Ashbourne

Ashbourne is where the Fleurieu begins to blur into the Adelaide Hills. Around 63 kilometres south of Adelaide, this small country community sits between Strathalbyn and the southern Fleurieu, surrounded by red gums, farmland, waterways and some very good country driving. Food is part of Ashbourne's character, from seasonal produce grown in the surrounding countryside to roadside stalls that make pulling over worthwhile. In the centre of town, the historic Greenman Inn dates back to 1865, when the building began life as the local post office and general store. Today it serves modern country pub fare with an emphasis on local produce and regional wine. Just south of town, Cox Scrub Conservation Park shifts the pace again. The park protects native scrub and woodland, with walking trails, birdlife, wildlife and spring wildflowers making it one of the area's quieter places to spend a few hours. Ashbourne works particularly well as a country detour between Strathalbyn, the southern Adelaide Hills and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Come for the drive, stop for lunch, pick up something from a roadside stall and leave a little time for a walk through the scrub.