Birdwood, South Australia - Heritage Streets and Motoring History in the Adelaide Hills

Wander * Explore * Discover
May 28, 2023
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Birdwood, South Australia - Heritage Streets and Motoring History in the Adelaide Hills

Birdwood is a picturesque historic town set on the banks of the Torrens River in the Adelaide Hills, located around 44 kilometres east of Adelaide. Established in the early 1840s, the town was originally known as Blumberg before being renamed Birdwood in 1916. Like many towns across South Australia, the name change occurred during World War I, when German place names were replaced.

Today, Birdwood retains much of its historic character and offers visitors a relaxed and rewarding stop in the Adelaide Hills. With heritage buildings, welcoming cafés, bakeries, galleries and antique shops, it’s a town that invites you to slow down and explore.

Exploring Birdwood’s Main Street

A stroll along Birdwood’s Main Street reveals a delightful collection of historic buildings and local businesses. The town’s compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee, browse local art or hunt for antiques. One of the most eye-catching buildings is the Blumberg Hotel, which instantly stands out with its distinctive architecture and historic charm.

The Blumberg Hotel

Built in 1856, the Blumberg Hotel is one of the most photographed hotels in the Adelaide Hills. Its striking façade and long history make it a local landmark and a popular stop for visitors. The hotel remains open daily from 11:00 am and is a great place to pause for a meal or drink while soaking up the atmosphere of this historic town.

Birdwood Flour Mill and Heritage Buildings

Nearby, you’ll find the remains of the Birdwood Flour Mill, another reminder of the town’s early industries and connection to the Torrens River. Along with other historic buildings throughout the town, it adds depth to Birdwood’s story as an important rural settlement in the Adelaide Hills. Informational signs around town help bring this history to life, making even a casual walk an interesting journey through the past.

National Motor Museum

One of Birdwood’s biggest drawcards is the National Motor Museum, a true highlight not just of the Adelaide Hills but of South Australia as a whole. As Australia’s largest motor museum, it houses an extraordinary collection of more than 400 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

The displays span more than a century of motoring history and are beautifully curated, making the museum engaging for both enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The National Motor Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and it’s easy to spend several hours exploring the exhibits.

Why Birdwood Is Worth Visiting

Birdwood combines historic charm with one of Australia’s most impressive museums, making it a standout destination in the Adelaide Hills. Whether you’re wandering heritage streets, enjoying lunch at a country pub or diving into motoring history, Birdwood offers something for every type of traveller. It’s an ideal stop on an Adelaide Hills drive and pairs perfectly with nearby towns such as Gumeracha and Hahndorf.