🍂A Puzzle Worth Framing + Dog Walks, Fire Song & Winter Theatre

Good Morning Hills Lovers! “Wednesday strikes a good balance” was the preference by the majority from last weeks poll about what day you would prefer to receive the newsletter. So here we are! And what a week to kick things off on a Wednesday…

Every now and then, a project comes along that feels really special, and the jigsaw puzzle project I have been working on with a local artist has my whole heart, more on this below. Plus, I’ve rounded up five tail-wagging hikes, a special new song for NAIDOC Week, and a theatre show that’ll give you a good laugh and warm your winter bones.

Let’s get into it.

A PUZZLE WORTH FRAMING
Painted By Adelaide Hills Artist, Tess Bartholomew

Over the past few months, I’ve been working with Adelaide Hills artist Tess Bartholomew to create a very special artwork, which is now being turned into a limited edition jigsaw puzzle. Tess was also recently named the Loreto Spring Art Emerging Artist 2025, a prestigious honour that celebrates her rising talent.

From the beginning, I knew it had to be a local artist. Someone who truly gets this place. Tess did, instantly. Not long after our first chat, she shared a quiet little video taken from Burdetts Road in Basket Range. “It’s from a fair at Basket Range Primary School a few years ago,” she said. That view—vineyards, northern ridgeline, smoke curling from chimneys—became the heart of the piece.

The moment I saw it, I knew it captured the Hills perfectly. It felt like home.

This week, Tess and I met for coffee and she handed over the finished artwork. It’s absolutely beautiful. We took a few photos outside, and people walking by kept stopping to admire it.

Now it’s puzzle time.

The artwork is being turned into a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, printed with a soft matte finish on premium high-quality recycled blue board, with the pieces packed into a fabric bag and a print out of the artwork included. It’ll be priced at $49 and released as a limited run. Once they’re gone, that’s it.

The waitlist is already filling fast, which is so lovely to see. If you'd like me to save you one, let me know in the poll below and I’ll add your name to the list.

PAWS AND PEAKS
5 Dog Friendly Hikes

I’ve had lots of requests for dog-friendly hikes in the Adelaide Hills. If you’ve got a four-legged mate, you’ll know the signs. The tail thump. The head tilt. That hopeful stare that says, “Are we going or what?”.

These Adelaide Hills trails are all dog-friendly (on lead), easy to get to, and packed with the kind of scenery that makes a walk feel like an adventure—stringybark forest, winding creeks, and wide pine-scented paths. Whether your pup’s a power walker or a stop-and-sniff-everything type, there’s a trail here with both your names on it.

🐾 Lobethal Bushland Park – Yellow Trail
A gentle 1.3km loop through stringybark forest with peaceful vibes and wildflowers in spring. Click here for the map.

🐾 Almanda Mine Trail – Scott Creek
A 2.9km loop with heritage ruins, shady bushland, and the soothing sounds of trickling creeks. Click here for the map.

🐾 Anderson Loop Trail – Cleland
A moderate 3.6km circuit through upper forest trails. Native gums, great views, and active dog heaven. Click here for the map.

🐾 Grand Belair Loop
A 6km walk through Belair National Park, weaving past woodlands, creeks, and historic old railway remnants. Click here for the map.

🐾 Knot Hill Northern Loop – Kuitpo
A wide, pine-scented loop through open forest. Ideal for high-energy pups who love a good sniff. Click here for the map.

Also check out this map from Adelaide Hills Council highlighting all the area’s that are dog friendly for walks. Leads required, water essential, tails guaranteed to wag. Be sure scoop the poop.

FIRE SONG FOR NAIDOC
A gift to the community

There’s a song floating through the Hills this week; bright, powerful, and created with heart. It’s called Fire Song. It starts simply. A gentle melody. A few words. Hand actions that little ones pick up in seconds. But Fire Song stays with you.

It was written by Jade Brook, a proud Kaurna, Nurrunga and Ngarrindjeri woman who’s lived in the Hills for over 20 years. She’s the founder of Third Camp, a new space for cultural storytelling, learning, and connection. The song is performed by Lisa Addington, a Barkindji woman whose voice is beautiful; steady, warm, and the kind that draws you in.

Fire Song is being shared as a gift to the community during NAIDOC Week. It’s a quiet offering that speaks to legacy, strength, and the next generation in a way only music can. The song echoes this year’s NAIDOC theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, Legacy.” A message wrapped in music; easy to learn, impossible to forget.

Come and see them, and celebrate First Nations culture, at the NAIDOC Family Fun Day on Saturday 13 July, from 1:30–4:30pm at Laratinga Pavilion, Mount Barker. There’ll be stalls, music, stories, and space to be together.

▶️ Listen to Fire Song on Instagram »

Have a listen to the song.
Let it move through you.
Then pass it on.

WINTER THEATRE MAGIC
Heartfelt and Hilarious

This July, the Stirling Community Theatre is taking us somewhere we’ve never been—Almost, Maine.

Not quite a town and almost in Canada, the fictional world of Almost, Maine is the setting for a beautifully offbeat romantic comedy where love appears, disappears, and reappears in the most unexpected ways. Set on a single, magical winter night under the northern lights, the show weaves together nine short scenes of locals falling in and out of love—with a few laughs, bruised knees, and broken hearts along the way.

Written by John Cariani and directed by Ben Proeve, this whimsical production is full of warmth, wit, and wonder. You’ll meet quirky characters with big feelings, experience serendipitous encounters, and maybe even see a shoe fly through the air. It’s a little strange, a little sweet, and utterly delightful.

The stellar local cast includes Oliver Medwell, Kodi Jackson, Harri Wolff, Sam Ewart, Annabel McGregor, Kaila Barton, and Tim Stoeckel. Together, they bring this chilly yet heartwarming tale to life—perfect for a winter outing in the Hills.

Also, Marshi’s are giving a 10% discount off dinner if you dine in and show your ticket. The perfect dinner + show combo! July 11-19, Stirling Community Theatre. Get your tickets here.

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Third Camp’s Fire Carriers Workshop is a 90-minute cultural experience created by Kaurna woman Jade Brook and designed especially for early years to Year 4 students. Rooted in storytelling, song, movement, and hands-on activities, the workshop includes a Welcome to Country, Yarning Circle, traditional games, and the chance to create a vibrant NAIDOC classroom display. It’s a powerful, age-appropriate way to explore this year’s NAIDOC theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”. Find out more or book a session at here.

Winter Reds 2025 is heating up the Hills - July 25-27, over 50 fire-lit events, bold cool-climate reds, and winter feasting across the stunning Adelaide Hills. This year, we welcome MasterChef’s Matt Preston as our official ambassador — bringing his signature flair and love for good food, great wine, and unforgettable moments. From cellar door sessions to open fires, long lunches and twilight tastings, this is your invitation to sip, savour, and celebrate winter with us. . Plan your weekend here.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

🛼 All Ages Skate Disco
| FAMILY | Mount Barker
📅 Friday, 11 July | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Skate into the school holidays with music, games, and good vibes at this family-friendly disco for ages 5 and up. Bring your own skates and safety gear for two hours of fun on wheels. INFO

🎶 Lior with String Quartet at UKARIA
| MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
 📅 Friday, 11 July – Saturday, 12 July | Various Times
ARIA-winner Lior returns to UKARIA with songs from The Blue Parade and reimagined favourites, joined by a bespoke string quartet from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. INFO

👗 Pop Up Op Shop at Grace Lutheran Church
| COMMUNITY | 15 Wembly Avenue, Bridgewater
📅 Saturday, 12 July | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Discover affordable fashion, homewares, and hidden treasures at this one-day pop up op shop supporting the local community.

🤸 Holiday Gymnastics Sessions
| KIDS | Mount Barker
📅 Monday, 14 July | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Get ready to jump, roll, balance and swing in this fun-filled gymnastics session for kids aged 5 to 12. Perfect for all skill levels and a great way to stay active these school holidays. INFO

🧱 Lego Car Robotics
| FAMILY | Birdwood
📅 Tuesday, 15 July | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Kids aged 7–12 can build, code, and explore the world of robotics in this hands-on LEGO workshop, free with museum admission. INFO

🎄 Christmas in July
| COMMUNITY | Woodside
📅 Tuesday, 15 July | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy festive tunes from the SA Police Band, Christmas treats, and community cheer at this joyful winter gathering hosted by the Woodside SACWA. INFO

🧶 Yarn-a-rama
| FAMILY | Stirling
📅 Tuesday, 15 July | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Get crafty with woolly winter fun at Stirling Library, featuring hands-on activities like bracelets, finger knitting, and more for kids aged 5 and up. INFO

🎬 Shrek! Free School Holiday Movie Screening
| FAMILY | Mount Barker
📅 Wednesday, 16 July 16 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy a free screening of the beloved movie Shrek with free popcorn for all. All ages welcome, with supervision required for kids under 12. INFO

🍽️ Karra Watta Café Community Lunch
| COMMUNITY | Norton Summit
📅 Wednesday, 16 July | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Enjoy a delicious two-course lunch prepared by volunteers and local students, all for a gold coin donation supporting Fred’s Van and the Cancer Council. INFO

🎬 Movie Magic: School Holiday Screening for All Ages!
| FAMILY | Gumeracha
📅 Wednesday, 16 July | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join us for a school holiday movie screening of The Lost Tiger, a heartwarming adventure filled with courage, crystal necklaces and kangaroo wrestlers. Popcorn is included! Parents must accompany children. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🍽️ An Iranian Food Journey - Refugee Support Fundraiser
| FOOD & CULTURE | Balhannah
📅 Saturday, 16 August | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Enjoy a shared feast of authentic Iranian dishes inspired by traditional cookbooks and cultural storytelling. INFO 

📖 Fleeced – A Winter Words in Conversation Event
| AUTHOR TALK | Lobethal
📅 Wednesday, 13 August | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join Prudence Black in conversation with Trish Fitzsimons and Madelyn Shaw as they discuss Fleeced: Unraveling the History of Wool and War, exploring the wartime demand for wool and its lasting impact on fashion, industry, and the environment. INFO

📚 Meet the Author: Gavin McCormack
| BOOK TALK | Stirling
📅 Tuesday, 12 August | 7:00 PM
Join acclaimed educator Gavin McCormack for the launch of Raising Resilient Children, a must-read for parents and teachers seeking practical tools to support confident, lifelong learners. INFO

🎻 Michael Collins with the Australian String Quartet at UKARIA
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, 10 August | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
British clarinettist Michael Collins joins the Australian String Quartet for a rich, alchemical program weaving Shakespeare, Tudor melodies, Viennese romance, and Mozart’s iconic Clarinet Quintet in a performance of musical transformation. INFO

🍾 The Art of Gin & Wine
| FOOD & DRINK | Lower Hermitage
📅 Saturday, 9 August | 4:00 PM
Sip, savour, and indulge in a flavour-filled night as Glen Ewin Estate and Paracombe Wines present a multi-course dining experience paired with handcrafted gin cocktails and premium wines. INFO

🎨 Provenance – Exhibition Opening
| ART & CULTURE | Piccadilly
📅 Saturday, 9 August | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate the opening of Provenance with art, live music, and local wine in a stunning Adelaide Hills setting as part of the SALA Festival. INFO

🧀 Home Cheesemaking Class at Woodside Cheese Wrights
| WORKSHOP | WEA Centre
📅 Saturday, 2 August | 10:00 AM
Learn how to craft your own feta and watch a halloumi demo in this hands-on class with expert cheesemaker Mitch Lloyd, complete with tastings and wine. INFO

🎭 Much Ado About Nothing
| THEATRE | Stirling
📅 Friday, 1 August – Saturday, 9 August | Times Vary
Hills Youth Theatre brings a roaring 1920s twist to Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing" in a witty, Gatsby-inspired production packed with love, lies, and laughter. INFO

🎶 Graham Brown and Steve Ashley
| LIVE MUSIC | Bridgewater
📅 Sunday, 27 July | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of acoustic storytelling with celebrated musicians Graham Brown and Steve Ashley as they blend blues, folk, and roots in a soulful mix of solo sets and on-stage collaborations. INFO

📝 I Am
| WORKSHOP | Lobethal
📅 Sunday, 27 July | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Join Dave Chapple for a reflective writing workshop blending poetry and prose to explore identity, values, and personal storytelling. INFO

📝 Stop Making Sense
| WORKSHOP | Lobethal
📅 Sunday, 27 July | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Embrace poetic chaos in this playful workshop where language and creativity collide to spark unexpected new writing. INFO

🍷 Winter Reds: The Shiraz Social
| FOOD & WINE | Nairne
📅 Saturday, 26 July  – Sunday, 27 Jul | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Warm up at Adelaide Hills’ signature winter festival with live music, great vibes, and bold reds. From long lunches to marquee parties and family-friendly Sunday fun, there’s something for everyone. INFO

🥂 Winter Reds: Deviation Road x Lost Phoenix Farm
| FOOD & WINE | Longwood
📅 Saturday, 26 July – Sunday, 27 July | All Day
Settle in for a cosy long lunch with soulful live music, open braziers, and a three-course winter menu paired with Deviation Road wines. INFO

🎭 Garage Girls: A Night of Storytelling Magic
| THEATRE | Birdwood
📅 Saturday, 26 July | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Step into 1920s Melbourne and meet Alice Anderson, the trailblazing female mechanic whose life inspires this lively mix of history, mystery, and theatre. Includes a special curator talk and a radio play performance inside the museum. INFO

🔥 Flames and Fine Wines at Cobbs Hill Estate
| FOOD & WINE | Oakbank
📅 Saturday, 26 July – Sunday, 27 July | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sip estate wines by the fire with DJ tunes, hearty food, and cosy vibes at this scenic Winter Reds celebration. INFO

🍹 Winter Reds Saturday: Crêpes & Cabernet at Tapanappa Wines
| FOOD & WINE | Piccadilly
📅 Saturday, 26 July | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sip your way through a mini Cabernet tasting paired with fresh crêpes in this cosy Winter Reds celebration. INFO

🎶 Jauma Winter Fest
| MUSIC & WINE | Lenswood
📅 Friday, 25 July – Saturday, 26 July | Times vary
Celebrate Winter Reds with live music, DJs, organic wine, wood-fired pizza, art, fire pits and inclusive vibes at Jauma’s vibrant 2-day festival. INFO

🍷 Uncork and Indulge: Wine and Chocolate Tasting
| FOOD & WINE | Stirling
📅 Wednesday, 23 July | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Sip and savour a delicious evening of Adelaide Hills wines from Howard Vineyard paired with handcrafted local chocolates from Red Cacao. INFO

🧘‍♀️ Ground in Place: A Winter Morning of Yoga, Nourishment & Connection
| WELLNESS | Verdun
📅 Sunday, 20 July | 9:00 AM
Slow down with a gentle yoga flow, seasonal brunch, and wine tasting set on the beautiful lands of Peramangk Country. INFO

🌌 Dark Sky Astrophotography Tour
| EXPERIENCE | Woodside
📅 Saturday, 19 July | 4:00 PM
Join Adventure Art Photography for an unforgettable night under the stars in the Murray River Dark Sky Reserve. Learn to capture the Milky Way against stunning sculptures, rock formations, and ancient trees with expert guidance, all while enjoying a grazing platter on a scenic hilltop. INFO

🎭 Shakespeare After Dark
| THEATRE | Lower Hermitage
📅 Saturday, 19 July | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Step into a moody night of Shakespearean drama, music, and magic in the historic Pulpshed with Butterfly Theatre. INFO

🎉 Hills Collide Turns 1
| CELEBRATION | Summertown
📅 Saturday, 19 July | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join the party as Hills Collide celebrates one year with beats, bites, and brews in the heart of Summertown. INFO

🎶 Sjaella at UKARIA
| MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Saturday, 19 July | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Experience the soul-stirring harmony of vocal sextet Sjaella as they explore the timeless tension between head and heart through music. INFO

MARKETS

🍓 Adelaide Hills Farmers' Market
| MARKET | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, 12 July | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Shop fresh and local at this weekly market featuring South Australian farmers and producers. Free entry and held every Saturday morning.

_{Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry. I hope it added a moment of enjoyment to your day.}

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of our land. We recognise Peramangk and Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the place where the content in this newsletter is featured and where the newsletter is created. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future and to the cultural authority of First Nations Peoples from other areas of this country.