Woodside
A relaxed dairy town known for artisan cheese and chocolate.
A food lover's town in grazing country
Woodside sits in lush grazing country in the central Adelaide Hills, around 35 minutes east of Adelaide, and it has earned a reputation as one of the region's best stops for produce. The Heritage Park precinct, set in a former dairy factory, gathers some of the town's biggest drawcards in one spot, including the award-winning Woodside Cheese Wrights, which crafts cheeses from local cow, goat and buffalo milk, and the working Melba's Chocolate Factory, where traditional methods still turn out chocolates and confectionery. A country market on the third Saturday of each month adds to the appeal.
Wide streets and a layered history
Founded in the 1850s by the Johnston family of Oakbank, Woodside grew on brewing and farming, and its wide, verandahed main street still feels unhurried and welcoming. Nearby Woodside Barracks, established in the 1920s, gives the area a long military thread. The historic Bird-in-Hand gold mine lends its name to the Bird in Hand winery today.
What visitors do here
Beyond cheese and chocolate, visitors taste at cellar doors such as Artwine and Barristers Block, browse galleries and shops, and follow the town's heritage trail. The flat Amy Gillett Bikeway runs from nearby Oakbank through Woodside toward Mount Torrens, with Charleston worth a detour along the way.
Visiting Woodside - frequently asked questions
What is Woodside known for?
Woodside is best known as a food and produce destination in the Adelaide Hills, home to Woodside Cheese Wrights and the working Melba's Chocolate Factory in its Heritage Park precinct. It also has a popular monthly country market, nearby cellar doors, and a long association with the Woodside Barracks military base.
How far is Woodside from Adelaide?
Woodside is around 37 kilometres east of Adelaide, which is roughly a 35-minute drive depending on traffic and your route. It sits centrally in the Adelaide Hills, close to Balhannah, Oakbank and Charleston, making it an easy day trip or a base for exploring the wider region.
What is there to do in Woodside?
Visitors come for cheese tastings at Woodside Cheese Wrights and chocolate at Melba's, plus wine tastings at cellar doors such as Artwine, Barristers Block and Bird in Hand. You can also browse the galleries and shops along the main street, follow the town's heritage trail, and ride the flat Amy Gillett Bikeway toward Mount Torrens.
When is the best time to visit Woodside?
Woodside is welcoming year-round, but the third Saturday of each month is worth planning around for the country market. Spring and autumn bring mild weather that suits walking the heritage trail and cycling the Amy Gillett Bikeway, while the food and wine venues are open across the seasons.
Is there a market in Woodside?
Yes, Woodside holds a country market on the third Saturday of each month, with local produce, baked goods, crafts and second-hand finds. It is one of the things that draws weekend visitors to the town alongside its cheese, chocolate and wine offerings, so it is worth checking timings before you travel.
Things to do in Woodside
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Stories from Woodside
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Image credits
- RV90 - Woodside Recreation Park 20230807-102717.jpg by RegionVisitor90 , CC0 via Wikimedia Commons