Situated in South Australia, Mount Barker is a beautiful region nestled within the heart of the Mount Lofty Ranges. It is characterised as being the largest town located in the Adelaide Hills. Known and admired for its vibrancy, creativity and welcoming nature, Mount Barker sits approximately 33 kilometres from Adelaide’s city centre. Once traditional farming land, the popularity of residential living continues to grow with the town fast becoming one of the most developed areas in the state. Home to one of the most successful and diverse artificial wetlands in Australia, the Laratinga Wetlands, Mount Barker is abundant with wildlife and other natural attractions, leaving all the beauty of the great Australian landscape accessible right on your doorstep.
Image: Playandgo
The Neighbours
With the population set to rapidly increase in the coming years, Mount Barker is anticipating to grow to become the state’s second-largest city in under 20 years with residents expected to swell by more than 20,000. To maximise these opportunities, Mount Barker is emphasising and promoting its credentials as a forward-thinking cohesive and adaptable place to live and work as well as a great area for potential investments. According to the most recent census, an estimated 3.7 thousand families were represented, as well as a significant number of older residents.
The Commute
Mount Barker Road was once the main road from Adelaide’s CBD to the Adelaide Hills. Now, majority of the main route has been replaced by the South Eastern Freeway. Taking the national highway M1, the journey time into the city is approximately 35 minutes. Whilst the area is equipped with a railway station, it was disconnected from the Adelaide metropolitan network in 1995. It is now only used by heritage trains running at selected times between the town and Victor Harbour. For commuters taking public transport, buses run daily into the city with additional services running a loop into neighbouring districts.
The School Run
Given the growth it is experiencing, Mount Barker offers a myriad of primary, secondary and public schools which services locals as well as residents from over 3 neighbouring towns. The suburb is host to three primary institutions including Mount Barker South Primary School, Mount Barker Primary School, and St Marks Primary School. Both St Francis and Waldorf have a primary school as well as a high school, which share the same campus.
Shopping For The Family
Mount Barker is no short of retail options, with 5 separate shopping centres all servicing the suburb. The most major and oldest complex is Mount Barker Central, which contains a Coles, Kmart and more than 50 specialty shops as well as dining options. Mount Barker Village is a smaller shopping centre based around the Foodland supermarket. The most recent development is the construction of the Adelaide Hills Homemaker Centre which opened to the town in 2007. It has since expanded to more than 15 specialty retailers, a cafe and as well as council and department offices.
Image: Tim Colgan Photography
What’s Going On in Mount Barker?
Those who love the great outdoors will thrive in Mount Barker. Several walking and cycling trails run along the Laratinga Wetlands, encouraging exercise and a healthy lifestyle. For market revellers, the local farmers market takes place every Saturday with stallholders offering the freshest selection of produce and tasty treats. Twice yearly, the Penny Lane Market is held where clothing, arts, crafts and baked goods can be purchased. For those who love wine, a great range of wineries are scattered throughout the vicinity offering some of the best local selection. The historic Gawler Street in the suburbs the main strip offers an abundance of dining options from pubs, bakeries to cafes and restaurants offering diverse cuisine. For a Sunday barbecue with the family, the Keith Stephenson Park awaits with a playground, picnic facilities and a skate park.
Are you looking to build a new house in Mount Barker?
Get in touch with our team of new home advisors on 1800 184 284 or book a call online for free expert advice on house and land packages, builders and much more!
Let us do the legwork for you.
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Breanna Taylor
Breanna Taylor is a third-year journalism and PR student studying at Swinburne University in Hawthorn. She has a strong passion for interior design and a growing interest in property development and renovation.
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