Rob and Lucy recovered from trekking the first 5 sections of the Heysen Trail at Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat – Lucy’s written about it here 
 
In late June, we boarded a plane in sunny, tropical Cairns, and flew to Adelaide for a week of walking by the ocean and drinking wine in McLaren Vale. Obviously it was the best holiday ever. 

Are you looking for somewhere special to spend time relaxing at Easter? Well look no further. Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat is offering special packages for a 3 or 4 night stay. Hosting only 1 couple or group travelling together you can enjoy private relaxing  time at the Lodge. Enjoy the gardens, cycle the Shiraz Trail, take in the stunning sunsets at Port Willunga beach not to mention the Fleurieu's award winning cellar doors and restaurants. 

Part of the longer Coast to Vines Trail, the Shiraz Trail runs through the McLaren Vale wine area and links the historic towns of McLaren Vale and Willunga. The old railway track -now cycle, walking and horse track  - is situated at the base of the stunning Willunga Hills in the McLaren Vale wine region and offers a gateway to the many riches the region has to offer, from quality wines and local fare to fascinating heritage.  The Shiraz Trail can be accessed from the Mulberry Lodge Paddock and is a 2km cycle south into historic village of Willunga or north 7km into the township McLaren Vale. There are a number of cellar doors and Providores easily accessible from the trail between McLaren Vale and Willunga. 

Cycling From Willunga to McLaren Vale (9km ride) you can easily access the following cellar doors close to the track:

• Battle of Bosworth (Organic wines)
• Primo Estate ( Offering Mulberry Lodge guests the Joseph VIP Experience)   
• Hugh Hamilton
• Wirra Wirra
• Pertaringa
• Serafino
• Oxenberry
• Hardy’s Tintara
• Shingleback 

​On a Saturday morning after a gourmet breakfast at Mulberry Lodge pick up our Lodge   bikes and head out of our paddock - say hello to our pet  sheep on the way. First head South into Willunga a 2km cycle to visit the local Willunga Farmers market  on every Saturday morning. You’ll find fresh regional produce on offer and meet some local characters. On the second Saturday of each month the Quarry Market is also on selling gifts, and crafts.  If you’re interested in the heritage of the area, head up to the Old Court House and Police museum at the top of the High street. You’ll find interesting and historical information about Willunga and the surrounding area.   If you’d like to taste some wine before leaving Willunga, the High Street has 2 cellar doors – Minko Wines and Hither & Yon. When you’re finished at Hither & Yon stop by The Three Monkeys Provedore and cafe next door to pick up some local cheeses and delicacies. Minko wines also stocks local cheeses and small goods including the famous and so delicious Andy Clappis bread,      

When you enter the McLaren Vale township section of the trail don’t forget to call into Bracegirdles for coffee and cake and perhaps buy some of their award winning chocolates.
  

​Further down the track through McLaren Vale stop by the Almond Train to stock up on almonds and olives and other local produce or perhaps sample one of their legendary milk shakes in the cafe. 

 At the end of the McLaren Vale section of the Trail you’ll come to Shingleback Winery where tapas and platters are available with your wine tasting. 
​If by any chance you’re all out of puff, filled up with beautiful food and wine and can’t face the cycle back to the Lodge give us a call and we’ll come and pick you up with your haul of goodies.  Alternatively enjoy a leisurely 9km cycle back to the Lodge.