Visit Historic Mount Barker

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I recently did a walking tour of Mount Barker as part of SA's history festival ' About Time ', and was surprised by the beauty of this underrated Adelaide Hills town. In fact, Mount Barker is the largest town in the Adelaide Hills, and one of the fastest growing areas in the state. Just 33kms up the freeway from Adelaide but still with a 'country feel', many people are choosing Mount Barker as a place to live.



Captain Charles Sturt named Mount Barker in 1834 after Captain Collet Barker, who discovered the Mount Barker Summit in 1830. Mt Barker was traditionally a farming area and in 1890 the benefits of clover seed was discovered for use as fodder and in superphosphate. Later, wheat became the mainstay until the dairy industry took over turning Mt Barker into the "cream bowl" of Adelaide. The south eastern freeway was built in 1977 making the town much more accessible from Adelaide.



There has been a big public outcry and a lot of controversy over the rezoning of farmland around Mount Barker for residential development. In March 2014, a new $650M, 1800 home development was announced. Many believe this will put a strain on the existing infrastructure, whilst others bemoan the loss of the surrounding productive and picturesque farmland and hills. A $27M freeway ramp has also been planned to service the new development, which has no direct access to a main road. A direct rail link to the city may alleviate any increased traffic congestion.



In March 2013 an Ombudsman's report revealed that the State Government took advice on land rezoning from consultants who were lobbying at the same time on behalf of developers. This has been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), but is unlikely to halt the urban sprawl.



The charming Gawler street has a number of lunch options, including bakeries, coffee shops and pubs, including a modern café serving Mexican street food, sangrias & marguerites.



What else to do in Mount Barker? You can walk or ride the trails around the Laratinga wetlands which link to the Mount Barker Linear Trail, an award winning seven kilometre shared walkway which continues to Keith Stephenson Park, along the local creek. Or why not climb the nearby Mount Barker summit , with spectacular views over the surrounding district. You can also take a leisurely ride on the historic Steam Ranger train ($71 per adult, return) from Mount Barker to Victor Harbour through the picturesque towns of Strathalbyn, Goolwa and Port Elliot.



So why not visit Mount Barker today, before it becomes overrun!
What is your favourite town in the Adelaide hills? What do you think of the new development in Mount Barker? Would you live there? Feel free to leave a comment.



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