The Cudlee Cafe

by Steve Hudson (subscribe)

Destinations come, and destinations go. In most cases. Except if they are a magnet for groups who meet together with a common purpose or goal in life. Enter the Cudlee Café.



Cudlee Creek is a town of two halves on the banks of the River Torrens separated by a hill. In days gone by heavy upstream rains would cause Gorge Road (which was aligned to the south of the river) to flood and would result in the whole town being inaccessible for days. This issue was addressed by the introduction of a couple of bridges and a cutout in the hill which solved the flooding problem, but inadvertently created an eastern and western village of Cudlee Creek.



Located on Gorge Road at the eastern end of Cudlee Creek, The Cudlee Café is nestled between the road and the River Torrens and overlooks the Cudlee Creek Conservation Park and the Mt Crawford Forest. Not surprisingly the café is predominantly covered in shade from the multitude of gum, pine and deciduous trees that are growing in this sheltered area.



I settle in for some brunch after my ride through the Adelaide Hills before I take the final 32km cruise back to Adelaide to end the weekend's ride. I am joined by some other road cyclists whom have taken the scenic trip along Gorge Road to the café for their caffeine fix. Before long a couple of mountain bikers who have been exploring the Mawson Trail at nearby Fox Creek drop in on their way home and share a few tales of their morning adventures.



The noise of motorcycle engines echo through this part of the valley, and sure enough they also stop for their morning coffee. Whether they are at the start or end of their trip doesn't matter, as for everyone the Café forms an important part of any trip through the Adelaide Hills.



My bacon and egg panini roll arrives and the quality hasn't changed. It is quickly devoured and washed down with a blend of Amanti Coffee. More breakfasts arrive, and more coffees, and the common cause commaraderie continues as each shares the tales of their trip on two wheels.



Meanwhile a quiet visitor takes us by surprise. A solitary hiker ambles in to the café having spent the last four hours walking the nearby Heysen Trail. Having completed the Trail myself in past years I have some understanding, and I reflect on the supposition that two legs are easier than two wheels.



The Cudlee Creek Café is at Lot 27 Gorge Road Cudlee Creek and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. For further details refer to the Cudlee Café website or their facebook page for details of special events.

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Why? A great spot to stop before tackling the Gorge

When: 8am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday

Phone: 8389 2278

Website: thecudleecafe.com.au

Where: Lot 27 Gorge Road, Cudlee Creek

Cost: As per menu

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