Birdwood: Trails, Motor Culture and Local History

Birdwood brings together paved trails, local history and motor culture. For planning your trip, the Amy Gillett Pathway and the Amy Gillett Bikeway have different features; in town, there are also facilities for recreation and leisure, along with specific historical landmarks. This lets you consider whether trail choice, motoring history, or a look at Birdwood’s architectural and memorial heritage should be the focus of your trip.

Trails and Recreation

The Amy Gillett Pathway is a flat, paved trail along a former railway line. It runs from Oakbank through Woodside, Charleston and Mount Torrens to Birdwood. Check current trail conditions before using it.

The Amy Gillett Bikeway is a scenic, 22-kilometre paved trail along a former railway line. It runs from Oakbank through Woodside, Charleston and Mount Torrens to Birdwood. The trail is suitable for cycling, walking and horse riding.

These features address different planning questions: the Pathway’s flat terrain is a key feature, while the Bikeway’s length and activities can be matched to your plans. Here, too, check current trail conditions before using it.

Bike Track and Oval & Park

The Birdwood Bike Track, also known as the Birdwood Pump Track, was built in 2020. It has a beginner loop, an intermediate loop and two starting humps. The facilities may change if it is upgraded; if you plan to visit, check its current layout beforehand.

Birdwood Oval & Park has a bike track, a picnic area, a tennis court, off-street parking, a sports field and a playground. The different facilities may suit different travel plans. If you have a particular facility in mind, check what is currently available before your visit, as features may change.

Birdwood’s Local History

The original Birdwood Mill was built in 1855 by German settler Gottlieb Blumel and is located on Birdwood’s main street. Its year of construction, builder and location provide a specific historical reference point in town.

The Birdwood Soldiers’ Memorial Arch is a memorial arch made of marble and granite, with inscriptions. The mill and the memorial arch offer different historical perspectives: one highlights the year of construction and the builder, the other the arch’s form, materials and inscriptions.

Motor Culture and Events

The National Motor Museum in Birdwood is a social history museum that presents the history of Australia’s enthusiasm for motor transport. This social perspective goes beyond a sole focus on vehicles: it also explores enthusiasm for motorised transport in Australia.

The RAA Bay to Birdwood features a parade of more than 1,500 historic vehicles along a scenic 67-kilometre route. It ends at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, where the Finish Festival takes place. Vehicle numbers, route details and event arrangements may change. If you include the event in your travel plans, check the dates and arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Oakbank, Uraidla, Gumeracha, Kersbrook, Basket Range, Stirling, Lower Hermitage, Forreston.

For the broader travel overview: Adelaide Hills Council.