Discover the Best Walking Trails in Willunga, McLaren Vale, Onkaparinga Gorge, and Beyond! 🌿🚶‍♀️
If you’re a lover of nature, adventure, and scenic walks, the Willunga and McLaren Vale region has something for everyone! From rolling vineyards and rugged gorges to stunning beaches, these trails offer a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of South Australia. So, grab your hat, lace up your walking shoes, and explore some of the best local walks in the area. 🌞🍃
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1. Onkaparinga Gorge Walk – A Natural Wonderland 🌄A stunning highlight of the Onkaparinga River National Park, the Onkaparinga Gorge Walk offers breathtaking views of cliffs, river gorges, and native bushland. Perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, this trail is both serene and invigorating. You’ll spot plenty of wildlife along the way, making it a perfect spot for bird watchers too! 🦅
Explore the Onkaparinga Gorge Walk on All Trails

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​2. Willunga Hill Trail – A Hike with a View 🏞️For panoramic views of the Willunga region, head to the Willunga Hill Trail. This moderately challenging trail gives you stunning vistas over vineyards, farmlands, and the distant coast. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, this trail is sure to leave you inspired. 🚶‍♂️
Discover the Willunga Hill Trail on All Trails

3. McLaren Vale to Willunga Shiraz Trail – A Scenic Journey 🚂🌾This 8.5 km trail takes you along the historic rail line, offering a relaxing walk through the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region. Along the way, you’ll enjoy lush vineyards, fields of local produce, and the charming rural landscapes that make this area so special. Stop by the local wineries for a refreshment or two! 🍷 Take out the Mulberry Lodge Electric Bikes, you can access the trail from the Mulberry Lodge Paddock 
Wineries close to the trail include:

• Battle of Bosworth
• Down the Rabbit Hole
• Shirvington Wines 
• Sampson Tall
• Primo Estate
• Lino Ramble
• Hugh Hamilton
• Mitolo 
• Wirra Wirra
• Serafino 

Walk or Cycle the McLaren Vale to Willunga Rail Trail on All Trails

4. Maslin Beach to Silver Sands Walk – Coastal Bliss 🌊For a beautiful beachside walk, head to Maslin Beach and Silver Sands. This coastal walk offers stunning ocean views, sandy shores, and the chance to spot local marine life. It's the perfect trail for a relaxed day out by the sea. 🐚
Explore Maslin Beach and Silver Sands Walk on All Trails

​5. Sellicks Hill to Aldinga Beach Coastal Walk – A Seaside Adventure 🌅This picturesque coastal trail takes you from Sellicks Hill to Aldinga Beach. As you walk along the cliffs, you’ll enjoy sweeping ocean views, with the chance to spot dolphins and seabirds. It’s an easy-to-moderate walk with some steeper sections, but the views are well worth the effort. 🐬
Enjoy the Sellicks Hill to Aldinga Beach Coastal Walk on All Trails

Why You’ll Love These Trails:

• Variety of Scenery: From gorges to vineyards and coastal beauty, these trails offer something for everyone.
• Wildlife Galore: Spot native birds, kangaroos, and maybe even some dolphins! 🦘
• Fresh Air and Fresh Finds: Perfect for fitness lovers, nature enthusiasts, and foodies alike, as there are plenty of local wineries and cafes to enjoy after your hike. 🧀🍇
• Easy Access: These trails are all easily accessible from the heart of McLaren Vale and Willunga, making them ideal for a quick nature escape!

Ready to hit the trail? 🌟 Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging hike, the walking trails around Willunga, McLaren Vale, and the Onkaparinga Gorge are a must-do. With stunning views, local wildlife, and the chance to explore the diverse beauty of this incredible region, it's time to get walking!
Happy hiking! 🥾👣

You can find detailed maps and directions for these trails on All Trails to plan your adventure!

Wake Up to a Gourmet Breakfast at Mulberry Lodge! 🍽️☀️
There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a delicious, hearty breakfast, especially when it’s made with love and the finest local ingredients. Here at Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat, we take breakfast seriously – it’s the most important meal of the day, after all! One of our guests' favourite morning delights is our Breakfast Brioche Bun – a heavenly combination of fluffy homemade brioche, earthy spinach, spicy Portobello mushrooms, silky omelette, and rich caramelised onions. 🤤✨

Want to recreate this gourmet breakfast at home? Keep reading for our signature recipes! 👩‍🍳

Homemade Brioche Buns Recipe 🥖Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet – the perfect base for a luxurious breakfast!
Ingredients (makes 6 buns):

• 250g  bread flour
• 30g  sugar
• 5g (1 tsp) salt
• 5g (1 tsp) instant yeast
• 2 eggs
• 60ml warm milk
• 90g  unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add eggs and warm milk, mixing until combined.
3. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes, then gradually add the butter, kneading until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let it rise for 1.5–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Divide into 6 equal portions, shape into buns, and place on a baking tray.
6. Cover and let rise for another hour.
7. Preheat oven to 180°C . Brush buns with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Let cool before slicing.

Caramelised Onions Recipe 🧅✨Rich, golden, and packed with flavour – the secret to a perfect breakfast bun!
Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Pinch of salt

Method:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle in brown sugar and salt, stirring well.
4. Continue to cook for another 15–20 minutes until golden and soft.
5. Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook for 2 more minutes.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.

Bringing It All Together 🍳To Assemble Your Breakfast Brioche Bun:

1. Prepare the omelette: Whisk eggs, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a non-stick pan until just set. Cut into rounds to fit the bun.
2. Sauté the mushrooms: Slice Portobello mushrooms, season with chili flakes or cook in chilli oil, salt, and pepper, then cook in a pan until tender.
3. Layer it up! Slice your brioche bun, add a layer of fresh spinach, the omelette, spicy mushrooms, and top with caramelised onions.
4. Enjoy! Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit or your favourite morning beverage. ☕🥂

There you have it – a luxurious breakfast that’s sure to impress! Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful morning at Mulberry Lodge or bringing a taste of our retreat to your home, this Breakfast Brioche Bun is a winner.

Give it a try and let us know how you like it! ❤️

At Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat, we love welcoming our guests with little homemade treats that add a special touch to their stay. One of the delights in our cookie jar is my Soft and Chewy White Chocolate & Cranberry Cookies—a perfect blend of creamy white chocolate, tart cranberries, and a buttery, chewy texture. 

Why You'll Love These Cookies 🏡✨

• Perfectly Soft & Chewy – Just the right balance of crisp edges and a tender centre.
• Sweet & Tart Flavours – The richness of white chocolate complements the tangy cranberries beautifully.
• Ideal with a Cup of Tea or Coffee – A comforting treat for a relaxed afternoon at Mulberry Lodge.

​ Preparation Time: 15minutes
 Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
 Quantity: Makes approximately 18 cookies.​

Ingredients:

• 125g unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups plain flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips
• ¾ cup dried cranberries

 
 Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (fan-forced) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
5. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
6. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the baking tray, leaving space between each.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden (the centres will still be soft but will firm up as they cool).
8. Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The’ll keep well in an airtight tin for a 10 day.

 
NOTE: This cookie dough also freezes well for 3-4 months  

​Enjoy a Taste of Mulberry Lodge at Home 🍷🌿
These cookies are a guest favourite at Mulberry Lodge, and now you can enjoy them in your own home! Whether you're serving them fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or packing them as a sweet picnic treat, they're guaranteed to be a hit.
We love hearing from our guests! If you bake these cookies, share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook @mulberrylodgecountryretreat. Happy baking! 😊🍪