The Best Scenic Views When Driving from Adelaide, South Australia to Birdwood, South Australia
South Australia is a beautiful region to explore with lots to see. Driving from Adelaide to Birdwood is one of the best ways to experience some of the most beautiful parts of the region. With such breathtaking countryside surroundings and stunning landscapes, one will need to plan stops along the way to take in the surroundings without getting caught up in the rush to move on to the next location.
Adelaide to Birdwood is about an hour's drive, covering about 39 kilometers. It is an excellent opportunity to explore the beautiful landscape, full of natural beauty and endless opportunities for sight-seeing, hiking, and picnicking.
Here are some of the top sites one shouldn’t miss along the way.
1. Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills stretch from the eastern rim of the city of Adelaide all the way to the Barossa Valley. Its lush green valleys, rolling hills, and quaint villages attract visitors from all over the world. Driving through the hills is scenic, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore, including Bridgewater Mill, Hahndorf, and the Basket Range.
The views of the hills are spectacular, particularly in autumn when the trees come alive with vibrant colors. It's worth taking some time to stop and take in the scenery and step out to explore the Kangaroo Creek Reservoir, Mount Lofty Summit, and Cleland Wildlife Park. The hills cater to every taste, from wine tastings, historical and cultural museums, art galleries to wildlife reserves.
2. The Gorge Wildlife Park
The gorge wildlife park is situated in the Adelaide Hills on the northeast corner of the Kangaroo Creek Reservoir. The park is home to over sixty species of the world's most exotic and native animals. Visitors can expect to see koalas, wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, and a range of birdlife. It's a must-visit attraction for animal lovers.
A visit to the wildlife park is not just about watching animals but also learning about them, their environment, needs, and survival. The park has experienced staff who will provide visitors with a unique experience of feeding some of the animals, cuddling the koalas, and hold a snake or two if you're brave enough.
3. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a beautiful town located at the base of the Mount Pleasant Range. The town has always been a popular stop-off point for travelers in the region, and stills attracts visitors because of its beauty, unspoiled charm, and historical significance. Mount Pleasant is the perfect place to relax and experience the local culture while taking a break from the long drive.
While in Mount Pleasant, one can visit the Historical Society Museum and take a walk down the main street to enjoy the quaint shops and cafes. The town is also home to some of the best wineries in the Adelaide Hills, offering wine tastings, tours, and excellent dining options. If you are traveling with kids, take a walk or bike ride through the town's Skateboard Park, which is enjoyed by children of all ages.
4. Whispering Wall
The Whispering Wall, located in Williamstown is a unique destination worth checking out. The attraction features a massive curved concrete wall, more than 140 meters long and over eight meters high. The wall is part of the Barossa Reservoir which was constructed in the early 1900s.
The wall attracts visitors because of its acoustic wonders. Sounds can travel from one end of the wall to the other, over 140 meters away. Visitors can whisper into the wall at one end, and the sound can be heard vividly on the other end. The children will love playing games of whispering into the wall to see if they can hear each other's secrets. The attractive surrounds and recreational facilities, including a playground and picnic areas, are well-maintained and make for an excellent spot for some family fun.
5. National Motor Museum
The National Motor Museum is in the heart of the historic township of Birdwood. The museum offers visitors a comprehensive opportunity to explore Australia's rich history and engineering achievements through the ages. The museum covers over a century of motoring history and is home to one of the world's greatest and most significant collections of vehicles and memorabilia.
The museum is home to over 400 vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, and trucks. The exhibitions include some of the classic cars that have marked automative history, including a 1906 Cadillac, 1934 Bugatti roadster, 1923 Vauxhall, 1908 Minerva, and a 1952 Jaguar XK120 drophead coupe. The museum also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Bay to Birdwood rally conducted annually, which is the biggest historic vehicle rally in the world.
Conclusion
Adelaide to Birdwood is a beautiful drive filled with plenty of attractions to suit all interests. One of the best things about driving this stretch is the freedom that it offers. Be sure to take ample time exploring the many villages and towns along the way. Hopefully, this list will help travelers to plan an itinerary that will cater to their interests and allow them to experience the best scenic views that South Australia has to offer. Safe travels!