Mount Barker, SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Until May 2020, I lived at Mount Barker, a town and rural area of about 11,000 people, situated about 40 kms east of Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. I continue to work in Mount Barker.
The town is about 360 metres above sea level, and is located in the picturesque Mount Lofty Ranges (also known as the Adelaide Hills). Mount Barker is the largest town in the Adelaide Hills and one of the fastest growing areas in South Australia.
Mount Barker is close enough to Adelaide, that many people commute there on a daily basis for work, although it is far enough away from the city to still be called 'the country' by many.
The area around Mount Barker is a general farming area (dairy, cattle, vegetable production, horse studs, fruit orchards), and now includes a number of wineries/vineyards. About 60 wineries are located in the Adelaide Hills.
Mount Barker is the host to a number of annual events. These include the world famous Tour Down Under cycling event; the Targa classic car Rally; the Highland Gathering; Power of the Past; and Hoot Adelaide Hills Jazz Festival.
The town is about 360 metres above sea level, and is located in the picturesque Mount Lofty Ranges (also known as the Adelaide Hills). Mount Barker is the largest town in the Adelaide Hills and one of the fastest growing areas in South Australia.
Mount Barker is close enough to Adelaide, that many people commute there on a daily basis for work, although it is far enough away from the city to still be called 'the country' by many.
The area around Mount Barker is a general farming area (dairy, cattle, vegetable production, horse studs, fruit orchards), and now includes a number of wineries/vineyards. About 60 wineries are located in the Adelaide Hills.
Mount Barker is the host to a number of annual events. These include the world famous Tour Down Under cycling event; the Targa classic car Rally; the Highland Gathering; Power of the Past; and Hoot Adelaide Hills Jazz Festival.
A view of my QTH using Google Earth
A view of my QTH from the nearby Mount Barker summit
Please click on the short video below to get a great idea on Mount Barker and its surrounds.
Please click on the video below which will give you a short tour around the Adelaide Hills where I live.
Australian native birds located in my area.
Australian native animals located in my area.
Some photos of Mount Barker, where I live.
Laratinga wetlands, Mount Barker.
The wetlands are one of the most successful and most diverse artificial wetlands in Australia and unique to South Australia. The wetlands cover an area of about 16.7 ha. Before they were established in 1999, only a handful of bird species were seen in the area. Today more than 140 species visit with more than 40 species known to breed on the site.
Mount Barker summit.
The Mount Barker summit is located about 2 kilometres east of the township of Mount Barker. It is 517 metres above sea level and offers spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the area.

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Steamranger tourist train.
The Steamranger tourist train is based in Mount Barker. It travels to the seaside town of Victor Harbour, about 74 kms south, and return.
The Mount Barker jazz festival is held annually each June long weekend.
International artists, interstate artists and local talent join forces at several venues accross numerous towns with a range of Jazz certain to entertain everyone. Special 'Jazz' trains are run by Steamranger.
Power of the Past.
This event is arguably the largest annual display of historic and classic cars, trucks and motor cycles, tractors, stationary engines and machinery, and steam machinery in South Australia.
Tour Down Under cycling event.
The Tour Down Under is a cycling race held in and around Adelaide. The race starts on the 3rd Tuesday of January each year and attracts riders worldwide. In 2005, the Tour Down Under was promoted by the Union Cycliste Internationale highest ranking outside Europe. In 2008 the Tour Down Under became the first UCI ProTour in Australia, and the following year it became the inaugural event of the UCI World Ranking calendar.
Below are some photos I took of the 2013 event in Mt Barker, Echunga & Hahndorf.
Below are some photos I took of the 2013 event in Mt Barker, Echunga & Hahndorf.
Australian Targa Championship
A stage of this National rally is held in the Adelaide Hills each year. These are some photos I took at the 2012 event.
Mount Barker Highland Gathering.
This event is in its 52nd year and includes pipe band competitions, Highland dancing, Strongman competition, Scottish dancers, food stalls, & Scottish Clan groups.
Nearby attractions.
Below are some tourist attractions located within a short distance of Mount Barker.