We depart Adelaide on another grey day with light showers. We will stay at Murray Bridge with a day spent in the small towns of the Adelaide Hills away from the touristy areas like Hahndorf.
We travel up the North East Rd….
…past reservoirs.
The Inglewood Inn was established in 1857.
The Old Coach House in Gumeracha (1860)
Huge Camellia tree at the Old Coach House
Long-billed corella
Gumeracha Town Hall 1909. The name “Gumeracha” is derived from an Peramangk peoples word meaning “fine waterhole.”
The biggest thing in this neigh-borhood is the Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha. At 18 metres high, it is one of the largest of the Big Things in Australia.
At the base is the Big Park Bench. Being near the horse, it is a stable structure.
Lichen covered deciduous trees
The Peerless Roller Mills at Birdwood. Birdwood was originally settled by Germans and called Blumberg but changed in World War I. The mill has been on this site since 1855 with additions through to 1888. In 1872 it was purchased by Friedrich and Theodore Pflaum who operated the nearby general store and invested in expanding the site and purchasing new machinery. They rebranded as the “Peerless Roller Mills” and their high-quality flour became renowned all over the world.
The delivery guy accidentally got us 3 extra bags of flour. They were not kneaded.
River red gums add a lot of character to the Hills.
Stables at Mount Torrens
A key moment in our day – The Big Key at Mount Torrens made from local marble.
I recently got some keys cut…the guy at the shop must be really good, his shop is lined with trophies.
You don’t see too many hay sheds in main streets.
Inside were 50 shades of hay – sort of like a horse restaurant.
Mount Torrens General Store (1860)
The old Farmers Co-Op in Woodville is now an Artisan Cheese factory. It’s gouda brie a good day.
Next door is Melba’s Chocolate Factory
Bluey in retirement guarding the chocolate factory.
Appetising! The genius of the marketing team. Give them a pat on the back.
Avoiding the chocolates on offer, we looked for some holefoods.
It was very nostalgic to see the old Shell sign.
The New Holland honeyeater looking down the barrel of the big Canon lens.
That’s not a camel.
The Olde Apple Shop at Balhannah – the apple needs to work on its core strength.
A quick diversion into Mount Barker.
After abandoning a bushwalk at Monarto Conservation Park due to mosquito infestation, we return to Murray Bridge.
A welcome return to the excellent Bridgeport Hotel. This is the view from our room.
