An attractive old building in the main street of Gumeracha

Gumeracha
Small town in the Adelaide Hills dominated by the Big Rocking Horse
Located only 36 km east of Adelaide and 354 metres above sea level in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, Gumeracha is famous for the fact that it is the home to the Big Rocking Horse, a huge toy rocking horse which is part of the promotion of the Toy Factory which is the town's major attraction.

It is said that the town's unusual name is reputedly a corruption of the local Aboriginal word 'umeracha' which indicated a good water hole on the River Torrens. Somehow, between the Aborigines and the meeting of the South Australian Company in London in 1841, the word ended up as 'Gummaraka'.

The town dates from the earliest European settlement of South Australia. William Beavis Randell settled at Kenton Park in 1837 and built a flour mill in the 1840s. By 1860 he had sold some of the land and the town of Gumeracha had been created.

Today it is quiet little township which winds through the valley. It is notable for its floral displays and immaculately kept gardens.

Things to see:  

The big Rocking Horse outside the Toy Factory

The Toy Factory
Located on the Main Road (it is quite impossible to miss) The Toy Factory is notable for the 18.3 metres Big Rocking Horse (that's the equivalent of a six storey building) which towers over the shop. The shop specialises in wooden toys. It is also possible to climb to the top of the Rocking Horse. You get a certificate for your labours. Information: contact (08) 8389 1085.

Wineries in the Area
Chains of Ponds Wines
Located on Main Road in Gumeracha this 60.7 hectare vineyard and winery was established in 1993 and specialises in both premium red and white table wines derived from cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, shiraz, grenache, sangiovese, semillon, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, merlot, cabernet franc, riesling and chardonnay grapes. It is open seven days for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8389 1415.

Malcolm Creek Vineyard
Located on Bonython Road in Kersbrook this tiny 1.5 hectare winery was established in 1982 and specialises in both dry red and white table wines and sparkling wines derived from cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay grapes. It is open weekends for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8389 3235.

Samphire Wines
Located on the corner of Watts Gully and Robertson Roads in Kersbrook this tiny 0.4 hectare vineyard and winery was established in 1978 and specialises in both dry white table wines derived from riesling grapes. It is open seven days by appointment for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8389 3183.

Talunga Premium Wines
Located on Mannum Road in Gumeracha this family winery was established in 1987 and specialises in both red and white table wines derived from cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, pinot noir, merlot, grenache, sangiovese, semillon, sauvignon blanc, verdelho, nebbiolo, cabernet franc, riesling and chardonnay grapes. It is open Wednesday to Sunday for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8389 1222.

	Tourist Information
	Gumeracha Tourist Information The Toy Factory Main Rd Gumeracha SA 5233 Telephone: (08) 8389 1085
	Hotels
	Gumeracha Hotel Main Rd Gumeracha SA 5241 Telephone: (08) 8389 1001
	Cottages & Cabins
	Vineyard Cottage Main Rd Gumeracha SA 5233 Telephone: (08) 8389 1415 Facsimile: (08) 8389 1877 Rating: ****
	Chain of Ponds Vineyard Cottage Main Rd Gumeracha SA 5233 Telephone: (08) 8389 1415 Facsimile: (08) 8389 1877 Rating: ****