Carrick Hill is the stuff story book imaginings and fairytale dreams are made of, and the perfect place to discover with the kiddos!
With absolutely stunning formal gardens, a grand old manor, a special trail designed with kids in mind, sprawling lawns, and endless flowers and trees to admire and learn about, there’s a lot to love about packing a picnic and spending some time exploring Carrick Hill with the kids.
Story book Trail
Undeniably, one of the major draw cards if you have kiddos in tow, is the Story book Trail at Carrick Hill.
This short walk through Carrick Hill’s parkland brings to life classic children’s tales, encouraging kids to immerse themselves in their surroundings and be free to simply make believe.
The sandy track of the Story book trail weaves past ponds and through groves of trees and children can roam to discover little treasures associated with their favourite story books, both classic British tales and contemporary faves.
Keep an eye out for:
- An ode to the iconic Wind in the Willows (are we at Carrick Hill, or Toad Hall?)
- A Hobbit House
- A troll bridge
- A Quidditch Tree
- The gates to the Secret Garden
- Animals from The Jungle Book
- Aslan the lion
- The Magic Faraway Tree
- Charlotte’s web
Cubby House Clearing
Within the Story book trail, you’ll also find yourself stumbling across a cubby house clearing.
The kids will love finding little knick knacks and playing pretend tea parties in these cubby houses, and it gives the adults a chance to sit down and have a natter too.
Gardens
The gardens at Carrick Hill are nothing short of spectacular.
Set on 40 acres, 26 of which are native bushland, there’s just so much space for kids to run, jump, leap and (if your kids are anything like mine) roll around on!
Meticulously maintained, Carrick Hill is the perfect place to sit and have picnic and enjoy your surroundings or just set some time aside to just have a wander around.
Public guided garden tours are available and after the winter season, will resume on October 23, 2020.
Apple Orchard
Did you know there’s an orchard you can amble through at Carrick Hill?
With apple, pear and peach trees, and even an active bee hive, your kids can learn about the history of the botanical names of the trees and why they’re there, and in spring time when the blossoms are out, it’s spectacular! If you’re a hayfever sufferer, take a tissue!
Carrick Hill Manor
The grand old manor at Carrick Hill is the type of house you half expect Cinderella to emerge from after marrying Prince Charming.
The house contains a private collection of art, incredible staircases, antiques and sculptures spanning nearly 500 years of artistic achievement.
Carrick Hill is fortunate to be one of the few period homes in Australia to survive with its original contents almost completely intact but I fear if I took my rambunctious, energetic (read: loud) children for a tour inside the manor, this would cease to be the case (stop.touching.things)!! So we stick to enjoying the grounds when we go to Carrick Hill for now, but you can take a guided tour of the house, with volunteer tour guides giving you the rundown on the history of the rooms, artworks and furnishings.
Guided tours will resume when the house reopens in November 2020 after extensive renovation works.
Cafe
I mean, can we really go anywhere with children without them wanting something to eat? No. The answer is no.
If you don’t fancy (can’t be bothered) packing your own picnic, there is a cafe and marquee at Carrick Hill, serving morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea in a licensed cafe.
Think melting moments, cookies, cakes, and even a sneaky ice cream if you fancy! The cafe also offers full lunch service if you’ve worked up an appetite.
The Marquee at Carrick Hill can also be hired for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and corporate functions.
For cafe bookings or enquiries regarding a function in the marquee please contact Amy Hage:
Carrick Hill School Holiday Program
Carrick Hill hosts a ticketed school holiday program during the April and September/October school holidays and a self-guided quiz for the Story book trail during the December/January School holidays.
Check their website for more details.
Opening Hours:
Saturday 10am–4:30pm
Sunday 10am–4:30pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10am–4:30pm
Thursday 10am–4:30pm
Friday 10am–4:30pm46 Carrick Hill Dr, Springfield SA 5062
For more information about Carrick Hill or to plan your next visit:
