Sculptures hidden in plain sight.

Good morning, Hills lovers!

What a month it’s been!

Our April Cafe Ride had a good turnout. It was such a lovely way to slow down, share stories, and connect with our community. Below you can find the details for the next ride in May. We’d love to see you there, if that’s how you roll.

Also, a huge thank you to everyone who submitted for the Adelaide Hills Pantry podcast. We had almost 100 submissions, which blew us away for our first go. We are now busy behind the scenes bringing it to life, and aiming to have it in your ears by the beginning of June.

This week in the Pantry, we’re talking about the things you might have walked past without even realising: the sculptures tucked into Hills towns, the gardens planted decades ago that are now in their autumn glory.

Let’s get stuck in.

MAKE & CREATE
Have You Noticed the Sculptures?

Some of you know exactly what they are. For others, they’ve blended into the background. You’ve likely stood beneath them in Stirling, traced their edges in Hahndorf, pointed them out to the kids in Lobethal or Macclesfield. You might even know their names — Angel of Hahndorf, Le Peloton, Watersong.

These aren’t just random sculptures. They’re part of something much bigger: the Hills Sculpture Trail.

Between 2012 and 2016, artists from around the world came to The Cedars in Hahndorf, once Hans Heysen’s home, to carve massive pieces of local stone beneath the gum trees. The finished works were placed across 16 towns, transforming everyday spaces into places of quiet wonder.

🌿 Read About All 26 Sculptures Here. How many have you noticed in your travels?

HILLS GARDENS
Stangate House, Aldgate

In the 1940s, a retired reverend and his wife began planting terraces beside Aldgate Creek. With garden designer Elsie Cornish, they created something you could walk through — camellias, oaks, beeches, hydrangeas, late-summer roses, and trees planted for future generations.

At the bottom of the garden stands a giant oak — the second-largest in the country. No one knows who planted it, but it’s been standing watch ever since.

Now, more than 80 years on, Stangate House opens its gates each autumn, right on cue — just as the leaves turn and the camellias begin to bloom.

👉 Click here to find out more.

APRIL CAFE RIDE REPORT
Verte Kitchen to Fourth Hill Providore

Our first Café Ride rolled out from Verté Kitchen in Mylor into cool autumn mist and golden morning light. A friendly crew set off at 8am, some already fuelled by Verte’s legendary blueberry muffins, others chasing that first coffee stop.

The 50km loop served up a beautiful mix of quiet backroads, crunchy gravel, tunnel cut-throughs and rolling climbs, just enough to earn that second coffee (and maybe a donut). It was a no-drop ride, with everyone looking out for each other through climbs, descents and loose gravel.

Our halfway stop at Fourth Hill Providore hit the mark with strong coffee, flaky pastries and plenty of laughs. These mid-ride breaks make the loop more accessible. You can ride the whole route or just one half.

We rolled back into Mylor stretched but smiling, with 1000m of climbing in the legs and rocky road on our plates. 🚲 Register your interest for the May Café Ride

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
Let’s spread the word…

Got a community update or special shoutout to share? Reach out and say hi!

Birdwood Football & Netball Club is hosting its annual Ladies Day at JMS Rural Oval on Saturday, 3rd May, during the Birdwood vs Echunga match! Ticket include a keepsake glass, discounted drinks, canapés, games, two football matches, and prizes for Best Dressed. Book your tickets here. 

Our first-ever birthday shout-out on the Community Notice Board! A special Happy Birthday to Marie from your beautiful family and all of us here in the Adelaide Hills Pantry community!

Would you like to advertise your business or event?

Over 7000 people read the Adelaide Hills Pantry Newsletter every week.

The Macclesfield Community Association – History Group invites everyone to Paddy’s Irish Bush Dance 2025 on Saturday, 10 May. This lively event promises a night of music, dancing, and Irish-inspired fun, perfect for all ages and experience levels. Get ready to kick up your heels and celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Macclesfield community. Get your tickets here.

The Battunga Country Tourism Association is hosting a fun weekend showcasing five Battunga towns in the Adelaide Hills: Meadows, Macclesfield, Echunga, Prospect Hill, and Flaxley. There will be over 30 events and activities across these towns throughout the weekend. Download the full Battunga Weekend brochure here to view events in all 5 towns!

WHAT’S ON

🎯 Spark Mateship Bridgewater Sports and Social Club
📅 Thursday, May 8 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of pool, darts, cards, and a classic sausage sizzle while connecting with great mates and good conversation. All men are welcome to come for the games and stay for the community spirit. INFO

🚜 Callington Monster Auction Callington Oval
📅 Sunday, May 4 | Registration from 8:30 AM | Auction starts 10:00 AM
Browse tractors, farm machinery, motorbikes, tools, furniture, collectables, and more at this massive community auction, with BBQ and coffee on-site for a great day out. INFO

❤️ Heart Week Walk with the Bridgewater Walking Group
📅 Tuesday, May 6 | 8:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Celebrate Heart Week with a scenic, medium-paced group walk through the Adelaide Hills while raising heart health awareness. INFO

🍷 Ngeringa X Humble Sunday Session Tasting Australia
📅 Sunday, May 4
Unwind with biodynamic Ngeringa wines, farm-to-table bites, and live music at this relaxed Sunday gathering in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Celebrate local flavour and good company in a stunning vineyard setting. INFO

🎶 Acoustic Sundays with Mike Pounsett Norton Summit
📅 Sunday, May 4 | 1:00 PM
Relax with an afternoon of soulful acoustic folk music, local wine, and autumn vibes under the shady gum trees. INFO

🚶 Blumberg to Birdwood and the Steps Inbetween
📅 May 2–11
Discover Birdwood’s rich history on a guided walk from its early Lutheran roots to its iconic place in Australia’s motoring story. Stroll past historic sites, the old mill, and the vibrant legacy of the Bay to Birdwood. INFO

🍷  Adelaide Hills Produce Festival
📅 Saturday, May 3 | From 11:00 AM
Celebrate the best of the Adelaide Hills with live music, local wine, and delicious regional produce set among stunning gardens and terraces. INFO

🎻 Rapture – UKARIA Cultural Centre, Mount Barker
📅 Wednesday, May 7 | 10:30 AM
Experience an emotional journey through Beethoven, Janáček, Golijov, and the world premiere of Vanessa Perica’s No Feeling is Final in this powerful string quartet performance. Let music awaken your deepest emotions in the stunning setting of UKARIA. INFO

🌳 Open Gardens SA – Stangate House, Aldgate
📅 May 3–4 | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wander through 4.5 acres of glorious autumn leaves, rare camellias, and historic woodland gardens at the beautiful Stangate House. Discover one of Australia's most significant gardens, rich with history, romance, and natural beauty. INFO

🥾 Crafers/Mount Lofty Loop (10 KM)
 📅 Sunday, May 4 | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Enjoy a moderate 10km hike from Crafers to Mount Lofty and back, with wide trails, scenic views, and a friendly pace perfect for walkers of all levels. Connect with nature, boost your fitness, and share the journey with like-minded adventurers. INFO

🍂 Autumn Colours at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
📅 May 3–4
Wander through a breathtaking tapestry of reds, golds, and oranges and soak up the crisp magic of autumn in full bloom. INFO

⚔️ Medieval and Rare Trades Festival Gumeracha
📅 May 3–4
Step back in time with live medieval re-enactments, rare trades, artisan stalls, and family fun at this vibrant two-day festival. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🍷 Chardy Party on The Terrace at Howard Vineyard Nairne
📅 Saturday, May 24 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sip, dance, and celebrate with live music, Chardonnay tastings, delicious food, and a full bar at this lively outdoor party. INFO

🤝 SustainHer Women in Business in the Hills Connect
📅 Tuesday, June 10 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Connect with like-minded women over coffee, inspiring stories, and fresh business insights designed to spark ideas and foster growth, and leave feeling motivated, supported, and ready for your next big move. INFO

🎶 Dobet Gnahoré in Ukaria UKARIA Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, June 7 | 7:30 PM
Experience the vibrant spirit of GRAMMY Award-winning Dobet Gnahoré as she brings her powerful fusion of Afropop, dance, and storytelling to an intimate UKARIA stage. INFO

☕ Mother's Day Prelude High Tea Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 11:00 AM
Celebrate Mother's Day weekend with a decadent High Tea featuring handmade local treats, tea, coffee, bubbles, and beautiful Adelaide Hills views. INFO

🌸 Mother's Day Lunch at Glen Ewin Estate Houghton
📅 Sunday, May 11 | 12:00 PM
Celebrate Mother's Day with a long lunch in beautiful garden surrounds, complete with live music, shared plates, and a glass of bubbles on arrival. INFO

🫖 Mother’s Day High Tea Mylor
📅 Sunday, May 11 | From 8:30 AM
Treat Mum to a beautiful High Tea and a special wildlife show, all set in the peaceful surrounds of Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary. INFO

🏰 Glenbarr History Festival Paris Creek
📅 May 7–26
Explore Glenbarr’s rich heritage with homestead tours, carriage rides, living history displays, and thrilling 19th-century reenactments. INFO

🎨 Wine and Watercolours at Between the Vines – Birds
📅 Friday, May 9 | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Sip wine, enjoy a cheese platter, and let your creativity flow in a relaxed, step-by-step watercolour workshop focused on painting birds. No experience needed, just a playful spirit and a love for the beautiful Adelaide Hills! INFO

MARKETS

🛍️ Macclesfield Market | 33 Venables Street, Macclesfield
📅 Sunday, May 4 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Browse fresh produce, handmade gifts, and local treasures at this friendly country market in the heart of Macclesfield.

🧺 Mylor Market | Mylor Oval
📅 Sunday, May 4 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wander through stalls of local produce, handmade goods, and crafts at this charming monthly community market. 

🧶 Uraidla Market | Uraidla Institute
📅 Sunday, May 4 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treasures at this vibrant market held twice a month in the heart of Uraidla.

🌾 Adelaide Hills Farmers' Market | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, May 3 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Enjoy a vibrant Saturday morning filled with fresh local produce, supporting South Australian farmers and producers. 

_{Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry. I hope it added a moment of enjoyment to your day.}