The Barker Hotel celebrates 180 years
One of South Australia’s oldest and most iconic hotels is celebrating a remarkable milestone, with The Barker marking 180 years of continuous service to the Mount Barker community.
First opened in 1846 as the Scotch Thistle Inn, The Barker has played an integral role in the community of Mount Barker for generations and 180 years later, it remains well-loved for locals and visitors alike.
To celebrate the milestone, The Barker will host a special birthday event on Friday 18 September from 4pm, featuring happy hour drink specials and live music and will offer the venue’s popular Barker Fried Chicken, and a signature Barker Whiskey Sour cocktail inspired by the hotel’s Scottish heritage which will run throughout the entire weekend.
Over the past 180 years, the hotel has witnessed Mount Barker evolve from a small colonial settlement into one of South Australia’s fastest-growing regional towns. Throughout that time, it has remained a constant presence, and the oldest surviving building on Gawler Street, providing a place for celebrations, reunions, community events, family gatherings and everyday catchups.
Originally established by publican Charles Low, the single-storey cottage known as the Scotch Thistle Inn quickly became an institution for locals with historical records showing the venue hosted banquets, homecomings, annual dinners, prizegiving’s and charitable events as the township of Mount Barker grew around it.
Since acquiring the venue in 2025, the Hurley Hotel Group has continued the hotel’s long tradition of community support while preserving its heritage and character.
Hurley Hotel Group General Manager, Sam McInnes, said the milestone was an opportunity to celebrate not only the hotel, but also the generations of people who have made it part of their lives.
“Few venues in South Australia can claim a history as rich as The Barker’s. For 180 years, this hotel has been a place where the community has come together to celebrate milestones, support one another and create lasting memories,” said Sam.
“We’re proud to continue that tradition and ensure the hotel remains an important part of Mount Barker life for many years to come,” Sam continued.
Barker Hotel Manager, Anthony Cream, said the venue’s enduring success was built on its connection to the local community.
“What makes The Barker special is the people who walk through our doors every day. Generations of families have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, sporting wins and special occasions here. This 180-year milestone belongs to the entire community and we’re looking forward to celebrating it together, so we’re encouraging everyone to come down for the celebrations,” Anthony said.
While much has changed since 1846, The Barker’s role in the community remains largely the same. The venue continues to support local sporting clubs, schools, charities and community groups throughout Mount Barker and the Adelaide Hills, maintaining a tradition of local involvement that has existed for generations.
As The Barker approaches its official 180th birthday on 22 September, the venue invites locals past and present to raise a glass to its history and look ahead to its future.