Guide to Mount Barker South Australia Australia

One of the fastest growing regional centres in Australia, Mount Barker is the retail hub of the Adelaide Hills. Pubs, restaurants, petrol stations, supermarkets and speciality shops can all be found here, as well as sporting facilities, a hospital and several banks.

Mount Barker is also a town rich in history. The Mount Barker Special Survey was released in 1839, and this enabled land to be sold to early settlers (many of whom were British) and the town grew rapidly following the construction of several flourmills.

The Mount Barker Council Heritage Walk offers a good insight into the history of the town, taking in the heritage buildings of Murray Street and Auchendarroch, built in 1878 by prominent South Australian Robert Barr Smith as the family’s summer residence. Restored to its former glory, it is now part of the Wallis entertainment complex.

Looming over the town is Mount Barker Summit, which has excellent views of the surrounding area. The Mount Barker Summit Scenic Drive takes in the Summit Conservation Park as well as the Laratinga Wetlands, where there is a good linear walk. Families will enjoy a visit to Keith Stephenson Park, which has picnic facilities and South Australia’s largest skate park.

Mount Barker is also the home of Steamranger – a vintage steam-powered train that travels to Strathalbyn, Goolwa and Victor Harbor – and a tree-lined 18-hole golf course. And more recently, the town has become known as the home of leading natural skincare company Jurlique. Tours of their herb field, where much of their produce is grown, are available by appointment.