Auchendarroch House
Experience Heritage, Community, and Flavour
Set in the heart of Mount Barker, Auchendarroch House is one of the Adelaide Hills’ most treasured heritage landmarks. Built in 1860, this grand 19th-century mansion has lived many lives — from welcoming travellers as the Oakfield Hotel to becoming a private residence, place of restoration, and now a vibrant hospitality and events destination deeply connected to its community.
Purchased in 1878 by prominent South Australian businessman and philanthropist Robert Barr Smith, the property was renamed Auchendarroch — meaning “holy place of the oaks.” Under his ownership, the house was expanded in the French Renaissance and Victorian Second Empire styles, shaping much of the elegance and character admired today. Over the decades that followed, Auchendarroch House continued to evolve, accommodating wartime personnel, hosting communal living, and ultimately undergoing a major restoration in the early 2000s that ushered in its modern chapter.
Today, Auchendarroch House is a much-loved Adelaide Hills venue, hosting weddings, celebrations, conferences and community gatherings — all while honouring its rich past.
When the Wallis family became involved with Auchendarroch House, they stepped into a story that began in the 1860s and grew into the grand Victorian mansion locals know today. Their role has been to help protect what makes the house special, its heritage character, gardens, and sense of occasion, while keeping it alive as a place people can still gather, celebrate, and share a meal.
A Taste of Auchendarroch invites you to experience for yourself the history of Auchendarroch not just as a story, but as something shared by the community.
A Taste Of Auchendarroch
Born from a collaboration with A Taste of the Hills Festival, this relaxed summer event celebrates everything the region does best: local food and wine, passionate producers, talented artisans and a strong sense of place. Set across the award-winning gardens and historic interiors of Auchendarroch House, it’s an invitation to slow down and savour the Adelaide Hills.
Guests are encouraged to spread out on the lawns with a glass in hand as live music and DJs set the tone, explore artisan stalls, take part in hands-on experiences, or join guided tours of the house and gardens. Designed for all ages, the event blends entertainment, discovery and connection in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Following the success of previous years, A Taste of Auchendarroch returns on Saturday 28 February 2026, from 11am to 5pm. As a featured activation within the A Taste of the Hills Festival, the day will showcase:
Tastings from leading local food and wine producers
Live entertainment and family-friendly activities
Guided tours of the historic house and gardens
Artisan stalls and interactive experiences
Exclusive offers and prize draws
Entry is $10, with bookings and further details available via the Auchendarroch House website.
A Taste of Auchendarroch is more than an event — it’s a celebration of history, community and local flavour, set against one of the Adelaide Hills’ most beautiful heritage backdrops.