The charming township of Wirrabara is a foodie’s haven, where you can literally taste the very area you are visiting. Sit down at the table of local operators and enjoy a meal made of delicious fresh produce or buy your own at the Wirrabara Producers market, on the third Sunday of every month.

Enjoy the fruits of the forest at one of the many local orchards. The passionate operators are only too happy to share their stories and produce with you.

For the ultimate natural experience, you can even stay at one of the beautiful bed and breakfasts in Wirrabara Forest.

The history of Wirrabara the township inextricably linked with that of the iconic Wirrabara Forest. The forest covers 7000 hectares, of which approximately 70% is in its natural state.

These tall timbers provide several perfect places for picnics or barbeque lunches, or even the ideal camp site such as the beautiful Ippinitchie Camp ground, where you can wake up to the fresh smell of pine and the sounds of native birdsong.

Venture a little further and you can walk, cycle, drive or even ride a horse along the scenic Forest roads and trails, leading to historical landmarks and lookouts. Among the many walking/cycling trails throughout the Forest are sections of the renowned Heysen and Mawson Trails, which have only recently been re-opened following the 2014 bushfire.

Wirrabara, like several of the surrounding towns, is regenerating after the January 2014 Bangor Bushfire. Although much of the forest was damaged in this bushfire, including the historic and much loved Old Nursery, Wirrabara Forest is still one of the must see attractions in the region. Tour around and marvel at the beautiful trees and greenery emerging from the ashes, creating a poignant but striking addition to the town’s character.

Located within the Wirrabara Range Conservation Park, the Bluff Lookout offers spectacular views across the Spencer Gulf region. Access to the Bluff can only be made from the Wirrabara side of the range through Wirrabara Forest. As the lookout is within a conservation park no dogs are permitted. No towing vehicles are permitted on the Bluff access road.

Wirrabara Silo art, Forest Rd. In April 2018 Sam Bates, or as he is otherwise known ‘Smug’ visited the town of Tumby Bay during the ‘Colour Tumby Street Art Festival’. It was here that Smug met the organiser of the festival Dion Lebrun. The local Wirrabara Community did not want a local resident painted on their silos, so Smug chose Dion Lebrun to be the inspiration for the Wirrabara silo Art. The artwork also depicts the rich history of the area which has strong ties to the forestry industry as well as referencing the beautiful local flora and fauna for which the area is also well known for. The Viterra Silos at Wirrabara took Smug three weeks to complete in October 2018. The site includes generous parking spaces in the designated car park (located on Forest Rd) available for several buses, caravans and cars. Picnic seating is also available. Verge side parking is strictly prohibited.

Also be sure to explore the Rocky River Arboretum, which contains imitations of the Old Nursery.

In the township itself you can enjoy a casual walk or bike ride along the Rocky River Cycling and Walking Rail Trail, extending from Wirrabara towards Stone Hut. The scenic 18 hole golf course is available for those wanting a challenge. Be sure to visit the Wirrabara Craft House which hosts a wide range of locally made produce, crafts and gifts. It’s a perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two.

Opposite the Craft house you will find an information bay and Wongabirrie Park which provides the perfect spot for lunch or a rest break. With a playground, public toilets, shelter and BBQs it should keep the whole family entertained.

Wirrabara has a range of services for locals and visitors, including a hotel, garage with roadhouse, post office, supermarket, hardware shop, and two engineering workshops. If you are wanting to stay and enjoy the town’s atmosphere, as well as the accommodation in Wirrabara Forest there is the Sporting Reserve Caravan Park situated at the Wirrabara Oval, close to all the towns’ facilities. Hotel and Bed and Breakfast accommodation is also available in town.

For more information visit http://wirrabara.com.au/

Top Ten Things to do in Wirrabara