Image: Papershell Farm
Each year in late winter, Adelaide and the surrounding regions come alive with soft pink and white hues as almond blossoms begin to bloom. The blossoms typically reach peak bloom from late July to early August, signalling the start of the almond growing season.
This spectacle draws photographers and day-trippers from all over, and it’s also key in South Australia’s agricultural calendar. Almonds are one of the state’s largest horticultural exports, and in the last 20 years, South Australia has seen a massive expansion of the almond industry with the ideal growing conditions of South Australia’s Riverland region and its access to the waters of the River Murray.
The blossoms have become something of a seasonal attraction, too, with locals exploring and capturing these beautiful trees. If you’re looking to check them out, there are a few places, farms, and even streets with these gorgeous trees. Here’s a list of spots that have been popular over the past few years, though it’s always worth doing a little extra digging to see what’s blooming this season and where.
McLaren Vale has a few great spots to check out. In previous years, the Rose Garden on Aldinga Road, Bassett Street Reserve or the Old Court House Museum at the top of High Street have all been popular. There are also larger orchards which can be viewed on Aldinga Road between Willunga and Main South Road. These are aptly named Almond Grove Road and Strout Road.
It’s also worth looking between Gemmel Tassie Reserve and Peacekeepers Memorial, which looks to have some pretty gorgeous trees this year.
Willunga Recreation Park
Willunga is known for its Almond Blossoms, even hosting an annual festival to celebrate these beautiful blooms. The locals have whipped up two maps to give you a good idea of where to go. There’s a picnic and playground map that has four beautiful parks all nearby, which have a few almond trees. If you’re keen for more, they’ve also made a self-driving map, where you can take yourself on a little drive to find the best the region has to offer.
Maps by Willunga Recreation Park
Where: Willunga Recreation Park, 2 Main Rd, Willunga SA 5172
For more information, click here.
Papershell Farm
Another Willunga spot is the beautiful Papershell Farm. Onsite at this gorgeous almond farm is their Almond Door, where they specialise in vinyl records, live acoustic music, great wines, spirits, cocktails and beers from Willunga, McLaren Vale, and beyond. They also serve up a seasonal menu!
While they’re not always open during the day, the Almond Door is open from 6pm to 11pm on Friday nights with a dinner service from 7pm-8.30pm. This season, expect a menu with Malaysian Chicken Rice (Biryani) Local Willunga chicken cooked in Indian spices served with yoghurt, cucumber & coriander raita.
Walk ins a welcome, but bookings are recommended!
Where: 203 Almond Grove Rd, Willunga South SA 5172
For more information, click here.
In previous years, as the blossoms come, social media comes to life with people suggesting locations, too. Spots that have proved popular over the years include O’Halloran Hill, south of Adelaide. In the north, people have suggested Milne Road in Modbury, Wynn Vale, and orchards in Angle Vale, Munno Para, Hillier and Penfield Gardens.
When heading out to explore, please be respectful of private property, consider landowners’ biosecurity concerns, and do not enter the orchards unless permitted. Above, there are heaps of great spots in public parks and the suburbs, so if you’re keen to get down and have a look, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the fun without breaking any rules.
~
Do you know of a good spot? Let us know! Email [email protected]
