Step into the land of the long lunch with rolling green hills, historic towns and award winning wineries dotted throughout and a chance to get up close and personal with Australia’s most loved wildlife.
For a quick guide to what is available in the Adelaide Hills download the regional fact sheet.
Adelaide Hills’ wineries and cellar doors represent one of Australia’s best cool-climate wine regions. With more than 60 wineries to choose from, there is a cellar door around every corner.
Local produce is key to the Adelaide Hills, sample award-winning cheeses and pick up your own basket of goodies at any number of weekend farmers’ markets, or try traditional German fare at one of the historic pubs in Hahndorf. Craft beers, ciders and boutique spirits are transforming the Adelaide Hills drinks scene with a number of award-winning microbreweries, distilleries and cider houses.
Get up close to kangaroos, koalas and reptiles at one of the wildlife parks less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide.
The Adelaide Hills are an easy 30 minute drive south-east of Adelaide and a 40 minute drive from the airport. Major towns include Stirling, Hahndorf and Mount Barker and there are spectacular views from the lookout at Mount Lofty. It is recommended visitors have their own vehicle to explore the region or take an organised or private day tour. There is a bus service that travels to Cleland Wildlife Park.
Craft beers, ciders and boutique spirits are transforming the Adelaide Hills drinks scene. There is the Lobethal Bierhaus, Prancing Pony Brewery and Gulf Brewery in Hahndorf just to name a few. The Stirling Hotel's Gin Club is a great place to try some of the local boutique spirits.
Cuddle a koala, hand feed iconic Australian animals and learn from friendly expert keepers in a beautiful bush setting just twenty minutes from Adelaide at the award-winning Cleland Wildlife Park. It is home to more than 130 species of South Australia’s captivating wildlife.
At Gorge Wildlife Park see all your favourite Australian animals such as dingos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, bilbies and more.Walk at your own leisure, feed the kangaroos and wallabies including the white (albino) varieties. There are koalas to view in their trees or enjoy a cuddle at one of the holding sessions.
The Hahndorf Farm Barn is a unique blend of children's farmyard and wildlife park, where visitors can hold, touch and feed most of the animals. Take a pony or tractor ride or try milking a cow and holding a python. A perfect stop for families travelling with small children.
The ChocoVino experience at Hahndorf Hill Winery matches their wines to the world's most acclaimed chocolate. ChocoVino allows visitors to take their taste buds on a journey of discovery while learning about gourmet chocolate and fine wine with spectacular views of the Hahndorf countryside.
Located just 30 minutes from Adelaide, Hahndorf is an old surviving German settlement and still has a strong German flavour most evident in the small goods outlets, bakeries, pubs, restaurants and cafes that line the bustling main street. Hahndorf is now a regional art centre with Galleries dotted around town.
There really is nothing better than buying food straight from the farmer or producer. Every weekend the Adelaide Hills markets are stocked with the freshest seasonal produce at a range of markets. Also discover, gourmet artisan goodies, unique fashions and handcrafted gifts by local artists.
The Mount Lofty Botanic Garden overlooking the Piccadilly Valley features displays of cool temperate plants, and several picturesque walking trails through the garden's seven valleys. Amongst the native Australian flora there are tree ferns, as well as exotic cultivated plants from cool climates.
At Beerenberg discover the complete range of Australia’s finest home-style jams, condiments, sauces and dressings. Guests can enjoy free tastings at the farm shop or hunt through the strawberry patch and pick their own strawberries when in season (November to April).
Home and studio of famous Australian artist Sir Hans Heysen, one of Australia's best known landscape painters. The Cedars - the studio and his home are located on a 60-hectare property near Hahndorf and are open for tours. Hahndorf is now a regional art centre, largely due to Heysen’s influence.
Udder Delights is a artisan cheese manufacturer in the Adelaide Hills with a passion for all things cheese. The Cheese Cellar is situated in the main street of Hahndorf and visitors can enjoy the seasonal menu at the licensed cafe and also experience the free guided cheese tastings.
The Adelaide Hills is one of South Australia's most beautiful cool climate wine regions with approximately 50 cellar doors. Nestled among apple and cherry orchards and rolling fields, vineyards are scattered throughout the 70-kilometre length of this varied landscape.
