Stone Hut Bakery – a child-friendly café and rest stop in South Australia’s Mid North.
Amazing pies and a great little rest stop en route to the Flinders Ranges. While you are there, take the kids for a stroll around the walk-in aviary and petting zoo.
by Sharon Harrington
Take a break from driving
When planning a road trip, I always like to find a place to break up the journey with some lunch and an opportunity to stretch everyone’s legs. If the food is actually tasty and the venue is child friendly, that makes the place a total winner. And a winner Stone Hut Bakery is with wonderful home-style pies and a walk-in aviary and petting zoo for the kids to explore!
Best pies in the universe?
The sign out front declares “Best pies in the universe” which is the type of declaration that always makes me sceptical, but these pies are definitely up there with some of the best.
Pie review
I opted for the Chicken and Mushroom Pie, which was full of big chunks of chicken, a handful of sliced mushrooms and was delightfully creamy with a crispy crust.
The kids had their “usual”, which is a Sausage Roll and sauce. I had a little taste, and enjoyed the light, flaky pastry and tasty sausage meat.
My husband reported his Chunky Steak Pie was competing only with the Port Elliot Bakery for the Best Pie title.
Crocodile pie, anyone?
For those who are a little more adventurous, there is a gourmet selection of pies including Crocodile and Lemon Pepper, and Kangaroo and Red Wine amongst others. After several hours in the car with two children, I was in need of comfort food rather than adventurous fare, but am keen to give these a try on another trip!
There are other options if bakery goods don’t float your boat, such as quiche, salad, yiros, burgers and soup, along with cakes, ice cream and other treats.
Inviting venue with a rustic vibe
The venue itself is spacious and inviting with lots of natural light, wood tones and a rustic vibe. We visited on a very cold day and were pleased to find the interior toasty and warm.
Outdoor dining options
For days with finer weather, there is a lovely little undercover garden section, as well an area with long wooden tables set amongst the vines to sit in the sunshine and while away some time.
Take-home options available
As well as dine-in, the bakery offers frozen take-home bakery goods, homemade jams, pickles and chutneys as well as local wines.
Clean toilets and nappy change table
The toilets are clean and pleasant, and there is a nappy change table available for those with tots needing changing.
Walk-in Aviary and Petting Zoo
Another plus for the venue is the opportunity to wander around the walk-in aviary and petting zoo. These are simple little areas that nonetheless delighted the children. These areas are unstaffed, so keep an eye on the little ones.
Friendly birds
The aviary houses some very friendly galahs, parrots and cockatoos, which are keen to land on your shoulder or arm if you wish (or even on occasion when you don’t wish…!).
Animal experience
The petting zoo housed lizards, rabbits, kangaroos, a llama, goats and emus, and the animals were happy to receive a pat.
What we like about Stone Hut Bakery
- Kid-friendly
- Casual, relaxed dining
- Delicious bakery goods
- Walk-in aviary and petting zoo onsite to entertain the kids (and adults!)
- Clean toilets and a nappy change table
- Brochures and maps on local attractions available
- All in all, this is a great little pit stop on a journey to the Flinders Ranges. Give it a go on your next road trip!
Things to consider
- Open 8:30am to 4pm everyday
- The aviary and petting zoo are unstaffed, so keep a close eye on the littlies
- Accommodation also available
Location:
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For more information please visit the Stone Hut Bakery Facebook page.
What: Stone Hut Bakery
When: Open 8:30am to 4:00pm everyday
Where: via Horrocks Highway/Main North Road, Stone Hut, South Australia
Who: Everyone
All photos by Sharon Harrington for Play & Go Adelaide
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
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