Holiday houses in Mount Barker

Mount Barker is a suburban town in the state of South Australia, located just a half an hour drive from downtown Adelaide. Historically a farming community, the town is surrounded by sprawling countryside and hills, which make for great walks, cycling, and picnics in the Aussie sunshine. Picturesque, tree-lined Gawler Street is lined with restaurants serving dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, as well as independent shops, and cafes serving Australia’s renowned coffee.

Venture outside of town to discover the country’s other famous beverage: wine. A number of local vineyards sit just 15-minutes drive from town — stop by and sample regional varietals surrounded by verdant, rolling landscapes. With so much nature and a buzzing city to explore a short ride away, Mount Barker is a handy jumping off point for all that South Australia has to offer.

Summer is the ideal season for heading out to the coast to enjoy the beach or learn to surf. It’s best to still pack a sweater at this time of year, though, since the nights can be cool. Autumn is a good time to visit for harvest season, making it the perfect time of year to immerse yourself in wine country.

Winter months in Mount Barker are cold and damp, so bring a raincoat and warm layers if you’re travelling here during this time. Despite being a short distance from Adelaide, Mount Barker can see freezing temperatures on winter nights. The spring and fall see less rainfall and are generally warmer during the daytime.

Coorong National Park

This fascinating geological preserve is more than just a 130-kilometre stretch of sandy beach. Its dunes and saltwater lagoons are a great place to spend the day walking or swimming. You can also rent a kayak to tour the islands on the northern end of the park. You can get from Mount Barker to the closest end of the park in just under an hour, or take a scenic drive around Lake Alexandrina to the park campground and stretches of open sand.

South Australia Wineries

There are multiple options for experiencing Australia’s famed viniculture. The short 25-minute drive from Mount Barker to Adelaide Hills is an easy afternoon trip but head further afield to the Barossa Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in Australia, known for its signature Shiraz.

Art Gallery of South Australia

Make the 35-minute trip into Adelaide to visit this gallery housed in a 19th-century building. Here you’ll find works by Indigenous artists as well as a diverse collection of installations and travelling international exhibitions.