It’s been a proven crowd-pleaser with locals and tourists since 2000.
But after 25 years of operation, The Mintaro Maze stands to be no more, with owners and operators Sharon and Michael Morris announcing they will shut the gates to the leafy labyrinth on April 27 after one final epic Easter adventure.
Punters have been left disappointed to hear the sad news, which was broken via social media in late March, however, the closure announcement may not be the maze’s final story after all.
The couple, which recently sold their home backing the maze for around $650,000, are looking to list the labyrinth separately through Toop and Toop Real Estate, with price hopes of $600,000 to $700,000.
It means the story of the maze – located just an hour-and-a-half drive from Adelaide – could continue for generations to come – that’s if the right buyer can be found.
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Located in the heritage-rich town of Mintaro, the maze has been an SA icon for over 25 years.
Just a 1.5-hour drive north of Adelaide, this eye-catching estate includes a natural labyrinth of over 800 resilient conifers.
Owner Sharon Morris with her two-year-old grand daughter Amelie. Picture: Brenton Edwards
“I already had a few inquiries about it but it’s not for sale yet. It’s going to go on the market once the vendors decide (they are ready) and settle the house,” selling agent Sam Wark said.
“It’s an iconic business and there’s a lot you could do with it…like, a twilight maze for birthdays, and parties or even weddings.
“But Mick and Sharon just want to retire…so it’s really for the next person to break new life into it and continue it on (as a business). Someone just needs to see its potential.”
Mr Wark said the owners had originally hoped to sell the property at 27 Jacka Rd in one go, originally anticipating a sale of around $1.4m for the lot.
However, interest in the home had been greater than the business venture, meaning the maze – along with a cafe and gift shop – could now be sold separately.
Speaking to The Advertiser late last year, Ms Morris said she and husband Michael originally envisioned a replica of a London maze when they started planting over 800 drought proof conifers in 1995.
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Between 10,000 and 15,000 patrons visit the maze each ear. Photo: Mike Haines
The sale of the maze would also include a cafe and gift shop.
The property will be marketed through Toop and Toop Real Estate.
However, the design took on a life of its own, becoming a one-of-a-kind South Aussie creation, which first opened to the public in 2000.
“We had this bare front paddock and felt like we needed to do something with it,” Ms Morris said.
“Originally we looked at planting grape vines but there wasn’t enough land for that, so Mick suggested we do a tourist attraction and plant a maze.
“So we got some books and pecked it all out and it took a good eight years to get the plants to the height they are now, but we did open after five years and it’s been such a well-loved community attraction ever since.”
The couple, who also manage Martindale Hall, currently open the maze to the public on weekends and during school holidays.
“We get between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors a year and some are third generation,” she said.
“So it’s a very popular business and someone could easily open it seven days a week or turn it into an event’s space … as we’ve had weddings here before.
“So it’s a really lovely lifestyle living here and running the business but the reality is that we’re getting older and it’s time for someone else to take over.”
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