Nestled along the bustling North East Road corridor in Adelaide's northern suburbs, The Highlander Hotel at 647 North East Road, Gilles Plains, SA 5086, stands as one of the region's most popular destinations for pokies enthusiasts and dining patrons alike. This contemporary venue combines the excitement of 38 state-of-the-art gaming machines with exceptional hospitality, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors seeking quality entertainment in a comfortable atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned pokies player or someone looking to try your luck on the latest machines, The Highlander offers an inviting environment that keeps punters coming back time after time.
The heart of The Highlander's appeal lies in its spacious gaming lounge, which operates seven days a week and features 38 of the latest gaming machines available on the market. The venue has invested significantly in ensuring its pokies selection remains current, offering players access to the most popular titles and newest releases from leading manufacturers. The gaming floor provides a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where players can enjoy their favourite machines without feeling cramped or rushed.
The gaming lounge operates with generous opening hours designed to accommodate players' schedules. From Monday through Wednesday, the gaming room opens at 8:00 AM and runs until 2:00 AM the following morning. On Thursdays, the hours extend even further, staying open from 8:00 AM until 3:00 AM. Friday and Saturday see the gaming lounge opening at 9:00 AM and continuing through until 3:00 AM, whilst Sundays operate from 9:00 AM until midnight. This extensive schedule ensures that whether you're an early riser who enjoys a morning session or a night owl who prefers late-night gaming, The Highlander can accommodate your preferences.
Players who frequent The Highlander Hotel consistently praise several aspects of the venue. The machines themselves are regularly updated, ensuring access to popular titles including Dragon Link, Lightning Link, and other Aristocrat favourites that Australian pokies players know and love. The spacious layout of the gaming room receives particular commendation, as it allows players to move comfortably between machines without feeling crowded.
One recent patron shared their experience on pokiesnearme.net.au, noting: "First time customer. Have to say I was very impressed. 15h smoked brisket was tender, and the roast was very good too. Will have to come back soon!" This review highlights how The Highlander successfully combines quality dining with gaming entertainment, creating an all-round experience that extends beyond just the pokies.
Regular players appreciate the friendly staff who maintain the gaming area and respond promptly to any patron's needs. The venue's commitment to responsible gambling is evident through its adherence to South Australian gaming regulations and its provision of information about gambling support services. The atmosphere strikes a balance between being lively enough to feel exciting, whilst remaining relaxed enough that players can focus on their gaming sessions.
Based on player feedback and industry trends, The Highlander likely features many of Australia's most beloved pokies titles. Here's a breakdown of popular machines commonly found in South Australian venues of this calibre:
Machine Name | Key Features | Pay Lines | RTP | Provider |
Dragon Link | Scatter wins, Hold & Spin feature, Progressive jackpots | 25-50 | 95.2% | Aristocrat |
Lightning Link | Hold & Spin feature, Wild symbols, Free games | 25-50 | 96-98% | Aristocrat |
Where's the Gold | Wild symbols, Scatters, Free spins bonus | 25 | 97% | Aristocrat |
5 Dragons | Free spins, Scatter wins, Reel Power feature | 243 ways | 95.86% | Aristocrat |
More Chilli | Wild symbols, Free games feature, Gamble option | 25 | 97% | Aristocrat |
Gaming industry experts recognise venues like The Highlander Hotel as essential components of South Australia's regulated gambling landscape. With 38 machines, The Highlander sits in the mid-sized category for Adelaide suburban hotels, providing enough variety to keep regular players engaged whilst maintaining an intimate atmosphere that larger casinos cannot replicate.
The venue's location along North East Road positions it perfectly to serve the surrounding suburbs, including Gilles Plains, Modbury Heights, St Agnes, and Tea Tree Gully. Industry analysts note that successful pokies venues like The Highlander succeed by balancing several key elements: modern machines, extended operating hours, quality food and beverage options, and attentive customer service. The Highlander ticks all these boxes, which explains its consistent popularity among the north-eastern suburbs' gaming community.
Gaming consultants also point out that The Highlander's commitment to maintaining current machines demonstrates sound business practice. Players are naturally drawn to venues offering the latest titles and features, particularly progressive jackpot games that offer life-changing prizes. By regularly updating their gaming floor, The Highlander ensures they remain competitive with other venues in the region.
For players interested in exploring other pokies venues in the vicinity of The Highlander, the North East Road corridor and surrounding suburbs offer several alternatives. Each venue brings its own character and gaming selection to the table.
Located just down the road at 583 North East Road, Gilles Plains, The Nor East positions itself as the "North Eastern suburbs Hidden Treasure." This venue features 40 gaming machines, slightly more than The Highlander, including six of the latest Dragon Cash machines. The gaming lounge at The Northeast provides complimentary tea and coffee facilities for players, and the venue includes a bistro that seats up to 50 patrons. The Nor East has built a reputation as a friendly neighbourhood venue where regulars are greeted by name and new visitors receive a warm welcome.
Further north along North East Road at 989 North East Road, Modbury SA 5092, the Modbury Hotel offers another excellent pokies option. This contemporary neighbourhood pub features 38 gaming machines in a spacious gaming lounge that operates seven days a week. The Modbury Hotel's location near Tea Tree Plaza Shopping Centre, Modbury Hospital, and Modbury TAFE makes it a convenient meeting spot for Adelaide's north-east residents. The venue combines gaming with quality dining options and sports bar facilities.
For those willing to venture slightly further, The Gully Public House & Garden offers a historic venue with modern gaming facilities. This establishment features a range of gaming machines alongside TAB and Keno facilities, all within a beautifully maintained beer garden setting. The Gully attracts patrons who appreciate the combination of heritage atmosphere and contemporary gaming entertainment.
Venue Name | Address | Number of Machines | Opening Hours | Special Features |
The Highlander Hotel | 647 North East Rd, Gilles Plains | 38 | Mon-Wed: 8am-2am, Thu: 8am-3am, Fri-Sat: 9am-3am, Sun: 9am-12am | Char grill restaurant, rooftop terrace, and accommodation |
The Northeast | 583 North East Rd, Gilles Plains | 40 | 7 days a week | Dragon Cash machines, complimentary tea/coffee |
Modbury Hotel | 989 North East Rd, Modbury | 38 | 7 days a week | Sports bar, near Tea Tree Plaza |
The Gully Public House | Tea Tree Gully | Multiple machines | 7 days a week | Historic venue, beer garden, TAB & Keno |
The Highlander Hotel's location at 647 North East Road makes it easily accessible via multiple transport options. For those driving from Adelaide's CBD, take North East Road directly from the city, a journey of approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The venue provides ample parking facilities, including dedicated areas for vehicles and caravans, which is particularly appreciated by interstate visitors or those staying in the accommodation upstairs.
Public transport users can access The Highlander via several bus routes that service North East Road. The Adelaide Metro operates regular services along this corridor, with bus stops located within easy walking distance of the venue. For those using the O-Bahn, the nearest interchange at Tea Tree Plaza is approximately 2-3 kilometres away, from which connecting bus services or a short taxi ride will get you to the hotel.
For visitors arriving from interstate, Adelaide Airport sits approximately 25 kilometres south-west of The Highlander. The journey typically takes 25-30 minutes by car via Port Wakefield Road and North East Road. Taxi and rideshare services are readily available from the airport, with fares to Gilles Plains typically ranging from $35-$50 AUD, depending on traffic and time of day.
Beyond its gaming facilities, The Highlander operates as a fully-fledged hotel with 22 guest rooms available for booking. Each room comes equipped with modern amenities designed to ensure a comfortable stay, including air conditioning, mini-fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and satellite television. The accommodation represents excellent value for visitors who want to enjoy the venue's gaming and dining facilities without worrying about transport home.
The Highlander offers several room configurations to suit different guest needs:
Room Type | Features | Suitable For |
Superior Queen Room | Queen bed, air conditioning, mini-fridge, free Wi-Fi, en-suite bathroom | Solo travellers, couples |
Superior Spa Room | Queen bed, spa bath, modern amenities, rooftop views | Couples seeking extra comfort |
Standard Rooms | Essential amenities, comfortable bedding, tea/coffee facilities | Budget-conscious travellers |
Room rates at The Highlander typically start from around $70-$90 AUD per night, positioning it as an affordable option for visitors to Adelaide's northern suburbs. The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast for guests, adding further value to accommodation bookings. The rooftop terrace provides panoramic views across the northern suburbs and towards the Adelaide Hills, creating a pleasant spot for guests to relax.
Check-in at The Highlander begins at 3:00 PM, whilst check-out is at 11:00 AM. The reception operates with extended hours to accommodate guests arriving at various times, though late arrivals should contact the hotel in advance to arrange access. The venue's location near major shopping centres, medical facilities, and entertainment options makes it practical for both leisure and business travellers.
The Highlander Hotel has earned a strong reputation for its food offerings, which extend well beyond typical pub fare. The venue operates several distinct dining areas, each catering to different preferences and occasions.
The signature Char Grill restaurant operates during lunch service from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner service in the evenings. This restaurant specialises in quality grilled meats, with particular praise for their slow-smoked brisket that undergoes a 15-hour smoking process. Diners can access a self-serve salad bar that includes hot vegetables such as potato bake, pumpkin, carrot, and broccoli, alongside various fresh salads. Steaks at The Highlander range between $25-$40 AUD, whilst schnitzels start from around $20 AUD.
The restaurant offers a 10% seniors' discount on all menu items, making it particularly popular with older diners who often combine their meal with a session on the pokies. The venue caters to various dietary requirements, with vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available across the menu, though some guests have noted the dessert menu could expand its allergen-friendly choices.
The Highlander features a well-stocked bar serving a range of local and imported beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails. The bar area includes multiple screens showing live sports, making it a popular gathering spot during AFL matches, cricket tests, and other major sporting events. The atmosphere during big games becomes lively, with regular patrons creating a community feel that first-time visitors often comment on positively.
Beyond gaming and dining, The Highlander regularly hosts live entertainment, particularly on weekends. Local musicians and bands perform in the dining area, creating ambience without overwhelming conversation. The venue's function facilities, including the Top Paddock area, can be hired for private celebrations, with packages available for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
One satisfied customer recently shared: "Had my husband's 70th at The Highlander Top Paddock and everything was fantastic. Two young girls who worked behind the bar were great, food was good. We do go to The Highlander for tea now and then and can recommend this to anyone."
Adjacent to the main hotel building, The Highlander operates a Thirsty Camel drive-through bottle shop, one of over 450 locations across Australia. This facility offers extended trading hours with competitive prices on a vast selection of beer, wine, and spirits. The bottle shop's hours are:
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday to Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM (midnight)
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
The bottle shop also offers online ordering through thirstycamelonline.com.au, with delivery available seven days a week within three hours for just $9 AUD. This service proves particularly convenient for locals hosting parties or visitors stocking up their accommodation mini-fridges.
The Highlander's location in Gilles Plains positions guests conveniently near numerous amenities and attractions:
Shopping: Tea Tree Plaza, one of Adelaide's largest shopping centres, sits approximately 2 kilometres away, offering over 190 stores including major department stores, specialty retailers, cinemas, and dining options.
Medical Facilities: Modbury Hospital, a major public hospital serving Adelaide's north-eastern suburbs, is located approximately 3 kilometres from The Highlander, providing peace of mind for visitors who may require medical services.
Recreation: The area offers several parks and recreation reserves within short driving distance, including the scenic Adelaide Hills wine region that begins just 15 minutes to the east. The Torrens Linear Park trail system is also accessible, providing walking and cycling paths along the river.
Education: The venue's proximity to Modbury TAFE and several schools makes it convenient for visiting academics, students, or parents attending educational events.
Like many Australian gaming venues, The Highlander likely operates a loyalty program for regular patrons, though specific details should be confirmed directly with the venue. Typical benefits at similar establishments include:
Bonus points accumulated through gaming machine play
Birthday bonuses and special occasion rewards
Members-only promotions and jackpot draws
Discounts on food and beverages
Advance notice of entertainment events
Players interested in maximising their gaming experience should enquire at reception about membership options when visiting.
The Highlander Hotel operates under South Australia's strict gaming machine regulations, which include mandatory responsible gambling measures. The venue displays information about gambling help services prominently, and staff receive training to identify and assist patrons who may be experiencing gambling-related difficulties.
South Australian gaming venues must comply with various regulations, including:
Maximum bet limits on gaming machines
Mandatory clocks visible in gaming areas
Prohibition of ATMs in gaming rooms
Availability of pre-commitment systems
Display of responsible gambling messages
Players concerned about their gambling should contact Gambling Help on 1800 858 858, a free and confidential service available 24/7. The venue supports responsible gambling practices and encourages patrons to set limits and gamble only what they can afford to lose.
The Highlander Hotel
647 North East Road, Gilles Plains SA 5086
Phone: (08) 8261 5288
Website: www.highlanderhotel.com.au
For accommodation bookings, function enquiries, or general questions, guests can contact the venue during business hours. The hotel also maintains an active presence on social media platforms where they announce upcoming events, special promotions, and menu updates.
To understand The Highlander's place in Adelaide's gaming landscape, it helps to know that South Australia hosts thousands of gaming machines across hundreds of licensed venues. Unlike some other Australian states, South Australia allows pokies in pubs and hotels rather than restricting them solely to casinos. This creates a decentralised gaming culture where community venues like The Highlander become local entertainment hubs.
The state's gaming regulations aim to balance commercial interests with harm minimisation, creating what regulators describe as a "sustainable and responsible" gaming environment. Revenue from gaming machines contributes significantly to state taxation whilst also supporting hospitality employment across the industry.
If you're planning your first visit to The Highlander Hotel for pokies gaming, consider these helpful tips:
Arrive During Off-Peak Hours: Weekday mornings and early afternoons typically see quieter gaming floors, allowing easier access to popular machines and more attentive service from staff.
Combine Gaming with Dining: Take advantage of the venue's quality restaurant offerings by planning your visit around meal times. The lunch specials often represent excellent value.
Set a Budget: Before beginning play, decide how much you're comfortable spending and stick to that limit. Gaming should be entertainment, not an income strategy.
Ask Questions: Staff at The Highlander are familiar with their machines and happy to explain features or suggest games based on your preferences.
Join the Loyalty Program: If you plan to visit regularly, membership in any rewards program the venue offers will provide better value over time.
Explore the Area: Combine your visit with shopping at Tea Tree Plaza or a scenic drive into the Adelaide Hills to make a full day of your trip.
Among the various pokies venues serving Adelaide's north-eastern suburbs, The Highlander distinguishes itself through several key attributes. The combination of 38 modern gaming machines, quality accommodation, and superior dining facilities creates a destination venue rather than just a gaming room. The extended operating hours accommodate various schedules, whilst the professional yet friendly atmosphere makes both first-time visitors and regular patrons feel welcome.
The venue's commitment to maintaining current gaming technology ensures players always have access to the latest machines and features. Combined with the convenience of on-site accommodation, visitors can enjoy an evening of gaming and dining without transport concerns. The rooftop terrace adds a unique element rarely found at suburban hotels, providing a pleasant space to relax between gaming sessions.
Regular patrons particularly appreciate the consistency of service and the venue's attention to detail in both gaming and hospitality operations. Whether you're a resident seeking regular entertainment or a visitor exploring Adelaide's northern suburbs, The Highlander Hotel offers a well-rounded experience that extends beyond simply playing the pokies.
The Highlander Hotel features 38 gaming machines in its spacious gaming lounge. The venue regularly updates its machine selection to include the latest releases from top providers like Aristocrat, ensuring players have access to popular titles, including Dragon Link and Lightning Link. The gaming room operates seven days a week with extended hours to accommodate players' schedules.
The gaming lounge operates with extensive hours throughout the week. Monday through Wednesday, the room opens at 8:00 AM and continues until 2:00 AM the following morning. Thursdays see extended hours from 8:00 AM until 3:00 AM. Friday and Saturday, the gaming room opens at 9:00 AM and runs through until 3:00 AM, whilst Sunday operates from 9:00 AM until midnight.
Yes, The Highlander operates as a full-service hotel with 22 guest rooms available for booking. Rooms feature modern amenities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, and satellite television. The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast for guests, and room rates typically start from around $70-$90 AUD per night. The rooftop terrace provides panoramic views across Adelaide's northern suburbs.
The venue features a Char Grill restaurant serving lunch (11:30 AM - 2:30 PM) and dinner, specialising in quality grilled meats, including their famous 15-hour smoked brisket. A self-serve salad bar complements main courses. The menu caters to various dietary requirements with vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. Seniors receive a 10% discount on all menu items. The venue also operates a full bar and an adjacent Thirsty Camel bottle shop.
Yes, several alternative gaming venues operate nearby. The Nor East, located at 583 North East Road in Gilles Plains, offers 40 gaming machines, including six Dragon Cash machines. The Modbury Hotel at 989 North East Road, Modbury, features 38 machines and sports bar facilities. The Gully Public House in Tea Tree Gully provides gaming alongside a historic beer garden atmosphere. Each venue offers its own unique character and gaming selection.
The Highlander sits approximately 15-20 minutes from Adelaide's CBD via North East Road. Multiple bus routes service the corridor with stops near the venue. From Adelaide Airport, the journey takes 25-30 minutes via Port Wakefield Road and North East Road, with taxi fares typically ranging $35-$50 AUD. The venue provides ample parking, including spaces for caravans and larger vehicles.
Yes, The Highlander operates under South Australia's strict gaming regulations, which include mandatory responsible gambling measures. Information about gambling help services is displayed prominently, and staff receive training to assist patrons who may need support. The venue encourages setting limits and gambling responsibly. Anyone concerned about their gambling can contact Gambling Help on 1800 858 858, a free 24/7 confidential service.