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The Onkaparinga River meanders through the beautiful Torrens Valley in the Adelaide Hills and passes through picturesque villages dotted inbetween vineyards, apple orchards, olive plantations and hobby farms.
Birdwood is an attractive town, surrounded by majestic gum trees and nestled in the heart of the Torrens Valley, some 44 kms from Adelaide.
The Birdwood Mill dominates the main street and houses the National Motor Museum, an impressive collection of vehicles showcasing Australia's motoring history – a not-to-be-missed attraction. There are a number of other fine historic buildings in town as well.
The Birdwood area was first settled by German immigrants in 1848. and the town was named Blumberg after a small village in Prussia.
The district prospered with grain production and so the Blumberg Flour Mill was built in 1852. The mill was built by Captain William Randell, of Murray River paddle steamer fame.
Gold was discovered nearby, during the 1850s gold rush days and prospectors settled in the area.
During the first World War, because of anti-German feelings, Blumberg was renamed Birdwood after Sir William Birdwood, a British officer who commanded the Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli.
"Above all, he possessed the quality, which went straight to the heart of Australians, of extreme personal courage." [Charles Bean, The Story of Anzac, Vol 1 Sydney 1941 p121]
Birdwood is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a Sunday drive with peaceful scenic surroundings. Apart from the attractions and quality dining within the township and district, there are a number of wineries and attractions nearby.
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