Every year at the beginning of August I like to go on an Almond Blossom Ride. In the northern suburbs of Adelaide, we are very fortunate to still have a number of operating almond orchards .
Cherry Blossoms in Japan
In my younger days, I lived in Japan for six months. The enthusiasm that the Japanese have for their cherry blossoms made an enormous impression on me.
In spring, the evening news on television would end with a “Cherry Blossom Report” with maps showing where the blossoms were at their peak.
Traditionally, the Japanese enjoy their cherry blossom viewing, known as “hanami”, by laying out picnic rugs under the boughs of the trees and drinking sake.
Willunga Almond Blossom Festival
Here in South Australia, we usually have the Almond Blossom Festival. Held each year on the southern side of Adelaide at Willunga, it offers market stalls and carnival rides.
However, the reality is that most of the Willunga almond orchards have been pulled out. You can get much better views of almond orchards in the northern suburbs of Angle Vale, Munno Para, Hillier and Penfield Gardens.
Almond Blossom Ride 2021
This year I had to update my almond blossom ride from last year. The expressway gate on the western side of Fradd Road had been permanently locked and sadly one of my favourite orchards had been pulled up for redevelopment.
The map below shows a flat, easy route that takes in many of the best kept and beautiful orchards, with a coffee stop at Doncho’s Cafe at the Virginia Nursery. While it’s mostly bitumen, it does include some gravel roads.
It’s a great way to immerse yourself in this fleeting season.
If you prefer a slightly shorter ride, which takes in all the best orchards try this shorter version.
Caution: If you choose to follow this Almond Blossom Ride route, please take care crossing the expressway. Also please respect the landowners’ bio-security concerns: don’t enter the orchards.
Another great ride in the area is from Munno Para to Gawler via the Stuart O’Grady Bikeway.
Top photo: Wingate Road, Hillier
