BIRDWOOD BYGONES

Our first stop is for morning tea at the Lobethal Bakery, mysteriously located at Woodside, in fact just north of the main town and on the right hand side. There is off street parking, plenty of seating, and a large selection of goodies!

Then out through Charleston and historic Mount Torrens, finally turning left into Birdwood. The National Motor Museum is on the north side of the road behind the old flour mill. Again there is plenty of parking. The Motor Museum has an interesting and extensive collection of old cars and motorcycles. The flour mill was closed when we were there (2009) but is usually open for inspection.

A good opportunity for a group photo, after which we give the group an hour and a half to explore the Motor Museum, or alternatively, look at some of the craft and antique shops on the main road. There is an entry fee to the Museum, and there are toilet facilities and a small kiosk.

At an appointed time we meet across the road at the historic Blumberg Hotel for lunch. This hotel takes its name from the original township name: the German ‘Blumberg’ was altered to ‘Birdwood’ during World War I.

For our final visit for the day we drive back to Gumeracha, and the Giant Rocking Horse, where there is easy parking and toilet facilities. Things to do here: climb the rocking horse (a small charge), visit the wooden toy factory with its delightful smell of freshly cut timber), and explore the adjacent small wildlife park.

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Since our group is returning to Norton Summit, we take the road from Gumeracha back down to Lobethal (not marked on the map) from where we retrace our steps. Tours starting from Adelaide would be better advised to return through Tea Tree Gully.

This was a very successful day, full of interest.