Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Australia

Adelaide Hills: 45 Reasons to Plan Your Day Trip from Adelaide

  • Family Fun

@Lobethal Bierhaus

Open map

Adelaide Hills and the well known centrepiece, Hadndorf village offers visitors a diverse range of things to do. Imagine boutique wine trails, scenic cool climate gardens and parks. Go shopping and linger in farmers markets. Savour your own freshly picked strawberries and find quiet moments absorbing the autumn blaze of colour in reserves. Weekend farmers markets encourage visitors to linger and plan an impromptu picnic in the many parks.

For families visiting Adelaide there are ample wildlife encounters to choose from.

 

FOOD & DRINKS

Foodie joy in the Adelaide Hills is an integral part of the South Australian Epicurean Way road trip.

 

1. AMBLESIDE DISTILLERS

Ambleside Distillers, Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @amblesidedistillers @amblesidedistillers

Do a gin blending masterclass at Ambleside Distillers in Hahndorf.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

2. BIRD IN HAND WINERY

Ambleside Distillers - Hahndorf, Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf SA, Australia Bird in Hand Winery @Bird in Hand

Snip, savour award winning wines at Bird in Hand Winery and check out when the next event is. There are regular concerts at their cellar door.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

3. MELBA’S CHOCOLATE & CONFECTIONERY FACTORY

Melba’s Chocolate & Confectionery Factory, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Melba’s Chocolate & Confectionery @Melba’s Chocolate & Confectionery

Yum, chocolate, visit Melba’s Chocolate & Confectionery Factory in Woodside.

Check & Book a Tour

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

4. APPLEWOOD DISTILLERY

Applewood Distillery, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @applewooddistillery @applewooddistillery

Visit Applewood Distillery, the home of Applewood Gin and Unico Zelo.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

 

5. MT LOFTY RANGES VINEYARD

Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard @Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard

Sit on the deck at Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard and relax with awesome food and wine.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

6. THE OLIVE BRANCH BALHANNAH

The Olive Branch Balhannah, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @The Olive Branch Balhannah @The Olive Branch Balhannah

Head to The Olive Branch Balhannah and try your hand in a workshop cooking classes.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

7. ARTWINE ESTATE

Artwine Estate, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @artwineestate @artwineestate

Head to Artwine Estate’s Mediterranean style wines are a popular wine tasting, shopping wine experience.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Top Wine Tasting & Winery Tours in Adelaide Hills – BOOK NOW, PAY LATER

 

8. LOBETHAL BIERHAUS

Bierhaus, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Lobethal Bierhaus @Lobethal Bierhaus

Lobethal Bierhaus, local family owned microbrewery with awesome pizzas including traditional German fare. You can also tour the brewery.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

9. PRANCING PONY BREWERY

Prancing Pony Brewery, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @prancingponybrewery @prancingponybrewery

Craft brewery fans you can’t miss Prancing Pony Brewery. With award winning craft beers, platters, bar snacks, burgers, and live entertainment, the rustic brewery and bar is very popular Cider and pears is a marriage made in heaven. Try Paracombe Premium Perry, which is made from pears. An award winning Perry, sourced from a family orchard, Chamberlain Orchards in Paracombe.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

10. GERMAN ARMS HOTEL AND HAHNDORF INN

Hahndorf Inn, Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Hahndorf Inn @Hahndorf Inn

Enjoy a meal and an ale at the historic German Arms Hotel or Hahndorf Inn in Hahndorf.

German Arms Reviews

Hahndorf Inn Reviews

 

11. TWEEDVALE MILK

Tweedvale Milk, Lobethal, Adelaide hills, South Australia @Tweedvale Milk Tweedvale Milk, Lobethal, Adelaide hills, South Australia @Tweedvale Milk

Double whipped cream anyone? Dollops on locally sourced berries then you’re in luck. Stock up on Tweedvale Milk.

 

 

12. STICKY RICE COOKING SCHOOL

Sticky Rice Cooking School, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @stickyricecookingschool @stickyricecookingschool

Brush up your cooking skills at the Sticky Rice Cooking School. They support local wineries by buying their wine for cooking classes.

Four Hours Cooking Class in Adelaide Hills – Book Here

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Sticky Rice Villas – Reserve Property

 

blank
TIP

Check out the kids section for berry farms to visit in the Adelaide Hills.

 

 

SHOPPING, MARKETS AND WELLNESS

 

13. HAHNDORF HILL WINERY

Hahndorf Hill Winery, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Hahndorf Hill @Hahndorf Hill

Do the ChocoVino chocolate and wine matching experience at Hahndorf Hill Winery.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Tours, Wine Tastings & More – BOOK HERE

 

14. JURLIQUE FARM

Jurlique farm tour, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Jurlique Jurlique farm tour @Jurlique

Learn about the Jurlique skincare range, visit the farm shop and the biodynamic property. Book a tour for a behind the scenes look.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

 

15. STIRLING MARKET

Stirling Market, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Stirling Market @Stirling Market

Make the most of the local food, produce, arts and crafts at the monthly Stirling Market. Wander, shop and nibble goodies and soak up the atmosphere.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

16. BRAYFIELD LAVENDER FARM

Brayfield Cottage, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Brayfield Park Lavender @Brayfield Park Lavender

Visit Brayfield Lavender Farm in Hahndorf. The family owned and run lavender farm  offers an extensive range of crafted skincare and dried lavender products. Check their onsite accommodation both on their farm and in Hahndorf creating a weekend escape option.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

 

17. ADELAIDE HILLS FARMERS MARKETS

Adelaide Hills Farmers Market, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @ahfm.org.au Adelaide Hills Farmers Markets @ahfm.org.au

Shop for fresh produce, crafty goods at the Adelaide Hills Farmers Markets every Saturday on Mann Street in Mount Barker. With over 25 stallholders you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

18. HARDY’S VERANDAH RESTAURANT

Mount Lofty House, South Australia @mountloftyhouse @mountloftyhouse

Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant at Mount Lofty House, is indulgence. Everyone needs a touch of luxury. Try Hardy’s degustation. Stay overnight, and spoil the senses with a day spa.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Mount Lofty House & Estate Adelaide Hills – BOOK HERE

 

19. 3 WISHES

(FORMERLY HAHNDORF SOAP FACTORY)

3 Wishes store, Westfield Marion, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @3wishesau 3 Wishes store in Westfield Marion @3wishesau

Make sure to visit 3 Wishes for gifts for family and friends (plus yourself). There are luscious natural handmade soaps and bath and body products.

 

 

blank

The Adelaide Hills settlements are within an hour’s drive from Adelaide CBD. The Adelaide Hills are most well known as home to some of South Australia’s best food, wine and scenery yet there is so much more on offer. Check out all 45 reasons to start planning your Adelaide holiday.

 

20. MATILDA BOOKSHOP

Matilda Bookshop, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @matilda_bookshop @matilda_bookshop
blank
NOTE

Our sort of heaven, a traditional bookshop with plenty of cosy chairs. Browse the afternoon away in Matilda Bookshop in Stirling. Specialising in children’s books, foodie and gardening material.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

Lobethal Old Woollen Mill is PERMANENTLY CLOSED

 

Explore Hahndorf and Mount Lofty – BOOK A TOUR (free cancellation)

 

 

AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS IN THE ADELAIDE HILLS

 

21. CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK

Ruby The Koala at Cleland Wildlife Park, South Australia @clelandwildlifepark Ruby The Koala at Cleland Wildlife Park @clelandwildlifepark

Cleland Wildlife Park, closest wildlife park to Adelaide.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Cleland Wildlife Park Tours – BOOK HERE

 

22. MONARTO SAFARI PARK

Monarto Safari Park visitor centre, Adelaide, South Australia @playandgoadelaide Monarto Safari Park visitor centre @playandgoadelaide

Monarto Safari Park, African not that far away from Adelaide.

Reviews & more on TripAdvisor


 

23. GORGE WILDLIFE PARK

Gorge Wildlife Park, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @gorgewildlifepark @gorgewildlifepark

Gorge Wildlife Park. Meet Australia’s favourite native animals.

Reviews & more on TripAdvisor

 

 

24. WARRAWONG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Emu at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, South Australia @warrawong_wildlife_sanctuary Emu at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, South Australia @warrawong_wildlife_sanctuary

Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, a place of refuge for wildlife open to the public.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

25. MOUNT LOFTY BOTANIC GARDENS

Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @exploring_austraya Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens @exploring_austraya

Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, glorious cool climate public garden.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Abelaide Botanic Garden Tours & Other Activities – BOOK HERE

 

26. WOORABINDA WETLANDS

A peaceful afternoon at Woorabinda Lake, Stirling, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @stirlingadelaidehills A peaceful afternoon at Woorabinda Lake @stirlingadelaidehills

Take the kids for a walk in the Woorabinda wetlands in Stirling.

 

 

27. FARM BARN

The Farm Barn, Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Hahndorf Farm Barn The Farm Barn, Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Hahndorf Farm Barn

Take the kids to the Farm Barn in Hahndorf for up close and memorable animal experiences.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Hahndorf Farm Barn – A Day On The Farm – BOOK NOW & SAVE up to 46%!

 

28. LARATINGA WETLANDS

Laratinga Wetlands, Mount Barker, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @laratingawetlands @laratingawetlands

Visit the Laratinga Wetlands. Laratinga is the Peramangk name for Mt Barker Creek, now corralled into a thriving man-made wetlands (constructed in 1999) that’s become a real haven for birdlife, reptiles and out-for-a-walk locals.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

29. BELAIR NATIONAL PARK

Belair National Park, Belair, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @natureplaysa @Jason Tyndall Belair National Park @natureplaysa @Jason Tyndall

Visit Belair National Park and discover flat easy walks for the kids. There are woodlands and lakes. Heritage fans will enjoy discovering the historic Old Government House.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

 

SCENERY & ART IN THE ADELAIDE HILLS – WHERE TO GO

 

30. HILLS SCULPTURE TRAIL

Cosmic Connections sculpture at Hills Sculpture Trail, Mount Barker, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Hills Sculpture Trail Cosmic Connections sculpture at Hills Sculpture Trail, Mount Barker @Hills Sculpture Trail

Wander the Hills Sculpture Trail. It is a journey of discovery that winds through the rolling landscape of the stunning Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, linking towns and regions, art and people, nature and beauty There are 26 beautiful stone sculptures dotted throughout the Adelaide Hills installed in stunning locations.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Things to Do in Adelaide Hills – BOOK NOW, PAY LATER

 

31. HEYSEN CEDARS

The Cedars frontview, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Hans Heysen The Cedars frontview @Hans Heysen

Do the Heysen Cedars tour on a unique 60 hectare heritage property and the historic home of Sir Hans Heysen, one of Australia’s most noted landscape artists.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

 

32. NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM IN BIRDWOOD

Charger towing a caravan, National Motor Museum, Birdwood, Adelaide, South Australia @nationalmotormuseumau Charger towing a caravan, National Motor Museum, Birdwood, Adelaide, South Australia @nationalmotormuseumau

Enjoy a slice of history at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Scenic flights and other experiences near Birdwood – BOOK HERE

 

 

WHERE TO TAKE THE KIDS WHILE VISITING THE ADELAIDE HILLS

 

33. BIG ROCKING HORSE

The Big Rocking Horse, Gumeracha, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @The Big Rocking Horse @The Big Rocking Horse

Big Rocking Horse, Gumeracha is fun, your teenagers will want to snap a selfie and check out the adjoining toy shop.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

blank
TIP

Of course you’ve already checked out the nature and conservation places to visit for active kids.

 

34. WALKING TRAILS

Loop from Measdays Lookout along Adventure Trail and Measdays Hike, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @WalkingSA Loop from Measdays Lookout along Adventure Trail and Measdays Hike @WalkingSA

Grab a picnic hamper full of wonderful Adelaide Hills produce and hit one of the hundreds of walking trails. Check out Walking SA for details.

 

 

35. PATCH GARDEN & KITCHEN

Patch Kitchen & Garden, Stirling, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @patchkitchengarden @patchkitchengarden

Want a relaxing place to eat with the kids, check out Patch Garden & Kitchen, a great cafe in Stirling with play areas inside and outside for kids. While not a playground does cater for the smaller people in our lives.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

36. BRIDGEWATER MILL RESERVE & PLAYGROUND

Bridgewater Mill Playground, Mount Barker, Bridgewater, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Kids in Adelaide Bridgewater Mill Playground, Mount Barker, Bridgewater @Kids in Adelaide

Take the kids to the Bridgewater Mill Reserve & play ground, then have lunch at the next door pub or Bridgewater mill (kids friendly). Want to know more what to do in the area check out Parks and Playgrounds – Explore Bridgewater.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

37. GREEN VALLEY STRAWBERRIES AND CAFE

Green Valley Strawberries Cafe, Nairne, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @greenvalley_strawberries Green Valley Strawberries Cafe, Nairne @greenvalley_strawberries

Berry picking is for kids (and all of us). Check out Green Valley Strawberries and Cafe in Nairne, where you can buy fresh berries, picked and packed daily, from the strawberry farm. Savour farm to plate in the cafe, waffles, pancakes, scones, and, of course strawberry milkshakes.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

38. STIRLING STEAMROLLER PARK

Steamroller Park, Mount Barker, Stirling, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Stirling Adelaide Hills Steamroller Park @Stirling Adelaide Hills

Make sure to visit Stirling Steam Roller Park/Playground. The combination of varied play equipment, excellent public facilities and proximity to the main street make Steamroller Park a winner.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

39. BEERENBERG FARM

Beerenberg Farm, Mount Barker, Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @beerenbergfarm Beerenberg Farm, Mount Barker, Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @beerenbergfarm

Berries can be found Beerenberg Farm, a stalwart of the area, is a very popular place for Adelaide city dwellers to get their fresh berries, jams and conserves. The joy of visiting a strawberry farm in Hahndorf and picking your own strawberries.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Foodie tours for every taste – Check & Book Here

blank
NOTE

Lobethal fairy garden theme park is PERMANENTLY CLOSED

 

 

ADVENTURE IN THE ADELAIDE HILLS – SIX ADRENALINE LACED ATTRACTIONS NEARBY ADELAIDE

 

40. EAGLE MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

Eagle Mountain Bike Park, Crafers, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @orsr.sa.gov.au Eagle Mountain Bike Park, Crafers @orsr.sa.gov.au

Go mountain biking in Woodside over 22 km of trails at the Eagle Mountain Bike Park.

 

 

41. THE AMY GILLETT BIKEWAY

The Amy Gillett Bikeway, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @WalkingSA The Amy Gillett Bikeway, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @WalkingSA

The Amy Gillett Bikeway is a shared path in the Adelaide Hills on part of the alignment of the former Mount Pleasant railway line. It is a 17 km sealed path suitable for recreational cycling, walking and horse riding. The pathway is even shared with local horse riders.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

42. Mt LOFTY ADVENTURE HUB

Mt Lofty Adventure Hub, Picadilly, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @Mt Lofty Adventure Hub @Mt Lofty Adventure Hub

Take the whole family for an adventure at Mt Lofty Adventure Hub, Piccadilly, with challenge ropes, mega swing and climbing tower.

Rock Climb, Zipline and Mega Swing Experience at Mount Loft Adventure Hubs – BOOK NOW

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

43. WOODHOUSE ADVENTURE PARK

Woodhouse Adventure Park, Picadilly, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @woodhouseadventurepark @woodhouseadventurepark

Woodhouse Adventure Park has got everything you need for the kid in all of us, including accommodation for dedicated fans of great adventure parks.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

44. MORIALTA CONSERVATION PARK

Morialta Conservation Park, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @oh_so_vansy Morialta Conservation Park @oh_so_vansy

Rock climbing is a given at Morialta Conservation Park is the most visited rock climbing area in Adelaide and just a 35 minute drive from Newenham.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

Hiking & Rock Climbing Experience in Morialta – BOOK HERE

 

45. SA SKYDIVING

SA Skydiving, Wellington, Adelaide Hills, South Australia @SA Skydiving @SA Skydiving

Skydiving for adrenaline junkie, then jump out of a plane with SA SkyDiving suspended 15,000 feet above the ground.

Reviews & More on TripAdvisor

 

 

blank
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
Socials, sharing photos. We’re excited to share these photos with you. Thank you for your inspiring shots and remember to click like. For each shared social media image we label the photo with the original @ to facilitate ID.

If we have accidentally used your photograph without your permission, we are sorry and will remove the photograph as soon as possible. Any use without permission is an oversight… for more information regarding our Terms and Conditions check HERE.

blank
AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.

 

BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

Enquire

If you have a query about content, travel deals or anything else, our team is happy to answer all your questions 🙂



    Your information is secure, no third party involved.
    100% Safe, secure, privacy guaranteed. Privacy Policy.

    Subscribe
    blank