Laratinga is the Peramangk name for Mt Barker Creek, now corralled into a thriving man-made wetlands (constructed in 1999) that's become a real haven for birdlife, reptiles and out-for-a-walk locals. If twitching is your thing, you might spy a Pacific black duck, an Australasian shoveler, a Eurasian coot or even a hoary-headed grebe. Three walking trails run from 750m to 2.6km. A real surprise in the suburbs.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Beerenberg Strawberry Farm

4.6 MILES

Pick your own strawberries between November and April from this famous, family-run farm, also noted for its myriad jams, chutneys and sauces. Last entry…

2. The Lane

5.13 MILES

Wow! What a cool building, and what a fabulous setting. Camera-conducive views and contemporary varietals (viognier, pinot grigio, pinot gris), plus an…

3. Hahndorf Academy

5.3 MILES

This 1857 building houses an art gallery with rotating exhibitions and original sketches by Sir Hans Heysen, famed landscape artist and Hahndorf homeboy;…

4. Nepenthe Wines

5.93 MILES

Homer described 'nepenthe' as a potion to ease grief and banish sorrow from the mind. Accordingly, Nepenthe Wines bring great happiness, especially the…

5. Shaw & Smith

6.06 MILES

Picture-perfect Mt Lofty Ranges and lake views almost steal the show at this mod winery, run by two cousins. Outstanding chardonnays and sauvignon blancs…

6. Cedars

6.19 MILES

You'll see more than 300 of legendary landscape painter Sir Hans Heysen's original doodles on a tour through his former studio and house, 2km northwest of…

7. Bird in Hand

7.87 MILES

Brilliant pinot rosé (as consumed at Wimbledon!), plus shiraz, merlot and blends, and an olive-oil press. Regular concerts in summer (Missy Higgins, John…

8. Deviation Road

10.47 MILES

Nothing deviant about the wines here: sublime pinot noir, substantial shiraz, zingy pinot gris and a very decent bubbly too. Grab a cheese platter and…