🍂Adelaide Hills Puzzle pre-orders now open

Good morning, Hills lovers. Pre-orders for the Adelaide Hills Puzzle are now open – thank you to everyone who’s already jumped in (some of you even grabbed three!). If you were on the waitlist but missed my email, check your junk folder. They’re selling quickly, so secure yours here before they’re gone.

This week, we’re sharing a soulfully curated 3-day retreat in the peaceful surrounds of Stirling, an Adelaide Hills Pub Guide featuring my picks for pubs worth the drive, an immersive school holiday cultural experience for women and children along the Ngangkiparinga (Women’s River Place), and a closer look at the beautiful birdlife that calls the Adelaide Hills home.

Let’s get into it.

ADELAIDE HILLS PUB GUIDE
Pubs worth the drive

There’s something about a good Hills pub. It’s not just the food — though the schnitzels, burgers and ribs are worth travelling for. It’s the history in the walls, the hum of the front bar, the way the beer garden fills with chatter on a sunny afternoon.

I’ve pulled together a list of pubs that keep coming up in my own weekend plans. Some are old favourites that have been around since the 1800s, others are newer but already feel like part of the fabric of their town.

There’s the music-filled charm of the Three Brothers Arms in Macclesfield, the city views from The Scenic Hotel, the family-friendly beer garden at Stanley Bridge Tavern, and the legendary ribs at Oakbank Hotel. Aldgate Pump Hotel strikes the balance between kid-friendly and grown-up, while Hagen Arms in Echunga brings heritage, hospitality and some of the best schnitzels you’ll find in the Hills.

If it’s a date night or long lunch you’re after, Crafers Hotel is a beautiful spot — with boutique rooms if you decide to stay over. And Stirling Hotel is the all-rounder, perfect for big groups with something on the menu for everyone.

Each of these pubs has its own character, and each is worth a visit. You can see the full list I’ve compiled here → Hills Pub Guide

WOMEN & CHILDREN CONNECT
An immersive school holiday cultural experience

Ngadlu Payinthi Kumangka (Ngadlu-We Payinthi-to seek, to wonder, to be curious Kumangka-together). Aunty Elaine Magias and Jade Brook warmly invite women and children from all backgrounds to connect deeply with Kaurna Country along the Ngangkiparinga (Women’s River Place) at Balhannah these school holidays.

The experience begins with Aunty Elaine Welcoming us to Country, followed by an immersive Connection to Country for all to join in. Aunty Elaine and Jade have extensive experience working with children, making this engaging and immersive event perfect for primary-aged+ children and the significant women in their lives.

What makes this event truly special is the hands-on connection to Kaurna Culture and Country. Family groups will carefully craft Yuku, traditional Kaurna toy canoes, each one with personal messages of healing and hope. Some boats will be kept as treasured mementos to take home, carrying the spirit of the day, while others will be gently launched into Ngangkiparinga (Women’s River Place) one family at a time. This meaningful act of sending the Yuku on their journey is a beautiful way to nurture and renew the life of the Land and Water.

Everyone will then join in an ochre, tree commitment, followed by a song with movement. Aunty Elaine and Jade will also share knowledge about Indigenous foods, and each family will receive a tasting plate to enjoy with bush teas.

Whether to learn, heal, or share meaningful time with your children, this beautiful event honours Kaurna Culture and Country. This is a limited ticket event, don't miss out book now.

ADELAIDE HILLS BIRDS
Our Feathered Friends

The room I write from has large windows that look out over a stand of gum trees. Every day, there’s something happening outside. I watch plump rabbits darting all over the grass (likely fat from gorging on our veggie patch out the back). There are also mice scurrying up the nearby tree, and if I’m lucky, a koala lazily nestled in the fork of a branch in the tree tops. But it’s the birds that truly captivate me.

From my desk, I get a front-row seat to a parade of local birds. The Eastern Spinebill, with its bright chestnut feathers and curved bill, darts between branches, feeding on nectar with an energy that’s hard to miss. The Pied Butcherbird, bold in black-and-white plumage, fills the air with its melodious calls, as if keeping watch over the land. And the White-browed Scrubwren, small but spunky, flits through the undergrowth, its distinctive white eyebrows always giving it away.

These birds, are just some of the vibrant species that make the Adelaide Hills come alive. For anyone interested in learning more about these feathered locals, the Bushland Birds of the Adelaide Hills chart is a great guide (special shout out to Jade from Third Camp for bringing to this my attention!). This guide is packed with photos and details that make identifying the birds you spot around here a bit easier.

Aren’t we lucky to have these resources so readily available! So, next time you’re out and about in the Hills, stop, listen, and look up; you never know what you might see! Do you have a favourite bird to spot when you’re in the Hills? Let me know.

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Your Invitation to a Hidden Stirling Sanctuary
If you’ve been craving a little reset – or have someone special who deserves one – this is your sign. Create. Nourish. Heal. is a soulfully curated, all-inclusive 3-day retreat in the tranquil surrounds of Stirling, with boutique accommodation, nourishing meals, and hands-on workshops woven through every day. You’ll sink into grounding yoga, ancient Ayurvedic rituals, creative sessions, and slow, golden hours by the pool – all culminating in a beautiful four-course dinner to close the experience. Whether you’re marking a milestone, gifting an unforgettable escape, or simply saying “yes” to yourself, this is your moment. Treat Yourself (or Someone You Love) – Book Today.

The Bremer Gallery Trail is hosting a one-day only ‘Bremer Valley Artists - SALA Exhibition’ on Saturday 16 August, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Callington Hall. Expect a colourful showcase of local artists, live art demonstrations, kids’ craft, handmade market stalls, and Devonshire teas served by the Rotary ladies. A big day out in a little town — all are welcome! Find all the info here.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

✂️ Thursday Craft’ernoon at Gumeracha
| WORKSHOP | Gumeracha
📅 Thursday, 14 August | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Spend an afternoon immersed in creativity with quilting, crochet, card making, needlework, and more, in a relaxed and welcoming space. INFO

🥩 Steak Night Thursday at the Scenic Hotel
| FOOD & WINE | Scenic Hotel, Norton Summit
📅 Thursday, 14 August | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Indulge in your choice of two specialty steak cuts with optional sauces and sides, plus a $10 wine special to pair perfectly with your meal. INFO

🌸 Make Your Own Roll-On Perfume
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, 15 August| 1:30 PM – 2:10 PM 
Create your own custom roll-on perfume in a fun 30-minute session at 3 Wishes and leave with a scent that’s uniquely yours. INFO

🎨 Pottery Wheel Throwing – Come & Try at the Hahndorf Academy
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, 16 August | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Get your hands dirty and learn the basics of wheel throwing with expert guidance in this fun, beginner-friendly pottery session. INFO

🪵 Necrotarium Workshop with Necro Nature
| ART & CRAFT | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, 16 August | 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Create a nature-inspired Necrotarium under glass using botanical and natural elements, guided by NecroNature artist Jade. INFO

📚 The Nuts and Bolts of Writing Historical Fiction
| WRITING WORKSHOP | Gumeracha
📅 Saturday, 16 August | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join Rachael Mead for a hands-on workshop that explores how to craft compelling and historically authentic fiction through research, character building, and vivid storytelling. INFO

🧁 Bracegirdle's Mummy & Me High Tea
| FAMILY | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, 16 August | 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM
Enjoy a sweet bonding moment with your little one over cupcakes, cocoa, and a child-friendly high tea in the cosy setting of Bracegirdle’s Hahndorf café. INFO

🎶 Road Wings at the Three Brothers Arms
| LIVE MUSIC | Macclesfield
📅 Saturday, 16 August | 8:00 PM
Soak up the atmosphere of a classic pub gig as Road Wings take the stage for a night of great tunes and good vibes in the heart of the Hills. INFO

🍰 Bracegirdle’s Immersed High Tea
| FOOD & DRINK | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, 16 August | 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM
Savour a cosy 80-minute high tea with handcrafted savouries, signature sweets, and premium hot drinks at Bracegirdle’s Hahndorf café. INFO

🎻 Li-Wei Qin with Konstantin Shamray
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 2:30 PM
Experience an exquisite afternoon of chamber music as cellist Li-Wei Qin and pianist Konstantin Shamray perform works by Schumann, Brahms and Rachmaninov. This concert highlights the expressive power of the cello, with pieces that span tenderness, turbulence and virtuosic depth. INFO

🍸 The Perfect Martini – A Masterclass by Full Circle Spirits
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Learn to craft and savour your own custom Martini with expert guidance from Full Circle Spirits’ Head Distiller Rose Kentish. INFO

🎶 Sympathy Orchestra at the Three Brothers Arms
| LIVE MUSIC | Macclesfield
 📅 Sunday, 17 August | 2:00 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of great live music and warm country pub vibes as the Sympathy Orchestra takes the stage at this much-loved Hills venue. INFO

🧤 Women of the Cedars
| EXPERIENCE | Hahndorf
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Explore the lives of the women behind The Cedars in this intimate White Gloves Talk featuring rare objects and untold stories. INFO

🐶 Personalised Dog Collars For Your Furry Friends 2025
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Craft a custom leather dog collar from scratch at the Leathersmith in Hahndorf and take home a handmade keepsake your pup will love. INFO

📚 Book Week Performance: Mr Badger tells the story of The Wind in the Willows
| FAMILY & COMMUNITY | Stirling
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Enjoy a heartwarming storytelling session as Mr Badger brings the classic The Wind in the Willows to life, celebrating friendship, nature, and timeless adventure for ages 5 to 95. INFO

🎤 Spoken Word Poetry Workshop
| WORKSHOP | Norton Summit
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join poet Holly McClure for an interactive workshop where you'll learn to write and perform your own spoken word poetry in a warm and welcoming space. INFO

🍷 Pinot and Pooch
| FOOD & WINE | Woodside
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Enjoy a vineyard walk, local platters, warming jaffles, and fun for the whole family, with lawn games and free treats for every visiting pooch. INFO

🌿 Home as Habitat: Nature Poems That Explore the Ecosystems in Our Own Backyards
| WRITING WORKSHOP | Stirling
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Join poet Rachael Mead for a creative nature writing workshop exploring how our homes and gardens reflect the ecosystems of the Adelaide Hills. INFO

🍽️ Karra Watta Cafe Community Lunch
| COMMUNITY | Norton Summit
📅 Wednesday, 20 August | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Share a delicious two-course lunch for a gold coin donation, prepared by local volunteers and students, with proceeds supporting Fred’s Van and the Cancer Council. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🎻 Anthony Marwood and James Crabb at Ukaria
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, 14 September | 2:30 PM
Violinist Anthony Marwood and classical accordionist James Crabb return to UKARIA with a captivating program spanning Scottish folk, Haydn, Sally Beamish, and a fresh take on Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, joined by Rohan Dasika and a dynamic ANAM string quartet. INFO

🍷 A Taste of the Estate – Wedding Long Table Experience
| FOOD & WINE | Oakbank
📅 Friday, 12 September | 6:00 PM
Experience an unforgettable long table dinner at Cobb's Hill Estate, featuring a signature wedding menu by award-winning chef Adam Bishop, live music, and the chance to meet select wedding suppliers. INFO

🍷 Father’s Day at Cobb’s Hill Estate
| FOOD & WINE | Oakbank
📅 Sunday, 7 September | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Treat Dad to a relaxed day in the Adelaide Hills with seasonal dining, exclusive Chef’s Cut specials, live music, and fine estate wines in a stunning vineyard setting. INFO

🧺 Upcycled Basket Weaving at Fabrik
| SUSTAINABILITY & CRAFT | Lobethal
📅 Saturdays, 6 & 27 September + 11 October | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join Yee May for a 3-part workshop transforming soft plastic food packaging into colourful, functional baskets while learning skills to reduce waste creatively. INFO

🎨 Fruit or Flower Still Life in Water Mixable Oils
| ART WORKSHOP | Norton Summit
📅 Wednesday, 3 September | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Create your own still life painting under the guidance of artist Bethany Neck, exploring water mixable oils with step-by-step demonstrations and your choice of fruit or flower as the subject. INFO

MARKETS

🧺 Woodside Market
| MARKET | Woodside
📅 Saturday, 16 August | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Explore local produce, handmade goodies, plants, books, and more at this beloved monthly market hosted by the Rotary Club of Onkaparinga. 

🛍️ Uraidla Market
| MARKET | Uraidla
📅 Sunday, 17 August | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Browse local produce, handmade crafts, plants, and art while connecting with growers and makers at this vibrant community market.

_{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.