Ten acres of historic gardens open for a final Anlaby Spring Festival this weekend

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After 14 years of welcoming visitors to its spectacular gardens, Anlaby Station is preparing for a special Spring Festival, as its longtime owners host the event for the final time.

One of South Australia’s most magnificent historic estates will open its gates this weekend, with Anlaby Station’s Spring Festival returning on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October for a celebration of spring, country heritage and local craftsmanship.

Located in Hamilton, around 90 minutes from Adelaide, the historic property is home to ten acres of gardens, where sweeping lawns, established trees, colourful garden beds and winding pathways create an idyllic setting for a spring day out.

This year’s event will be particularly significant, as owners Andrew Morphett and Peter Hayward prepare to host their final Spring Festival after 14 years.

The pair purchased Anlaby in 2004 and have spent more than two decades restoring its homestead, historic buildings and extensive gardens, breathing new life into one of South Australia’s most treasured rural properties.

With Anlaby now on the market, the weekend will mark the end of an era for the couple, who have dedicated 22 years to preserving its history and welcoming the public onto the estate.

For Andrew, the Spring Festival has always represented everything they hoped Anlaby would become.

“We did not want Anlaby to be a place people simply looked at from a distance,” Andrew said.

“We wanted it to be lived in, walked through, talked about and shared.”

Established in 1839, Anlaby is recognised as South Australia’s oldest continuously operating Merino stud. Its history stretches back to the early days of European settlement in the state, with its grand homestead, heritage outbuildings and carefully maintained gardens offering a glimpse into the region’s pastoral past.

During the festival, visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace, wandering beneath stately trees, discovering quieter corners of the gardens and enjoying the spring flowers that bring colour to the historic landscape.

Beyond the gardens, the weekend will bring together local makers, artisans and producers, with market stalls and demonstrations celebrating traditional skills and regional craftsmanship.

A new attraction for 2026 is Baa to Beanie, an interactive experience showcasing Anlaby’s Merino heritage and the journey of wool from sheep to finished garment.

At approximately 11.15am, shearer Roy will shear one of Anlaby’s Merino sheep in the courtyard, before members of the Eudunda Fabric Weavers and Knitters begin the process of transforming the freshly shorn fleece into a beanie.

Visitors can return throughout the weekend to follow the process, from preparing the wool through to the traditional techniques used to create the finished piece.

The completed beanie will be raffled, with donations supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Across the property, visitors will also discover pottery demonstrations, basket weaving and handmade goods, alongside stalls from Fitzys Natives, Smokin’ Heights, Ante’s Olive Oil and the Eudunda Fabric Weavers and Knitters.

There will be plenty of opportunities to settle in and enjoy the surroundings, with food and refreshments available throughout the festival.

Kapunda business Com Viet will be serving Vietnamese dishes, while Barossa Valley Ice Cream will provide a sweet treat for visitors exploring the gardens. Coffee and cake will also be available, alongside Anlaby’s champagne and gin bar.

For those wanting a more traditional country experience, Devonshire Tea will be served at scheduled sitting times across both days, providing an opportunity to relax and enjoy the estate’s historic atmosphere.

Families are encouraged to make a day of it, with children under 16 receiving free entry. Face painting, activity bags and badminton on the property’s tennis court will keep younger visitors entertained, while parents can enjoy the gardens and market stalls.

The spacious grounds also offer plenty of room to take a leisurely stroll, find a quiet spot beneath the trees or simply enjoy the atmosphere of a spring weekend in the countryside.

For those who would prefer to explore over two days, a weekend pass offers the chance to return to favourite corners of the garden, revisit the market stalls and follow the progress of the Baa to Beanie experience.

While this year’s festival carries extra significance, Andrew and Peter hope it will feel more like a celebration of Anlaby’s community than a farewell.

“Spring Festival has created its own little community around Anlaby,” Andrew said.

“There are people who come back every year, makers and volunteers who have become part of the weekend, and visitors who first arrived as strangers and became friends.”

Over the past 14 years, the festival has become an opportunity for visitors to experience a property that might otherwise be admired from afar, bringing together gardening enthusiasts, families, local producers and those interested in South Australia’s rural history.

As Andrew and Peter prepare for Anlaby’s next chapter, this final festival under their ownership offers a chance to appreciate the remarkable restoration work they have undertaken and the community that has grown around the estate.

Anlaby Spring Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October at Anlaby Station, 829 Anlaby Road, Hamilton.

Adult day passes are $20 online or $25 at the gate, while two-day passes are available for $30. Children under 16 enter free, and parking is available for a gold coin donation supporting the Eudunda Show Society.