We were due for a breakfast with our dear friends, so we chose the Uraidla Hotel on the recommendation of another friend. The Hotel is set in the Adelaide Hills so it was a great opportunity to enjoy some of what was left of the warm weather and get out of the city for the morning.
The Amazing Skywhales
Our breakfast date coincided with the morning Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhale hot air balloons were being displayed in Adelaide’s Elder Park as part of the Adelaide Festival (March 2022). Elder Park is a lovely green setting on the River Torrens across from Adelaide Oval and next to the Festival Theatre. So a very scenic location for these ‘unique’ hot air balloons.
I use the term ‘unique’ as they clearly are, but also as it is hard to find the Skywhales attractive, but equally hard not to like them as you will see from the photos. We got up at 6:30am as the Skywhales were only airborne for a couple of hours following sunrise. Making the effort to see them on this beautiful blue sky day was definitely worth it. If the Skywhales are coming to a place near you, I’d recommend you plan to see them. You can find out more about Patricia Piccinini on her website.
Breakfast in Uraidla
Uraidla is an easy 30 minute drive from the city. It is a small town surrounded by a number of Adelaide Hills wineries. The township includes a small number of well known eateries, including the Uraidla Hotel, which also offers lunch and dinner. It was here we had booked our breakfast.
There is a choice of inside or outside. We opted for inside, but there are some lovely outside options, which I’d definitely opt for if we go again. The outside tables are in a garden setting, so have plenty of shade.
Coffees were offered upon us being seated. It’s always good to not have to wait too long to order and receive them. They hit the spot after our early start.
Good Eating
The breakfast options include the essentials: eggs or avocado on toast, something with a bit of a spice and pickle kick, or a plate with a bit of everything if a big breakfast is your thing. I had the ‘Smashed Avo’ and added an egg. Hubby and Dear Friend One had eggs on toast with the addition of bacon and tomato. Dear Friend Two opted for the Meat Lovers Board (which is also available as a shared option for two).
There were no complaints from any of us. The amount of avocado I had on my Smashed Avo plate was really generous. Dear Friend Two managed to get through most of his Meat Lovers Board and was content. As our friendly server advised us: ‘the chef is an over feeder’.
After breakfast we explored the garden. A little way past the outdoor seating, you’ll find chickens and a kitchen garden used by the chef. They had quite a range of produce growing when we visited.
The Tank
Next time we go to Uraidla Hotel, we are booking in for a wine tasting session in their ‘Tank’. We were lucky enough to be able to have a peek into the Tank and it is a fabulous set up. They have converted an old water tank into a very luxe wine cellar with a round tasting bench. You can book a tasting of local wines with a sommelier to guide you. Certainly is a different way to experience some of Adelaide Hill’s delicious wines.
You can easily make a day trip in this region. There are a number of wineries nearby you can visit for some wine tasting. Then return to the Uraidla township and grab a coffee in The Republic Café (we bought a fresh sourdough loaf here whilst in town). Or even grab lunch or dinner at one of the other dining spots. We will definitely be heading back.
If you are looking for a breakfast option with a sea view, rather than in the hills, read our story on Coast at Glenelg.