Gumeracha

The Big Rocking Horse

Gumeracha is a town in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia most known for the Big Rocking Horse, one of the big things in Australia. Located about an hour northeast of the capital city Adelaide, it's a popular day trip for Adelaide families to check out a local icon.

Understand

Gumeracha is a small town (roughly 800 people in the 2016 census) that, like a lot of Australia's small towns, built an identity for itself through its local Big Thing. The town is a necessary stop for anyone interested in that Australian form of kitsch.

Get in

By car

Gumeracha is 37 km (23 mi) from Adelaide's city centre via Lower North East Road.

By bus

A coach service operates between Gumeracha and Tea Tree Plaza Interchange in Modbury, a northeast suburb of Adelaide.

See

• 1 The Big Rocking Horse & Toy Factory, 452 Torrens Valley Rd, ☏ +61 8389 1085. 9AM-5PM. Gumeracha's claim to local fame, the Big Rocking Horse is one of the more eccentric Big Things throughout the country. The 18 m (59 ft) horse is the focal point of a tourist trap including a toy factory and local wildlife park. Free to visit, $2 apiece to climb the horse, enter the wildlife park, or feed the animals.  
• 2 Federation Park, Albert St, ☏ +61 8408 0400. A stopping point for drives through the Hills, with a visitor information centre, barbecue facilities, toilets, sports courts, and a playground. 

Eat

• 1 The Good Pantry Est. 2017, 35 Albert St, ☏ +61 459 356 943. M-F 7AM-3PM, Sa Su 8:30AM-3PM. A home-style cafe with all-day breakfast popular as a stopping point during Hills drives. Vegan and gluten-free options. 

Drink

• 1 Applewood Distillery, 24 Victoria St, ☏ +61 6333 0369. M-Th noon-5PM, F-Su noon-6PM. A more adult attraction than the horse, the Applewood Distillery is an esteemed gin distillery specializing in native flora. 

Sleep

Gumeracha is mostly a day trip location due to its proximity to Adelaide, but options are available for people who want to spend the night.

• 1 Gumeracha Hotel, 30 Albert St, ☏ +61 8 8389 1001, admin@gumhotel.com.au. The primary hotel in town. Each room has a queen bed, TV, free WiFi, and electric blankets. 

Go next

Gumeracha is roughly equidistant between Adelaide and the Barossa Valley wine region. It's also convenient to the Murray and Mallee Riverland.