Flagstaff Hill | McLaren Vale

This leafy group of well-established suburbs are relatively close to Adelaide, yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle. There are plenty of parks, shops and services, and they also share an interesting history.

Flagstaff Hill

A 15-minute drive from Adelaide, Flagstaff Hill is a lush suburb located in the Adelaide foothills and adjoins the Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. In 1838, Surveyor-General Colonel William Light began mapping this area and on one occasion left behind a trig point or flagstaff the survey team had used on a hill. By 1842, the area near this trig point was baptised the Flagstaff.

Aberfoyle Park

German settler Christian Sauerbier came to South Australia in the early 1850s and purchased a significant portion of land in the area, which was later inherited by his son Chris, who changed his last name to Aberfoyle during World War I when anti-German sentiment was rife. The family home, Aberfoyle Homestead, has since been lovingly restored and is now a popular local landmark. Thalassa Park (Thalassa being the Greek word for ocean) has great ocean views and is an excellent spot for barbeques and adventures, plus theres a Storybook Walk. For kids entertainment and activities, contact Splodge in Aberfoyle Park who offers parties, kindercraft and workshops.

Darlington

Darlington is officially the northern end of the region and the gateway to the sprawl of metropolitan Adelaide.

OHalloran Hill

Once a farming district, OHalloran Hill was named after Major Thomas OHalloran, South Australias first Police Commissioner.

One of the states first Anglican churches, Christ Church, can be found in OHalloran Hill, built in 1848 and was the final resting place of OHalloran himself.