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| An attractive
old building in the main street of
Gumeracha |
Gumeracha
Small town in the Adelaide Hills dominated by
the Big Rocking Horse
Located only 36 km east of Adelaide and 354
metres above sea level in the heart of the
Adelaide Hills, Gumeracha is famous for the fact
that it is the home to the Big Rocking Horse, a
huge toy rocking horse which is part of the
promotion of the Toy Factory which is the town's
major attraction.
It is said that the town's unusual name is
reputedly a corruption of the local Aboriginal
word 'umeracha' which indicated a good water
hole on the River Torrens. Somehow, between the
Aborigines and the meeting of the South
Australian Company in London in 1841, the word
ended up as 'Gummaraka'.
The town dates from the earliest European
settlement of South Australia. William Beavis
Randell settled at Kenton Park in 1837 and built
a flour mill in the 1840s. By 1860 he had sold
some of the land and the town of Gumeracha had
been created.
Today it is quiet little township which winds
through the valley. It is notable for its floral
displays and immaculately kept gardens.
Things to see:
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| The big
Rocking Horse outside the Toy Factory
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The Toy Factory
Located on the Main Road (it is quite impossible
to miss) The Toy Factory is notable for the 18.3
metres Big Rocking Horse (that's the equivalent
of a six storey building) which towers over the
shop. The shop specialises in wooden toys. It is
also possible to climb to the top of the Rocking
Horse. You get a certificate for your labours.
Information: contact (08) 8389 1085.
Wineries in the Area
Chains of Ponds Wines
Located on Main Road in Gumeracha this 60.7
hectare vineyard and winery was established in
1993 and specialises in both premium red and
white table wines derived from cabernet
sauvignon, cabernet franc, shiraz, grenache,
sangiovese, semillon, sauvignon blanc, pinot
noir, merlot, cabernet franc, riesling and
chardonnay grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8389 1415.
Malcolm Creek Vineyard
Located on Bonython Road in Kersbrook this tiny
1.5 hectare winery was established in 1982 and
specialises in both dry red and white table
wines and sparkling wines derived from cabernet
sauvignon and chardonnay grapes. It is open
weekends for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8389 3235.
Samphire Wines
Located on the corner of Watts Gully and
Robertson Roads in Kersbrook this tiny 0.4
hectare vineyard and winery was established in
1978 and specialises in both dry white table
wines derived from riesling grapes. It is open
seven days by appointment for tastings and
sales. For more details contact (08) 8389 3183.
Talunga Premium Wines
Located on Mannum Road in Gumeracha this family
winery was established in 1987 and specialises
in both red and white table wines derived from
cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, pinot noir, merlot,
grenache, sangiovese, semillon, sauvignon blanc,
verdelho, nebbiolo, cabernet franc, riesling and
chardonnay grapes. It is open Wednesday to
Sunday for tastings and sales.
