Utopia at Waterfall Gully: Ron enjoys the charm of this hideaway in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia
The old tourism promotion is proof that Waterfall Gully has long been a hit with the locals. In a different century, the people of Adelaide still flock to this haven in the hills for the same reasons they've always come to wash away the cares of the day.
And when they come to Waterfall Gully invariably they come to Utopia, a little piece of Europe in a very South Australian setting. For many, the old Waterfall Gully Tearooms will certainly bring back memories. In 2012 this charming Adelaide Hills hideaway celebrates a centenary of serving tea and scones to locals. It was designed by an Adelaide-based architect, Albert Conrad in the style of a Swiss Chalet and its European charms are still very evident today.
The exposed art nouveau stained beams, large picture windows with original lead lighting and open fire place are still the same as they were when the chalet style teams rooms were built all those years ago. And scones are still on the cards.
Today the tearooms are the pride and joy of Kelly and Justin Markos and the son, Jackson. It was a little over a year ago that they put their stamp on the place, catering to weary walkers in need of a cuppa and fitness fanatics who race to the very top of the falls and back again.
Kelly Markos, 'Utopia': "We've heard a rumor that one of the Adelaide Crows ran it in 17 minutes."
Then again there are others who come here for Justin's modern Australian cuisine. And when they get here they intend doing nothing more than sampling the very best that South Australian has to offer. Here, the stresses of the day simply fall away.
Kelly Markos, 'Utopia': "There's no traffic, there's no noise, there's no city. It's like a whole new world and that's why we called it 'Utopia'.
Utopia serves lunch and breakfast in a unique building established by an arm of government immortalised in leadlight. 'NPR' stood for National Pleasure Resorts.
Kelly Markos, 'Utopia': "It was a Federal Government body dedicated to creating recreational spaces in National Parks. I love the name. Don't you wish there was a 'National Pleasure Resorts' now? And despite what people think it wasn't a brothel it was a tearooms and the ladies would come here and enjoy their Devonshire tea with scones, jam and cream and the men would partake in recreational activities down where the car park is with badminton, croquet and tennis."
Today they still come to marvel at this local landmark before sampling another part of this near city utopia.
Kelly Markos, 'Utopia': "When people come to 'Utopia' today, the first thing they do is go and look at the waterfall. It's beautiful and it's the only waterfall in the Adelaide metro area that never runs dry which is very unique. Then they come up and see us."
And if you see Justin and Kelly for lunch then follow Justin into the cellar where this passionate South Australian will set you straight when it comes to our many small local boutique wines.
Justin Markos, 'Utopia': "It's nice to share it with the general public and that's what food and wine should be all about. Not hiding recipes and hiding what we do. It should be sharing with everybody."
The day we arrived Justin shared his recipe for a dessert soufflé. I for one had my doubts but watching Justin at work with the whisk and three egg whites and it really seems do-able.
Pineapple Souffle with chilli tuilles and mango mascarpone sorbet is just one of many dishes available at Utopia at Waterfall Gully. Bookings are essential on 08 8379 2488.
Utopia Waterfall Gully
Bookings essential on 08 8379 2488Published 3rd April 2011
