Oakbank was founded around 1840 by Scottish brothers James and Andrew Johnston and grew from a farming settlement into a notable town centered around its famous Easter Racing Carnival, home to the largest picnic horse race meeting in the Southern Hemisphere. The Oakbank Heritage Walk takes in all the historic points of interest, including a 160-year-old oak tree. Winery cellar doors to be found nearby include Cobb's Hill Estate and Murdoch Hill. The 17-kilometre Amy Gillett Pathway is a bitumen track that follows an old railway corridor running from Oakbank to Mount Torrens. The pathway is popular with leisure cyclists, walkers and horse riders. Named in honour of champion Australian cyclist Amy Gillett, this family-friendly track is mostly flat, with four loop trails taking in other points of interest.