Thomas Hill House | ForestrySA

Welcome to Thomas Hill House

Thomas Hill House is a former farmhouse and forest headquarters, located within the Cudlee Creek Forest adjacent Fox Creek Bike Park, about 40 minutes’ drive from Adelaide.

It rests on top of a hill, providing spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, the northern suburbs of Adelaide, Port Adelaide and views across to the Gulf of St Vincent.

The house is lucky to have survived both the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires and Cudlee Creek fires of 2019. In 2022 many of the large, older trees surrounding the house were removed as part of important fire prevention. When you arrive for your stay, you will notice the surrounding grounds look different to the photos you see below.

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The forest is closed to the public on declared Total Fire Ban days. To report a fire, call 000.

The Kuitpo and Mount Crawford Forests are located within the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District. For fire ban information phone 1800 362 361 or visit the CFS website. Being aware of a Total Fire Ban is your responsibility.

Fire is prohibited on ForestrySA land and Forest Reserves between November 1 and April 30 in any year. (These dates may be extended in areas where high fire danger persists).

Facilities and features

Thomas Hill House sleeps 17 people. Maximum occupancy in this exclusive-use area is 17 people
Two bedrooms, accommodating 17 people in bunk beds (linen not supplied)
Kitchen with fridge, stove, cutlery and crockery
Two bathrooms
Bore and rainwater (not suitable for drinking)
Lounge area with open fireplace
External fire pit, picnic tables and beautiful views
Mains power
Walking and cycling trails (such as the Heysen and Mawson Trails) within close proximity

Bookings

Minimum 2 night stay
Bookings are available between 1 April and 30 November.
All organised groups must discuss their activities with the ForestrySA Ranger prior to booking

Fees

From $250 per night

Arrival and departure

2pm arrival, 10am departure
Please contact the Kuitpo Forest Information Centre one day prior to arrival to obtain access,
on (08) 8391 8800 (open 10am – 12pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

How to get there

From Adelaide, take the South Eastern Freeway to the Hahndorf exit. Follow the Onkaparinga Valley Road through Verdun to Woodside and turn left onto Tiers Road to Lenswood. Follow the Coldstore Road for about 3km and turn left onto Croft Road. Follow for about 1km and enter the gate on the right.

Terms and conditions

Many organised competitions and events are held in the Mount Crawford and Kuitpo Forest Reserves. These require the submission of an event application, which are approved on a case by case basis. If your accommodation booking relates to an event please contact the Mount Crawford or Kuitpo Information Centres for more information. Please note that booking of a facility does not necessarily mean your event will be approved. Events need to be booked a minimum of four weeks in advance. Submit an Event Application here.
You are not permitted to drive in the forest. Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only
The gate to Thomas Hill House must be kept locked at all times
The use of generators is not permitted. Please consider other forest users and keep noise levels down
Fires: Wood fires are permitted from 1 May to 31 October. Gas fires are permitted from 1 April to 30 November. Dead, fallen timber can be collected from adjoining pine plantations and used for firewood. It is an offence to cut standing timber. Someone must be present at all times and ensure that the fire is fully extinguished before departure
Dogs are permitted, provided they are kept under control at all times. Please be aware of fox baiting programs operating in the area
Cleaning: The centre, toilet and grounds must be left in a clean and tidy state, with all rubbish removed
Other conditions may be imposed by the ForestrySA Ranger

The forest is closed to the public on declared Total Fire Ban days. To report a fire, call 000.

The Kuitpo and Mount Crawford Forests are located within the Mount Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District. For fire ban information phone 1800 362 361 or visit the CFS website. Being aware of a Total Fire Ban is your responsibility.

Fire is prohibited on ForestrySA land and Forest Reserves between November 1 and April 30 in any year. (These dates may be extended in areas where high fire danger persists).

Cancellations

All cancellations must be made at least 14 days prior to the check in date and will incur a $15 ($AUD) cancellation fee. No refunds will be provided for cancellations made within 14 days of check in date.
Cancellations are to be reported to ForestrySA in writing, and upon approval (provided the cancellation is made at least 14 days prior to the check in date) you will be refunded the cost of the booking less the $15 ($AUD) cancellation fee.
ForestrySA reserves the right to cancel bookings without prior notice, and with no liability to ForestrySA. On the instances where ForestrySA cancels your booking, you will be refunded 100% of the cost of the booking.