Eat, Play, Do – There’s a Lot More to the Adelaide Plains Than Meets the Eye
And now there’s a map to prove it
Turns out, the Adelaide Plains isn’t just South Australia’s grain growing heartland. The largest protected cropping region in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 1300 hectares of expanding greenhouse production is also home to some seriously tasty food, quirky attractions, and some creative regional communities.
Just in time for the 2025 SALA Festival, the inaugural Creative Adelaide Plains Trail Map is launching, backed by Adelaide Plains Council and a crew of passionate locals who want to show off what makes their backyard tick.
If you’ve never taken the time to properly explore the Plains – the fertile food bowl fringing Adelaide’s northern edge – this is your nudge. The trail takes in communities from Lewiston, Two Wells and Mallala, to the coastal townships of Port Parham and Thompson Beach, and the ever-changing highway towns of Dublin, Lower Light and beyond.
What’s on the map? Let’s just say… come hungry.
Dublin General Store is famous for its locally caught garfish rolls, which have been luring travellers for more than a decade now.
Lower Light Hotel has built a quiet cult following for its value for money schnitzels, praised by the South Aussie Schnitty Review crew for their generous serves, loaded salad bar and retro vibes.
Mallala Hotel gives a warm welcome with a side of backyard cricket.
Two Wells Bakery is one of SA’s best. Think of your favourite dish and you can bet the bakers at Two Wells have turned it into a piping hot pie.
The map also points to cosy dining options like Love of Spices, Port Parham Sports Club, Wood Oven Pizzas at Phyre, and the quaint Bella Mia Espresso Bar.
And then there’s a long list of art, history and natural wonders to walk it all off
There’s also a whole lot to see and do across the Adelaide Plains. Walk or ride through Lewiston Wetlands and Horse Trails. Explore Two Wells’ namesake wells and village green, craft shop and library. Marvel at the mad genius of the Port Parham Jinkers, go crabbing at Thompson Beach, call into the Mallala Museum, walk around Dublin historic township, or turn it up a notch either hiring a kart at Mallala Motorsport Park or throw yourself out of a plane and marvel at the sights with Adelaide Skydiving at Lower Light.
Rockies Reserve at Barabba is another hidden gem worth the detour. Set along the Light River, this tranquil little haven is perfect for a picnic with the family. With a shelter, native vegetation and a peaceful walking track that leads to rock pools, it’s one of the Plains’ best-kept secrets.
Wildman Farm, at Korunye (between Two Wells and Mallala) has an incredible SALA event happening in August. Owner, Cate Wildman, has been a driving force behind the entire Adelaide Plains Trail, and her 1880s limestone barn will host “Echoes of the Plains”, a dazzling mixed-media art exhibition celebrating the region’s raw creative talent.
Also feature on the Trail are the Redbanks Rust and Found installation, the moving Moquet Lee Pinery Fire memorial, and plenty of places to stay, from beachside shacks to community-run caravan parks and BnBs.
So load up the car, follow the map, and discover a whole side of the Adelaide Plains you never knew existed.
You can grab your digital copy here .
