Tourist Information Distributors Australia
Tourist Information Distributors Australia
Adelaide
Exploring Adelaide

Welcome to

Oakbank, Adelaide Hills

Oakbank, a small village between Balhannah and Woodside is famous for the Easter Racing Carnival held each year. The township has a number of eating places and interesting antique shops and a hotel.

The Oakband races climax in the Famous Great Eastern Steeplechase., a tradition since 1876. The Onkaparinga river meanders alongside the town and the surrounding countryside has vineyards, horse studs, dairying, fruit orchards and vegetable production.

The township has a fascinating heritage (originally Oak Bank), was founded in 1840 by James Johnston of Campbelltown, Scotland. James and his brother Andrew established the Oak Bank Brewery in 1843 which may be seen across the river.

The brothers built beautiful mansions in Oakbank. – Oakbank House, is visible from the main road and Dalintober is at the high end of town.

The Oak Bank brewery flourished and soon a second brewery was competing, built by Henry Pike, an ex-employee. There was much rivalry between the two breweries. In 1938 a virus was discovered infecting both breweries in and so both breweries had to cease beer production. They turned their talents to making soft drinks and cordials instead. The impressive buildings of both breweries can be seen today. An Historic Walk brochure is available from businesses in town.