About Us

We are situated at the end of Waterfall Gully Road in the Waterfall Gully National Park – part of the Cleland National Park and Wildlife Reserve in South Australia. Utopia is just 10km from the Adelaide CBD, and 4km from the roundabout at the intersection of Greenhill and Glynburn Roads (click here for our location map).

Waterfall Gully’s year-round natural beauty makes it a popular destination for cyclists, joggers and bush walkers, as well as families and tourists enjoying a peaceful day out. Utopia is set in a heritage-listed stone cottage (originally built in 1912), which is nestled between towering cliffs, soaring trees, a bubbling creek and of course – our very own 18 meter waterfall!

In summer, enjoy cooling breezes, spectacular waterfall views and the peaceful sounds of nature from our balcony, while in winter there’s nothing nicer than snuggling by our roaring open fire.

All this – combined with plentiful free parking and truly fabulous food - make Utopia @ Waterfall Gully a heavenly location for breakfast, lunch and special celebrations.

Utopia’s delicious modern Australian menu showcases the best and freshest South Australian produce, while our comprehensive wine list features both big name wines and unique drops from local boutique wineries.

We are open for:

• lunch, drinks, snacks and fantastic coffee Wednesday to Sunday, and public holidays

      (table service for lunch, click here to see our latest menu)

• weekday breakfast Wednesday to Friday, and all-day breakfast Saturday, Sunday and public holidays

      (table service for breakfast, click here to see our latest menu)

• special dinners, events and functions any time

      (click here to find out about Functions @ Utopia).

Utopia's Owner/Operator, Justin Markos, is a fully qualified, multi-award winning chef with more than 15 years experience in the South Australian hospitality industry.

Since completing his apprenticeship at the iconic Chloe’s Restaurant, Justin has held senior positions in some of South Australia’s most prestigious venues including Penfold’s Magill Estate, Auge, The Radisson Playford, Mt Lofty House and the Grange Golf Club.

In 2006, Justin became the first chef to win the prestigious Dan Pontifex Memorial Scholarship - taking him to Europe where he spent several months working in some of London's finest Michelin-starred restaurants, including Le Gavroche, Kensington Place, Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's and The River Cafe. In 2008, Justin’s passion for fresh South Australian produce was once again evident when he captained his team to a Bronze Award in the international Tasting Australia Culinary Competition.

Today Justin specialises in modern Australian cuisine, showcasing the best of South Australia's fresh and fantastic local produce. He is supported at Utopia by his wife Kelly, baby son Jackson and a wonderful team of fun and fabulous professional staff.

Utopia @ Waterfall Gully is situated at the base an 18m waterfall that flows all year round. The waterfall and restaurant are both quickly and easily accessible via a flat walking path and ramps – or for the more adventurous, take some time to follow the walking trail and enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the waterfall.

A drive to Utopia takes just 10 minutes from the centre of Adelaide – although you’ll feel like you are worlds away!

Utopia is truly unique as Australia’s only restaurant set at the base of a waterfall.

The restaurant is housed in a character-filled stone cottage, originally constructed as a tea room in 1912. Designed by German architect Albert Conrad in the style of a Swiss chalet, the building is now considered Australia’s earliest example of a ‘refreshment room’ set in a national park – and we are proud to continue the restaurant’s 100-year tradition of serving delicious tea and scones!

Inside, Utopia features beautiful high timber ceilings, exposed art nouveau stained beams, large picture windows with original leadlighting and a warm and welcoming open fireplace. Outside, our spacious terrace is framed by a bubbling stream and natural bushland, with the soothing background sounds of the falls.

Constructed in 1912, our beautiful heritage-listed building has seen its fair share of change over the past 100 years. And according to local legend, a resident ghost has been sharing the memories too!

On 19 December 1926, South Australian Police Foot Constable T A J Tregoweth sadly perished while fighting a bushfire that struck Waterfall Gully. It was reported in local newspapers at the time that he lost his footing on one of the gully’s soaring cliffs, then rolled down a hill - receiving terrible burns and injuries that resulted in his untimely death.

Since the early 1930s, there have been ongoing reported sightings of Constable Tregoweth’s ghost in and around the restaurant, and walking around in the surrounding bushland. Witnesses say this ghostly constable is still dressed in his distinctive blue police uniform, and many people feel he is still keeping watch over Waterfall Gully.

Since taking over the restaurant in January 2010, we have experienced quite a few quirky happenings...ranging from mysteriously moving items to late-night whistling. But by all accounts, Utopia's spooky spectator is very friendly and we are sure he is enjoying seeing so many groups and families returning to his beloved gully.