eatery in Aldgate Village.
This Adelaide Hills café uses only the freshest local produce to create their divine dishes. Located on the main street of Mylor, it’s is a great place to indulge in South Australian ingredients with your four-legged friend by your side.
Offering a sensational menu, this restaurant, located in a heritage cottage Hahndorf, is where you can enjoy all the best flavours of South Australia in the most beautiful setting. They are dog people and offer dog bowls and treats for well-behaved pooches. You can even treat them to a puppacino!
A favourite in Hahndorf, The Haus is the perfect spot for you and your pooch if you’re craving a hearty dish. Free water bowls are provided for pets, so they’ll be able to relax and enjoy some well-deserved love and attention from Hahndorf visitors while you tuck into a German feast.
Adelaide Hills Wine Cellar Doors
There’s nothing better than sipping on a glass of red or white wine, surrounded by the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Well—perhaps, it would be even better with your beloved pooch by your side. There are a multitude of Cellar Doors that let you do just that and encourage you to bring your furry friend along while you enjoy some well-deserved vino. Try Deviation Road in Longwood, Nepenthe in Blahannah, Shaw + Smith and Howard Vineyards on the outskirts of Mount Barker to name just a few!
The Bridgewater Inn is a dog-friendly place for hikers walking the nearby Heysen Trail with their best friends to those who just want their fur friend to accompany them when they leave the house. The team will happily supply a water bowl to each table for your pooch and a “doggy bag”, so your dog can also enjoy the great food.
DOG-FRIENDLY EVENTS
Located on Mann Street in Mount Barker, the ever-popular Adelaide Hills Farmers Market is a fantastic spot to buy fresh produce, and indulge in a glass of vino. Even better, it’s a great dog friendly destination (though dogs must be on a short leash). This market runs every Saturday all year-round, with the exception of Easter Saturday.
The RSPCA Million Paws Walk, once held in Mount Barker, is now a virtual challenge event where dogs and owners are uniting to walk at least 30 minutes a day during the month of May. The event raises money for the fight against animal cruelty and is a great excuse to discover new walks in your neighbourhood with one very happy dog by your side. Registering for the Walk held in May is FREE!
DOG TRAINING
Located 2kms from Mount Barker, adjacent to Mount Barker Vet Clinic on Flaxley Road, Barker Behaviour and Training provides dog owners with the confidence and skills needed to produce a balanced, well-mannered pooch from the outset. Training all year round in any weather, they have a purpose-built indoor dog training facility and a fully fenced grassed outdoor training area. Specialising in positive, force-free, reward training their highly qualified trainers work with groups or individuals, holding a variety of classes for puppies up to 12 months, adult dogs who may need fine-tuning in the manners department or dog owners just looking for fun short courses allowing for continued bonding.
Ready to take your dog to canine school, to turn your dog into a canine scholar? Introducing Scholars in Collars, a stress-free and rewards-based training school for your pup and full-grown dogs alike. They utilise positive training techniques to motivate your dog, so you and your four-legged pal can be squarely on the same page. Offering puppy and dog training classes, as well as private dog training, in the Adelaide Hills, including areas such as Balhannah, Lobethal and Stirling.
GROOMING & WASHING
Keep your pet healthy, happy and smelling great! Servicing Mount Barker and surrounds Happy Hounds has been washing and grooming pooches offering professional and personalised mobile wash and grooming services. They employ local professional dog groomers and washers who use positive reinforcement techniques and importantly, are insured and trained to Australian standards. Their prices are based on the size and condition of your pet so they are happy to provide a free quote.
Based in Heron Grove, Mount Barker. They promise your dogs with a pampering experience of a lifetime. Follow their grooming journey with beautiful before-and-after shots that showcase their transformation. If you’re looking for a responsible and caring business to groom your pets, you’re in the right place. As lifelong animal owners, they have a deep love for all dogs, regardless of their size.
LOOKING FOR A FUREVER FRIEND
Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter
Are you looking for a four-legged companion? We recommend the Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter as the first stop on your search. A charity and non-profit, they give abandoned cats and dogs a second chance to find loving homes. Check them out!
If you like this blog you might also like to read How your pets keep you happy and how to keep them happy 🙂
Newenham residents can rest assured that there is no shortage of dog-friendly places in the Adelaide Hills. And even better, Newenham’s linear park pathway connects to the established linear path which leads safely into the town centre of Mount Barker – only 2 km’s away – and all the way to Laratinga Wetlands and back – a 16 km round trip if you and your pooch are up for it!
We encourage you to enjoy all the great places the Adelaide Hills has to offer with your four-legged friend, and while you’re there be sure to pop into Newenham.
The Sales and Information Centre is located at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker. Check the website for open hours or book by appointment for a personal tour at a time that suits you by calling our Sales Team on 0429 107 497.
Come and see for yourself why you and your dog will love living at Newenham.
