Gumeracha, South Australia

Today we had to travel to Adelaide on business. One of the places we needed to go was out in the northern parts of the city. Instead of returning via our usual route along the South Eastern Freeway to home in Murray Bridge, we took an alternative route through the Adelaide Hills.

Our journey took us through a beautiful part of the Adelaide Hills to the small town of Gumeracha. It has a population of some 700 people with the district concentrating on farming, orchards, vineyards and especially olive growing. The town is in the Torrens Valley and the road meanders through the hills with frequent views of the upper reaches of the River Torrens. The River Torrens eventually flows close to the CBD of Adelaide, our state’s capital city. In fact, the river is but a pleasant ten minute stroll from the main shopping precinct.

The pleasant town of Gumeracha is well known by many South Australian families. This is due to the fact that its main attraction is The Big Rocking Horse. It has long claimed the title of being the biggest rocking horse in the world. This is situated right next to The Toy Factory, a mecca for children and tourists alike.

… the Toy Factory is now fully operational, manufacturing a huge range of hand made wooden toys at factory direct prices.

The Rocking Horse is truly enormous and one can climb the steps to the top with a great view available up and down the valley. A coffee shop and toy shop are a part of the complex and really worth a visit.

The whole compex including

… a seven-acre Bush Park, with free entry, now boasts an array of bird life, ponds, kangaroos, emus and bettongs.

To see a photo of the horse click here.