Oakbank
A village built on racing and brewing
Oakbank sits in the central Adelaide Hills, a small historic village strung along Onkaparinga Valley Road and surrounded by rolling, gum-dotted farmland. Settled from around 1840 by the Johnston family, who had come out from Scotland, it grew from a farming and brewing settlement into a name known across South Australia for sport. Its racecourse, with origins beside the old Oakbank Brewery in the 1860s and 1870s, became home to the long-running Easter Racing Carnival, for many years famous for the Great Eastern Steeplechase, one of the country's best-known jumps races. Jumps racing has since ended in the state, but the Easter carnival continues each year.
Wine country and open trails
Today Oakbank is firmly part of the Hills wine and produce belt. The Murdoch Hill cellar door sits within the township, and other cool-climate Adelaide Hills vineyards lie close by. The flat, sealed Amy Gillett Bikeway runs from the edge of the village, following an old railway line out through Woodside, Charleston and Mount Torrens.
What visitors do
Most people come to taste and to ride. You can spend a day around the cellar doors, walk or cycle the bikeway, and detour to nearby drinks producers across the surrounding Hills. Easter brings the racing crowds and their famous trackside picnics.
Visiting Oakbank - frequently asked questions
What is Oakbank known for?
Oakbank is best known for its racecourse and the Easter Racing Carnival, which has run for well over a century and was for many years home to the Great Eastern Steeplechase, one of Australia's best-known jumps races. Jumps racing has since ended in South Australia, but the Easter carnival continues. The village also has roots in farming and brewing, and today sits within the Adelaide Hills wine country.
How far is Oakbank from Adelaide?
Oakbank lies in the central Adelaide Hills, roughly 30 km east of the Adelaide CBD. It is generally about a 30 to 40 minute drive via the freeway and Onkaparinga Valley Road, making it an easy day trip from the city.
What is there to do in Oakbank?
Visitors come to taste local wine, ride or walk the trails, and enjoy the rural scenery. The Murdoch Hill cellar door is in the township and other Adelaide Hills wineries are close by, while the Amy Gillett Bikeway runs from the edge of the village and nearby drinks producers across the surrounding Hills are a short drive away.
When is the best time to visit Oakbank?
Autumn around Easter is the signature time, when the racing carnival draws crowds for trackside picnics. Spring and summer are ideal for cycling the bikeway and visiting cellar doors, while the Hills are at their greenest through the cooler, wetter months.
Where does the Amy Gillett Bikeway start, and what is it like?
The Amy Gillett Bikeway runs from the edge of Oakbank, heading north along a former railway corridor through Woodside, Charleston and Mount Torrens, with a newer extension continuing on toward Birdwood. It is a flat, sealed, family-friendly path of around 20 km, suitable for cycling, walking and easy strolling between towns.
Things to do in Oakbank
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