The Big Rocking Horse, Gumeracha: Worth the Stop on the Way to the Barossa?

TL;DR: The Big Rocking Horse is an 18.3-metre steel rocking horse in Gumeracha, in the Adelaide Hills, about 40 minutes from Adelaide. Climbing it costs $2, plus $1 if you’d like a certificate. Next door you’ll find a toy shop, wildlife park, café, mini golf and playgrounds. It’s open 9am to 5pm daily, and makes a fun first stop on the drive from Adelaide towards the Barossa.

Climb to the top deck and the Adelaide Hills stretch out around you. Green paddocks, gum trees and the Torrens Valley below. You’re standing inside the head of a giant horse, looking out over the countryside.

Welcome to the Big Rocking Horse, one of Australia’s classic Big Things. It doesn’t actually rock, but for $2 and a few flights of stairs, it’s a pretty fun stop on the way to the Barossa. Here’s what’s there.

How Did the Big Rocking Horse Come About?

It all started with toys. In 1973, Wal Wilkinson opened a wooden toy factory in Gumeracha. To catch the eye of passing drivers, he put a large wooden giraffe out the front, followed by a series of increasingly large rocking horses.

Then came the big one.

The 18.3-metre Big Rocking Horse was built in 1980 and opened in 1981 after eight months of construction. It cost about $100,000 to build.

It’s made from steel, weighs 25 tonnes and is set in 80 tonnes of concrete, so unfortunately you won’t get an actual rocking motion. The structure has three viewing platforms, including one in the head, one at the saddle and another near the base.

The horse was closed to visitors in 2001 after insurance issues, then reopened in April 2004. It has since changed hands several times, with the current owners taking over in 2023.

It’s also part of Australia’s collection of Big Things, those oversized roadside attractions that have been popping up around the country for decades.

What’s There to Do?

Can you climb the Big Rocking Horse?

You sure can. Stairs inside the structure lead to three viewing platforms, with the highest one in the horse’s head.

The climb involves narrow stairs and spaces, so take your time and wear sensible shoes. Once you’re at the top, you can look out over the Adelaide Hills and grab a few photos.

Want proof that you made it? A climbing certificate costs an extra $1.

The toy shop

The souvenir shop at the base sells wooden toys, gifts and souvenirs. It’s a nice nod to the wooden toy factory that started the whole thing.

The animal park

The seven-acre wildlife park is home to native animals including kangaroos and wallabies, as well as farm animals such as goats, alpacas and sheep. There are also birds and a guinea pig petting area.

Entry is $7 per person, with children under four free. Animal food is available from the shop if you’d like to make some furry friends.

The café, playground and mini golf

There’s a café on site, or you can bring your own picnic and use the lawned picnic area. There are also free playgrounds for kids.

The 9-hole mini golf course costs $10 and is suitable for ages three and up.

Only got half an hour?

No worries. You don’t need to spend half the day here.

Head straight for the horse, climb to the top for the views, collect your certificate and have a quick look through the toy shop before getting back on the road.

If you’ve got more time, add the wildlife park or mini golf.

How Much Does It Cost, and When Is It Open?

Activity	Price
Climb the Big Rocking Horse	$2 per person
Climbing certificate	$1
Animal park	$7 per person, under 4s free
Animal food	$3 a bag, $7 a bucket
9-hole mini golf	$10

The Big Rocking Horse is open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week. It’s closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as well as days when there is a catastrophic fire danger warning. Prices can change, so check before you go.

How Do You Get There?

The Big Rocking Horse is at 452 Torrens Valley Road, Gumeracha, in the Adelaide Hills. It’s about 40 minutes’ drive from Adelaide.

It’s an easy detour if you’re heading towards the Barossa through the Adelaide Hills, and a handy place to stretch your legs before settling in for a day of wine tasting.

The Whispering Wall at Barossa Reservoir is another fun stop further along the way, where a whisper at one end of the dam wall can be heard at the other.

Are There Other Big Things in South Australia?

Plenty, if you’re keen to start a collection.

Look out for the Big Lobster at Kingston SE, the Big Galah at Kimba and the Big Winch at Coober Pedy. Fair warning: once you start looking for Australia’s Big Things, you tend to notice them everywhere.

Before You Go

The Big Rocking Horse is cheap, quick and a little bit ridiculous, which is exactly why it makes a good road-trip stop. Bring a couple of dollars, climb to the top and grab your certificate.

If you’d like to see it as part of a day in the Barossa, our 1 Day Barossa Wine Tour stops at the Big Rocking Horse before continuing into the region.

Frequently Asked Questions