Discover Stirling

Being ex-Heathfield High girls it’s no surprise we chose Stirling as the first destination of the Kids in Adelaide Discover Series.

Stirling sits a speedy 7 minute drive from the city straight up the South Eastern freeway and has MUCH more to offer than just the most perfect roundabouts in Australia (their roundabout game is really up there, much to the disgust of my Crafers resident sister who thinks there is some serious roundabout favouritism going on)

Stirling is lovely at anytime of the year. Whether you’re rugged up in Winter, or beating the city heat in summer, but if you only visit once in your life, make it Autumn, just trust me. It’s worth a trip just to watch the kids playing in MOUNTAINS of autumn leaves that pour down on the street during April/May.

Beautiful Stirling in Autumn. Photo: Stirling Adelaide Hills (FB) 

For kids, the Stirling Steamroller Park is definitely worth a stop. As soon as you exit the freeway into Stirling look right and you’ll see it. Great for kids of all ages, grab a coffee from nearby Miss Perez and enjoy this gorgeous spot. 

One of our favourite cafes in the Adelaide Hills is located in Stirling, The Essence Cafe. It’s tucked away off the main street and has plenty of seating inside and out. They do a mean smashed avo but have plenty of options for everyone. Including a kids grazing plate to keep the kids busy whilst you enjoy some peace and quiet (we can dream can’t we?) Open for breakfast and lunch Monday – Saturday, you can find more info on their facebook page.

Back on the main street you’ll find one of our very favourite stores in Stirling (and Adelaide for that matter) Matilda Bookshop. Is there anything better than the smell of a book shop?! We think not!
The kids nook is a wonderfully inviting place to sit and discover their great range of books, including many unique titles you won’t find elsewhere. The owners are Hills people themselves, with an interest and background in publishing (children’s in particular) and with kids themselves – and it shows in their whole approach to their shop. The best people to see for book suggestions for kids of all ages and interests. The shop is open 7 days a week and is located at 8 Mt Barker Road, Stirling. For more info visit their facebook page.

The kids nook at Matilda Bookshop. Photo: Matilda Bookshop (FB)

There are also a number of quaint stores in the main street with everything from fruit and veg to jewellery, clothing boutiques to barbers. But one store that is a must see is Three Birds. This store is a treasure trove of beautiful things for everyone – kids and grown ups, house and garden, there is always something new. Ever changing, eclectic, colourful and fun – it’s definitely worth a browse, you’re sure to fall in love with something! Plus they have the best gifts!

Photo: Three birds (FB)

One of our favourite kids boutiques, Daisy and Hen is located in Stirling (they also have a store in Glenelg and one in Tanunda). One of the cutest kids shop you will ever step foot in, they stock the most adorable clothes for the littlest members of the family, some of the coolest for the older members of the family and tons of really cool educational toys and games. The customer service here is also top notch, so if you need a hand picking a gift just ask! Open 7 days, head to their website for more info.

Photo: @daisyandhen

The Conventry Library in Stirling is recently renovated and would have to have one of the prettiest entrances in all of S.A. Great spot for a picnic or BBQ in the park out front before a game of giant connect four in the library!

We also LOVE, and regularly visit Patch Kitchen and Garden located at 143 Mt Barker Rd (on the way to Aldgate on the left hand side). Patch is a fantastic spot to catch up with friends and enjoy a delicious coffee, breakfast or lunch and it’s one of those places that’s actually BETTER when you take the kids. Patch is SO different to your run of the mill play cafes with an indoor dining room that has toys, books, games and black boards for drawing and a shared dining and play area in the back garden fenced with a cubby, sandpit, chicken coop and veggie gardens. They also have a special “things for kids” menu where chicken nuggets and chips is more like crumbed chicken strips served with hand cut potato chips and broccoli. YUM! Patch is licenced and open Thursdays – Monday 8:30am – 3pm.

Photo: Patch Kitchen & Garden (FB)

Another fun thing for the kids, especially in school holidays is Woorabinda Lake especially on Wednesday’s to watch the local Yacht Club race their remote controlled boats. This is a great spot for animal spotting and is home to a wide range of birds, fish, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. The lake is located a short distance from Stirling with parking available on Ethel Street or Branch Road. Click here for a map of the area including walking trails.

Woorabinda Lake walking trail. Photo: Stirling Adelaide Hills website

All in all, we’re unashamedly VERY Stirling biased here at Kids in Adelaide but we think you’ll agree it makes a great day trip with lots of spots to play, places to eat, boutiques to shop and things to discover!