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. 🌞🍃 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 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:
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:
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!
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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):
Caramelised Onions Recipe 🧅✨Rich, golden, and packed with flavour – the secret to a perfect breakfast bun! Ingredients:
Bringing It All Together 🍳To Assemble Your Breakfast Brioche Bun:
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 🏡✨
Preparation Time: 15minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes Quantity: Makes approximately 18 cookies. Ingredients:
Method:
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! 😊🍪 At Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat, our gardens are more than just a backdrop – they’re an integral part of your experience. Whether you’re sipping coffee on your private deck or wandering through our tranquil spaces, our gardens offer beauty, serenity, and a connection to nature. Let’s take a stroll together! 🌳✨ Fresh and Flavorful: The Veggie Garden & Fruit Trees 🍎🥕 Our veggie garden and fruit trees are a source of pride – and flavour! From crisp vegetables to juicy seasonal fruits, these gardens provide fresh ingredients for our breakfast hampers. There’s nothing quite like produce that’s been grown with care and harvested at its peak. 🌿🍇 A Blooming Paradise: Roses & Hydrangeas 🌹💐 At Mulberry Lode we have 2 exquisite rose gardens that fill the air with their sweet scent and dazzle with their vibrant colours. For a splash of pink, don’t miss our hydrangeas thriving in the shady spot beneath the Silver Birch trees – a picture-perfect hideaway on warm days. 🌸🌳 A Grand Entrance: Agapanthus & Bottle Brush 🌾🌺 Driving into Mulberry Lodge is a breathtaking experience in itself. The driveway is lined with striking Agapanthus and native Bottle Brush trees, creating a stunning welcome that sets the tone for your stay throughout the year. 🚗✨ A Poolside Oasis 🌊 🌺 Our enclosed pool garden is a celebration of tropical and native beauty. Fragrant jasmine, vivid hibiscus, and the elegance of magnolia and native frangipani trees come together to create a secluded spot to relax.🌳 🌼 Views to Remember 🍷🌄 From our gardens, enjoy sweeping views across the vineyards of McLaren Vale. These vistas are a constant reminder of our region’s natural charm and its celebrated wine culture. Grab a glass of local wine and a chair on our lawn, and soak in the scenery – pure bliss! 🍷 Discover the Magic 🌟
The gardens at Mulberry Lodge are a reflection of our love for nature and beauty. Whether you’re here to unwind, explore, or simply soak in the serenity, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Ready to experience it for yourself? We can’t wait to welcome you! Check out our range of packages available to book your perfect stay HERE 🌿🏡 ![]() At Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat, in the heart of the McLaren Vale Wine Region, South Australia we take immense pride in our vibrant veggie garden. It's not just a patch of land; it’s a source of inspiration for the fresh juices, breakfast hampers, treats, and afternoon teas that our guests adore. With each season, our garden transforms, offering a delectable variety of produce that epitomizes the farm-to-table experience. Let’s take a closer look at what makes our garden so special and how we cultivate these delicious treasures in South Australia’s unique climate. Spring and Summer Bounty 🌞🌼As the weather warms up, our garden bursts into life with a kaleidoscope of flavors and colors. Here’s what we grow during the sunnier months:
Autumn and Winter Harvest 🍂🍁When the weather cools, our garden shifts gears to hardy, nutritious crops that flourish in the cooler months:
From Garden to Table 🌾☕ Every ingredient grown at Mulberry Lodge is treated with love and care, ensuring its freshness and flavor shine through. Imagine sipping on a refreshing cucumber and mint juice 🍹 or starting your day with a hearty breakfast featuring homegrown roasted asparagus and tomatoes . Our sweet treats and afternoon teas are complemented by adding fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables such as chives, thyme, pumpkin, zucchini and carrots to our home baked scones and cakes giving every bite a touch of homegrown goodness. The images above show some of our delicious home baked cakes and scones. Growing Tips for South Australian Gardens 🌿💧If you’re inspired to start your own veggie garden, here are some tips tailored to South Australia’s climate:
🚢 Book your stay at Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat today and discover the magic of fresh, homegrown produce! Choose from a range of special Packages that we offer HERE There’s nothing quite as enchanting as the sight and scent of blooming roses, and at Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat, we’re lucky enough to have two stunning rose gardens for you to enjoy. Each garden is a vibrant celebration of colour, fragrance, and nature’s artistry. 🌺✨
A Kaleidoscope of Roses 🌸❤️ Our rose gardens are home to an array of varieties, from classic hybrid teas to fragrant David Austin blooms. You’ll find vibrant reds, blush pinks, sunny yellows, and creamy whites creating a stunning palette that changes with the seasons. Guests love wandering through the gardens, finding the perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty. And let’s be honest – they’re a dream backdrop for a photo! 📸🌷 South Australia's Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, is ideal for growing roses. These timeless beauties thrive in the region, offering lush blooms and intoxicating scents for gardeners to enjoy. Here’s how to choose the right roses, care for your roses and a guide to the varieties that shine in South Australia. 🌱 Choosing the Right Roses When selecting roses for South Australia, look for hardy, heat-tolerant varieties. Some top picks include:
With long, sunny days and low humidity, South Australia offers a near-perfect environment for roses to flourish. By choosing heat-tolerant varieties and following these care tips, your garden will reward you with stunning blooms year-round. So, grab your gloves, a pair of secateurs, and start creating a rose-filled paradise! 🌟 What’s your favourite rose variety? Share your gardening stories! 🌺✨ At Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat, we believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day – especially when it’s crafted with fresh, wholesome ingredients. That’s why our daily breakfast hampers are brimming with delicious offerings made with love and care, often featuring produce straight from our garden. 🌿🍎
Every morning, guests can enjoy a freshly prepared breakfasts, carefully curated to fuel their day in the McLaren Vale Wine Region. And while each day brings something new to the table, one dish has become an undeniable guest favourite: our savoury croissant, filled with bacon, egg, avocado, rocket, and our homemade tomato chutney. 🥐🥑 Why Our Savoury Croissant is a Winner 🌈This buttery, flaky croissant is more than just a treat for your taste buds – it’s a wholesome start to your morning. Using locally sourced bacon and eggs, creamy avocado, fresh rocket from the garden, and our signature tomato chutney, it’s a flavourful blend of textures and tastes that guests rave about. Paired with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, it’s the perfect way to ease into a day of exploring McLaren Vale. A Taste of Mulberry Lodge: Savoury Croissant Recipe 🍽️Want to recreate this guest favourite at home? Here’s our recipe for making croissants from scratch and assembling the ultimate savoury breakfast sandwich: Ingredients for Croissants:
Ready to experience the magic for yourself? We’d love to welcome you! 🏡✨ At Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat, breakfast isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience designed to delight your senses and nourish your body. As part of your breakfast hamper, we provide freshly squeezed juices bursting with vibrant flavours and wholesome goodness. And the best part? Many of the fruits and vegetables come straight from our very own garden – you can’t get fresher than that! 🌿🍎 Why Fresh Juices? Starting your day with a glass of fresh juice is like giving your body a nutrient-packed wake-up call. These colourful blends are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to energize your morning and keep you glowing all day long. Plus, it’s a delicious way to sneak in a serving of fruits and veggies! 🌞 At Mulberry Lodge, we’re passionate about showcasing the seasonal bounty of our garden. Depending on what’s ripe and ready, our juices feature combinations like:
Recipe Highlight: Garden Glow Juice 🤍 Want to recreate a taste of Mulberry Lodge at home? Here’s one of our favourite juice recipes to try: Ingredients:
A Toast to Wellness ✨Whether you’re enjoying the tranquil beauty of the McLaren Vale Wine Region or simply looking for inspiration for your mornings, a fresh juice is the perfect way to fuel your day. Next time you visit us, sip, savour, and let the goodness of our garden awaken your senses. Cheers to health and happiness! 🍾🥂 When lemons are bountiful in the Mulberry Lodge garden I'm always looking for ways to use then up. These cute mini Bundt cakes decorated with a lemon glaze make a delicious addition to an afternoon tea or serve them up as individual desserts.
Click "Read More for the recipe Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a lovely crispy granola tart shell filled with creamy yogurt, lemon curd and fresh fruit in every colour of the rainbow? These little wholesome beauties are so perfect for weekend breakfast or brunch gathering! Click "Read More for the recipe Looking for something a little bit different and a little bit savoury and sweet, this stuffed French toast is great for a weekend breakfast or brunch, heck, have it for dinner it’s so good! Topped with a delicious blueberry sauce, this is the stuff dreams are made of.
Bottom line, this cream cheese stuffed French toast is delicious. A creamy centre, filled with the perfect amount of cream cheese, the berry sauce adds just the right level of tartness to give the perfect balance. Click "Read More for the recipe Why go small when you go can go BIG with this giant spicy sausage roll recipe with hardboiled egg placed in the centre. This is a perfect snack food for Saturday afternoon footie finals, or take to the beach for a picnic.
Click "Read More for the recipe This is a go-to breakfast fit for a king! Bacon, egg and avocado all on a crispy savoury potato waffle. Fills you up and makes you smile.
Click "Read More for the recipe This Persian Orange and Almond Cake is so simple to make and is sure to become a favourite. Flourless and gluten free, it's a great cake for dinner parties and events as it can be shared with so many.
Click "Read More for the recipe Cauliflower and carrots are in abundance in the Mulberry Lodge veggie garden at the moment. Cauliflower is such an amazing vegetable to cook with and It lends well to so many different flavours. Similar to rice it's a blank canvas for any meal. The addition of curry powder was genius, the result was pure deliciousness.
These vegetable fritters are easy to make – once you've combined all the ingredients they literally take minutes to cook. The sweet, crunchy carrots add texture while the cauliflower add creaminess and the peas freshness, and it all comes together with the earthy curry powder. Click "Read More for the recipe Easy Pumpkin, Thyme and Parmesan scones
During winter we like to use the large supply of butternut pumpkins that we harvest from the Mulberry Lodge veggie gardens to make all sorts of healthy meals and snacks. This easy Pumpkin, Thyme and Parmesan scone recipe is favourite in our home. Click "Read More for the recipe These Salted Caramel Cookies are a match in caramel + flaky sea salt + white chocolate chip Heaven. I don’t throw around the term ‘the best’ lightly, but these truly are the best salted caramel cookies…EVER! Make them for your next party or get together and everyone will be asking you for the recipe between bites of cookie! Not only that but the are so easy to make, no need to soften butter or use a mixer!
Click "Read More" for the recipe Make breakfast extra special with homemade Mandarin Jam.
Whether you prefer toast, crumpets or croissants, this jam is the perfect accompaniment - - my personal favorite is with a beautiful french style croissant made locally by Wendy at Four Winds Chocolate in Willunga. This recipe is super simple and quick and you'll love the end result. Click "Read More" for the recipe With an abundance of tomatoes and chillies in the garden this year I have been experimenting in the kitchen and think I've produced a delightful tomato and chilli sauce. Its a lovely sweet but spicy sauce and yummy on meats, pies and burgers.
Click "Read More" for the recipe These gorgeous cheesy, savoury muffins make a perfect breakfast snack or lunch box snack. I usually make them with gluten free flour as many of our guests are gluten intolerant. The small snack size versions keep perfectly in the freezer so make a batch and they'll do for snacks for a couple of weeks ( or maybe not, they're so yummy you might just eat them all in one sitting). Enjoy!! Download a copy of the the recipe below.
Click "Read More"for the recipe This is great way to use up those bananas that always seem to be left to go brown. Quick and easy to make when you have a spare half hour in the kitchen. I always have a selection of muffins on the go for our guest breakfasts and this is one of the favourites.
Click "Read More" for the recipe Not only are these muesli bars delicious, they're a healthy version as there's no sugar and coconut oil is used instead of butter. I offer these as part of my guest breakfast each morning but they're great snacking on during the day.
.Make these sugar-free Muesli Bars part of your Sunday cook-up repertoire to have handy during the week. Click "Read More" for the recipe This has to be one of the most delicious gluten free treats that I make for our guests. Much better than the standard recipe and I always get lovely comments from our guests. So I thought it was about time to share this. Welcome to chocolate brownie heaven! .
The original recipe calls for fresh raspberries but I've found when they're out of season and expensive you can replace the fresh raspberries with a bar of dark Lindt Raspberry Chocolate, and of course I stock up on this chocolate when it's on special offer. I actually think I prefer them with the Lindt raspberry chocolate. Click "Read More" for the recipe We have the the most amazing lemon tree on our property which fruits all year and I have great fun finding lots lovely recipes in which I can use our lemons.. This was a cake recipe that I found a while ago by Nigella Lawson and is one of the most delicious, and moist cakes that I have come across. The bonus is that it can be made gluten free and dairy free.
I always treat our guests to some homemade cake and this is by far one of the favourites. Click "Read More" for the recipe
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AuthorHazel and husband Nik own and run Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat which is a beautiful and unique mud brick property in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. It's our home and business and run as a hosted luxury, country escape for the discerning traveler. We aim to provide our guests with a wonderful relaxed and indulgent experience. Through the blog Hazel will be sharing information her own recipes, our gardens and activities and experiences in the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia Archives
February 2025
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Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat
PO Box 850, 202 Main Road Willunga SA, 5172 T: 0424 825 965 E: [email protected] Follow us on |