It’s relaxed, welcoming and the kind of spot where you can settle in for a long lunch without feeling rushed, while the kids are happily entertained nearby (and you might actually finish a beer while it’s still cold).

The menu has had a bit of a refresh recently, but all the favourites are still there. Think burgers, pizzas, wings, share plates and proper comfort food, done really well. There’s a strong focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and making things in-house, and you can taste the difference. We ordered… a lot (for research purposes obviously). The black ale beef brisket tacos were next level. I went the hot honey chicken salad (saving calories for beer, priorities) and it was honestly so good. One kid smashed a steak sanga, the other gave the kids pizza a solid review, and yes… we had to order a pizza to share too because if there’s a proper pizza oven in sight, it’s basically non-negotiable, right?!

And definitely save room for dessert. The chocolate brownie with ice cream is proper comfort food; rich, warm, gooey and exactly what you want to finish off an amazing meal. Meanwhile, my eight-year-old (who eats like a grown man) finished the day off with apple and berry crumble with ice cream and custard… and absolutely demolished it. Warm, cosy, buttery topping, proper old-school dessert vibes and very much a hit.

Everything came out fresh, generous and full of flavour, and the kids menu is a winner with a solid range of well-priced options ranging from $12 – $16. They also cater to a variety of dietary requirements including gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan, which makes it an easy choice for mixed groups and families.

For the grown-ups, there are 16 taps pouring their core range plus seasonal brews (the India Red Ale still a personal fave), along with wines, gins, cocktails and plenty of non-alcoholic options. So even if you’re not a beer drinker, you’re well covered.

Now for the family factor. Inside, there are colouring sheets and pencils, plus a fun scavenger hunt that gets the kids up and exploring (mine were very into it). You can also borrow games like Uno for a gold coin donation. Outside, there’s a casual play area with giant Connect Four, Jenga and a few bits for younger kids including some cute wooden rocking horses… although bigger kids will 100% get involved too. It’s also dog friendly, so your four-legged family members are welcome to join too.

And here’s a little twist… they’re open for breakfast during the week. Yep. Monday to Friday from 8–11am you can swing by for coffee and an easy brekkie. Muffins, toasties, loaded rolls… quick, affordable and actually good. Not something you expect from a brewery, but we’re into it and it’s perfect if you’re heading up the hill anyway.

Beyond the food and drinks, there’s almost always something happening. From regular live music on weekends to quiz nights, bingo, karaoke and Friday happy hour, it’s the kind of venue that gives you a reason to come back again and again. You can also book brewery tours and guided tastings for a behind-the-scenes experience, which makes a great gift idea or something a bit different to do with friends.

Open 7 days a week, this is one of those easy 91������ý Hills favourites that works for pretty much any occasion. Family lunch, casual catch-up, or just somewhere you know everyone will be happy… it just works.

Location: 42 Mt Barker Road, Totness SA (Mt Barker)
Opening Hours: Seven days a week
Phone: (08) 8398 3881 Email: info@prancingpony.com.au
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With the most gorgeous panoramic views of vines and the Gulf St Vincent you will be feeling instantly relaxed on arrival and ready to kick back for an afternoon of grazing, acoustic tunes, wine tasting, lawn games and most importantly DONKEY pats! Yes, meet Pedro and Pinto! You can likely even score a carrot to feed them and the best news? Their donkey run has recently been extended so as they are now closer to the cellar door!

The beautiful knowledgeable staff will have you sorted in no time at all, and this is the perfect spot for families looking to enjoy a day out.

The wines are small batch and distinctive. Made with a whole lot of gentle love and nurturing by award winning winemaker Michael Sexton. They are vibrant and bright and celebrate the authentic naturally occurring characters of each variety and vintage.

The cellar door was undoubtedly designed with families in mind, offering a quality, creative and delicious kids’ lunch option that will keep little people happy. You can’t go wrong with crispy real chicken bites and hand cut fries, served with a cute fun sized chocolate on the side, plus these meals come with a juice box and the serving is big enough for bigger kids too.

Now, don’t expect the kids to sit around for too long – ours couldn’t keep away from the friendly donkey’s, they also danced and played games on the lawns, took Uno out to one of the picnic rugs, enjoyed spotting ducks and also bombed around with other kids for some winery lawn community fun.

When it comes to outdoor space, Main and Cherry Cellar Door truly shines. There’s plenty of room for kids to burn around and be kids, out of the way and with in sight, making it easy for parents to relax with a glass of wine while their little ones play safely. The picturesque grounds are ideal for a laid-back afternoon. Adding to the welcoming vibe, Main and Cherry also hosts a great line-up of acoustic musicians, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for a family outing. Check their for details.

It was only upon departure that we realized they also offer craft beers, so we did the right thing and took a four-pack home to enjoy later!

Main anFor the beer lovers, there is a fun little beer collab of Main and Cherry x Prancing Pony ales. Sold!

Whether you’re there to enjoy the food, music, a guided tasting or simply the great atmosphere, this winery has everything you need for a beautiful quality, memorable day out. Even the coffee was brilliant!

PS They do well presented gift vouchers and we can’t imagine many people not loving this! Buy one

Location: 60 Grants Gully Road, Chandlers Hill, 91������ý, South Australia
Opening Times: Thursday to Mondays
Phone: 0474 015 349
Find them on  or 

Missing the yellow cow from the main street of Hahndorf? You’ll find it here, with the cute little Udder Delights Cheese Cellar tucked into this venue, where you can also enjoy great food, craft beer, wine, gin flights and a fun kids menu that can all be enjoyed in this super high quality. family-friendly space. Think umbrellas outdoors, a creek, expansive lawn, a cubby, a slack line for the kids to balance on and just room to explore.

When its cool, there is a delightful fireplace doing a great job of keeping the space warm and cosy, surrounded by couches. The main dining area, ‘The Great Hall’, includes tables, booths, bar tables, and also offers the ‘Grünthal Greenhouse’ for private functions. When it’s sunny out, there are shady trees and umbrellas for days!

The at Grünthal is definitely a big step up from standard brewery fare! There are a great range of small plates, pizzas, and specials on offer. Udder Delights cheeses are well represented, with a delicious cheese fondue, a ‘Too Cheesy’ deep dish pizza, and even the humble toastie is made with Truffle Cheddar. The pizza is next level. The real star of the menu for the kids was the dessert (of course) – an extra special sundae topped with Persian fairy floss.

They haven’t forgotten to cater for dietary options including vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free and vegan either!

For the grown ups, there is an extensive drinks menu including tea, coffee and iced drinks, wines, three varieties of Grünthal Gin, cocktails and mocktails, and of course the extensive and delicious Grünthal beer range, including eBeer – with a new brewing technology that you’ll love hearing about.

Grünthal makes it super easy to cater for groups with a “Feed my Group”, “Feed my Party” and “Feed my Child” selection of items from the main menu.

Grünthal are also offering a traditional Swiss cheese fondue experience this winter. Their rich, silky fondue combines Gruyère and Emmental with white wine, served with warm ciabatta rolls, cornichons, Skara Csabai salami and fresh pear or apple for dipping.

At $68 to share between two, it’s the perfect cosy dining experience for a winter date night, catch-up with friends or a special night out.

And yes, there’s even the famous fondue game… so keep your bread dipping skills sharp!

The kids loved exploring the fantastic lawns on the bank of the Onkaparinga River. There is seating and shade on the raised terrace, and the lawns are accessible by both a ramp and stairs. We can’t think of a better place to lay down a picnic rug and enjoy a sunny afternoon watching the kids play while we had an uninterrupted adult catch up and all of the tasty things!

Before you depart, be sure to choose some gin, beer or wine to take home, and of course some of the many cheeses and trimmings on offer.

The indoor dining area is accessible with plenty of space to manoeuvre around tables and park prams. The female toilets allow enough room to leave a pram outside the cubicle door if required, and the accessible toilet is very roomy and has a full size change table, nappy disposal unit, and grab rails.

Ingenuity Baby Base seats are available to seat your little ones at the table – just another extra touch that makes this family day out so much easier.

Book it in, every one will be happy here!

Grünthal Brew
Location: 827 Mount Barker Rd Verdun
Opening Hours:
Mon to Thurs 10am – 4pm / Fri to Sat 10am – 10pm / Sun & Public Holidays 10am to 5pm
Phone: 08 8388 1588 
Find them on  or 

But Beerenberg Café is so much more than its jaw-dropping shakes. The farm has a beautiful story. A rich family history spanning six generations that has woven much of the fabric of this great region’s development. To this day, it remains 100% family owned, with all products made on-site. In the warmer months, strawberry picking at Beerenberg in Hahndorf is a bit of a South Australian rite of passage and yet somehow, we’d never stopped in at the gorgeous cafe… until now. Wow. Fresh, seasonal produce, a thoughtfully crafted menu, and flavour-packed dishes make it a must-visit for anyone heading to the Hills.

Standouts for us included:

• The Farmhouse Vienna – hearty, flavoursome, and everything a brioche roll with two smoked Vienna sausages, Beerenberg New York Deli Relish, chipotle ranch sauce, and beetroot sauerkraut should be. Served with cheese, crispy chips, and Beerenberg Green Tomato & Jalapeno Relish, it’s pure comfort on a plate.
• Strawberry & Burrata Salad – almost too pretty to eat. With peaches, cherry tomatoes, basil, Beerenberg Orange Marmalade, toasted seeds, and pomegranate dressing, this salad is a masterpiece of freshness and colour.

The kids’ menu gets a big thumbs-up from us too. With four options, including a healthy snack that lets little grazers nibble on veggie sticks and fruit, it’s a winner for picky eaters. Nuggets are loved here, sure, but that little jar of Beerenberg tomato sauce with every dish? Chef’s kiss.

And then there’s dessert. Whatever you do, save room. Your tastebuds will thank you (even if your waistline doesn’t).

• The Summer Stack – toasted waffle topped with vanilla ice cream, smashed strawberry, mango & kiwi salsa, and strawberry coulis. Pure bliss.

And of course, no visit is complete without a trip to The Dairy, where ice cream and gelati made from freshly churned local milk are packed with flavour and farm-fresh goodness. Strawberry is a must, but you’ll struggle to choose just one flavour. Not feeling a full meal? Grab a coffee and a scone (thank me later).

Beyond the menu, everything at Beerenberg feels thoughtful and family-friendly. Pram and wheelchair access is seamless, the atmosphere is relaxed, and every dish showcases Beerenberg’s own jams, relishes, and sauces. Kids are well catered for too, with colouring-in activities and an interactive strawberry wall where they can press buttons and learn all about the farm. The staff are incredible, and you can genuinely feel the love oozing out of the café like the sweetest jam on toast.

Honestly, tell your friends, tell your family, tell interstate visitors. Beerenberg is an absolutely brilliant

���dz����پ��Dz�:��Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf SA 5245
Opening Times: Daily 9am to 4pm | Closed Christmas Day Only
Phone: 08 8388 7272
Find them on ���Ի�����������

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Despite the iconic street presence in the main street of Hahndorf, not every one knows about the magical spacious garden setting out the back, this area is absolutely perfect for to enjoy a relaxed meal while the kids explore and play, or to host your next celebration. Is there any thing better than room for them to stretch their legs away from the table and catch some fresh air in between arriving, maybe pop a cartwheel and then order and eat? We don’t think so. There are also indoor and deck / verandah areas for seating, but book under a tree or umbrella is our advice.

The menu is Spanish and vibrant, with some more familiar options for the kids like pizza, pasta and crumbed chicken and chips. Who can pass up paella and sangria on a sunny afternoon? Not us. ACtually this visit we opted in for the feed me style menu and it didn’t disappoint in value, variety and just general tasty awesomeness.

Comida is open from 9am daily (closed Tuesdays) and serves up Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All menus aim to use the freshest local and seasonal produce, which means the menu changes are quite frequent. The absolute stand outs for us were sharing tapas, the classic paella de comida and the paella de mariner. It goes without saying that we also inhaled several serves of sweet, warm churros. Always a winner.

The kids were delighted when I told them to look for resident bunny rabbits in the garden, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement as they spotted a couple of these adorable animals hopping about. It’s fair to say Comida is more than just a place to eat; it’s a family-friendly destination that delivers a fun, warm, welcoming environment for all ages.

The thoughtful design of the Spanish garden space, coupled with engaging activities like bunny spotting and indulging in churros, makes it an ideal choice for a memorable family outing. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual meal, Comida in Hahndorf ensures a really enjoyable experience for everyone.

Keep an eye on their social media (linked below) for regular events and entertainment, and don’t overlook this beautiful spot if you need a stylish venue for that 30th, 40th, 50th birthday party you owe to your self to celebrate! Image it as a wedding venue? Yes…..that’s an option here too!

Need more to fill in your day in the 91������ý hills with kids, check it out here

Location: 100 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf SA 5245
Opening Hours: Mon 9am to 3pm | Tues Closed | Wed 9am to 3pm | Thurs, Fri + Sat 9am – 10pm | Sun 9am to 4pm
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View more and book online

Downstairs, kids can meet the guinea pigs who live in the most incredible miniature replica of Hahndorf village lovingly built by the owner himself. It is calm, cute and interactive making it an easy win for animal-loving kids while parents get a moment to relax and enjoy the space. Visiting the mini village and meeting the guinea pigs costs $5 per person. All funds are set aside for a future lift to make the café fully accessible for everyone.

Upstairs, you will find all the café favourites with a twist. Coffee, snacks and treats are served alongside one of the funniest, pun-filled menus you will ever see. Expect plenty of guinea pig wordplay that will have the kids reading and giggling and the adults chuckling too.

Sessions are hands-on and welcoming, with staff guiding children on how to gently hold and care for the animals. It is a sweet way for kids to learn about empathy and animal care. Even better, the café gives NDIS participants meaningful opportunities to get involved in café operations, food handling, customer service and animal care, making it a space that is all about community, inclusion and heart.

It is a family-run, feel-good spot where creativity, community and cuddly guinea pigs come together for a memorable day out in Hahndorf.

Location: 91A Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf SA 5245
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 11am to 2pm, Weekends: 10am to 3pm
Find them on

Melbas Chocolates in Woodside, 91������ý Hills

Melba’s Chocolate Factory is located just past the main shopping area of Woodside, about 40mins east of 91������ý in the 91������ý Hills. It is a great place to take the family on a day trip or main destination around which to plan a few hours in the Hills one day.

When we were kids I spent a LOT of time helping myself to the samples at Melba’s as my sister used to ride horses at one of the nearby properties and I had a lot of spare time to kill in the area. I was always fascinated to watch the process of making the chocolate, toffee traffic lights and other delicious goodies (the samples were an added bonus!).

The current site is known as ‘Heritage Park’ and houses Melba’s Chocolate Factory and a range of other cottage industries such as the next door Cheese Factory, so there really is something for everyone here. The factory has been transformed into a large emporium styled confectionery factory shop with its heritage equipment making delicious old fashioned treats. This is a centerpiece for 5 different rooms, where various manufacturing processes can be viewed. These are the Chocolate Room, Depositing Room, Packing Room, Panning Room & Toffee Room.

In School Holidays, Long Weekends and for special events, Melba’s bring in food trucks and kids activities such as giant games, face painting and balloon twisting, so you really can make a day of it!

Melba’s Chocolate Factory is a pretty cool destination in it’s own right and a great place to visit with the family. When you’re in the area, you should also check out a few of the other places around to make a full day outing – some of our favourites including Barrister’s Block Winery just across the road, the Balhannah Playground and Beerenberg Farm.

Find Melba’s Woodside at 22 Henry St, Woodside, South Australia.

Melba’s Chocolates in Angaston, Barossa Valley

Opening in March 2024, Melba’s newest site in Angaston in the wine region of the Barossa Valley is a must visit!

Taking up residency in the Gawler Park site, the new Angaston site boasts Melba’s already vast range of chocolate and confectionery with the addition of an extensive dessert bar offering with their delicious creamy chocolate on tap, an Ice Cream Bar with a wide range of Melba’s toppings, their famous hot chocolates, fondue, milkshakes, coffees and more. They also have a range of savoury options available.

Those familiar with the site will know the beautiful grounds and large grassed area. Melba’s have breathed new life into the space with family-friendly activities, seasonal events, and School Holiday entertainment.

Tom Foristal, Managing Director of Melba’s Chocolates and Confectionery had this to say about their exciting expansion – “Ever since I was a boy heading to the Riverland via the Barossa, I’ve loved Angaston. When the opportunity came up, I was over the moon at the prospect of Melba’s becoming part of that community, especially given the ties to our Woodside Factory. Being neighbours with Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, Yalumba, is very special too. The Gawler Park site suits us to a tee and I’m sure we will put lots of sweet smiles on faces young and old.”

Stepping into the new Angaston site, it just feels like Melba’s. All of your favourite chocolates and lollies are there, along with a homage to the chocolate making process at their Woodside factory and tributes to some of the world’s most famous chocolatiers.

The on-site dessert bar is the PERFECT drawcard for families (or bribe for any kids that have had to sit through wine tasting in the Barossa!). You can purchase scoops of ice cream (big thumbs up for local fave Golden North Ice Cream!), then choose to add flavoured topping or sweet treats made by Melba’s. Our little taste tester went for Bubblegum and Mango scoops, topped with warm milk chocolate, sour worms, gummy bears and sprinkles – any kids dream!

We took it outside to enjoy under the umbrellas at the picnic tables while we played lawn games between scoops. Couple this with a coffee or cool drink and maybe a savoury option, it would be easy to spend a whole day here. You can also BYO picnic and rugs/ chairs – Melba’s have worked hard to create a family friendly vibe and we think they have nailed it.

School holidays and long weekend/ special events at Melba’s in the Barossa will see them bring in food trucks and plenty of kids entertainment too – we can’t wait!

Find Melba’s Barossa Valley at 29 Valley Road, Angaston, South Australia.

Visit their website for more info:

This local favourite has had a bit of a glow-up recently, and it’s looking better than ever. The new all-weather pavilion, upgraded beer garden and revamped balcony have brought a fresh vibe to this historic pub without losing any of the charm that’s made it so popular over the years. The addition of a lift and new bathrooms has also made it more accessible, which is always a win.

We visited on a cool winter’s day and loved every second. The fire was going, the creek was flowing, and the whole place had that relaxed, cosy feel. We tucked into the beef ragu with handmade gnocchi (a standout), the nasi goreng (packed with flavour), and the Bridgey Burger, which came highly recommended. Our eight-year-old, who eats like a grown man, gave it a massive thumbs up and polished off the lot. It’s huge.

The kids’ menu has something for everyone, with eight great options including chicken nuggets, fish and chips, a grazing plate and even a vegan schnitzel. You can grab a main on its own or upgrade to the meal deal for an extra five bucks to include a drink, ice cream and activity pack. Great value and guaranteed to keep little ones happy. And yes, the sticky date pudding is worth it.

If the kids aren’t quite ready to head home, there is a beautiful adventure to be had following the creek for a little walk and the Bridgewater Mill playground next door is always a hit. Just one more reason to stretch the day out a little longer.

There’s something about the Bridgewater Inn that works in every season. In summer, it’s shady and cool beside the water. In winter, it’s warm and welcoming by the fire. The new pavilion, with its insulated roof, gas fireplaces and outdoor blinds, means you can enjoy that fresh-air feeling no matter what the weather is doing. Whether you’re walking the Heysen Trail, catching up with friends, or just craving a really good pub lunch in a beautiful setting, this one’s well worth the trip. So grab your phone and send round that ‘Bridgewater Inn?’ text to plan your next family/ friend Sunday catch up here!

Open 7 days a week from 10am – Late
Weekday meals from 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday meals from 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday meals from 11:30 am – 8 pm
Location: 387 Mt Barker Rd, Bridgewater
You can find them on or

Located in the ideal spot for families, across the road from the Hawthorndene Oval and right next to Apex Park (Fully fenced slice of paradise right here!), Joan’s offers a beautiful setting for families to grab a coffee as they head to the playground, or to sit in for a meal. Primarily a brunch/lunch cafe, it is also fully licensed and open for dinner on Friday nights and offers relaxing seating options indoors and out. For us, eating out with a toddler, we sat inside and found it to be actually genuinely relaxing, with our boys sitting on the bench looking out at the view through the fabulous new bifold windows and reading the selection of kids books on offer. Spacious and decorated with plenty of nods to the history of the cafe and the area, they have done very well to offer family friendly options to eat inside and out depending on the weather.

And it is outside where Joan’s surprised us! We are certainly no newbies here, having grabbed a coffee and a cookie on many occasions before a spin at the playground, but we had no idea about the incredible garden out the back! ‘Joan’s Patch’ is a community garden that has grown into a wonderful community, with memberships available to join and grow your own fruits, veggies and herbs. For us as visitors, the garden is open to wander and explore and adds a real tranquil vibe to finish off your visit following your meal. It also let our toddler walk off the infinite energy he seems to gain and offered nice distractions for him while the rest of the fam finished off their brunch (in peace!). Don’t forget they have a sandpit with toys and more tables too, with plenty of shade under the trees.

But all this is great, but is the food any good? Well we are pleased to report that everyone was well and truly satisfied with the offerings at Joans. Fabulous coffee for the parents and a good range of kids options at very reasonable prices ($7 is the average price for the kids meals for brunch and very well priced lunch options after 11:30, which we LOVED in these cozzie livs days)

Joan’s website allows online orders, a nice review of their history and is a very well put together resource for locals to engage with their local icon. A stone’s throw from Belair National Park, a trip up the hill is not complete without a pit top at this local icon!

Location: 7 Watahuna Avenue, Hawthorndene
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 8:00am – 4:00pm | Fri 8:00am – 8:00pm | Sat – Sun 8:30am – 4:30 pm
Find them on  or  or Phone 8278 2091

The stunning Aston Hills development (right smack bang in the middle of the Gather Round footy venue up at Barker) has opened a huge shopping centre (headlined by a very flash Drakes) and is now complimented by a fabulous family friendly place to take the kids for a huge feed.

Schnithouse has venues all around 91������ý (we may be pretty fond already of their fare in case you wondered) and now with the Aston Hills location, you can enjoy their German delights all around our great city. With beers the size of a small sedan, plus a gorgeous outdoor area overlooking farmland, it is a picturesque spot with spot on food to match.

Ordering your feed is a bit different here, with your table issued a small tablet to scroll through and pick your food and drinks. We found it very easy to use and better than the QR table code that you come across at other venues. Service was brilliant, even though we attended during a flat out period just after opening, but the staff did not miss a beat.

Now if you aren’t a huge shnitty fan, don’t worry because the menu is actually very diverse and with a range of burgers, steaks, wings, pastas and salads, there will surely be something to take everyone’s fancy.

Kids get 6 options in their Little Schnitters range (a missed opportunity to name it “little schnits” but maybe they will take on our suggestion!) with a decent sized meal, the usual pub fare on offer here, plus a drink and an ice cream to wash it down. If your kids are like ours and will only eat nuggets, rest assured they will be looked after.

Schnitzel lovers genuinely won’t go wrong with anything from this menu, although the Protein option was bloody delicious.

Now onto the important details. The food challenges. Man Vs Schnit and Man Vs Wings are two fights we feel destined to have and we will report our results here in due course. Until then, a 20 odd minute drive up the freeway is all that stands in the way of you and one of the best schnitzels in town!

Find Schnithouse Mount Barker at:

• 485 Heysen Boulevard, Mount Barker
• Phone: (08) 7092 6003

Read more and book online at

Check them out on Facebook  or ���Բ��ٲ�����������