Adelaide Hills

Just a 20-minute drive east of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills feel a world away from the city. This lush, rolling landscape is dotted with historic stone villages, cool-climate vineyards, and artisan food producers. It's a place where you can sip a shiraz at a cellar door, browse a farmers' market, and walk through mossy forests all in the same day. The crisp air and green hills have a distinctly European feel, making it a refreshing escape for anyone exploring South Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• Hahndorf: Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, with timber-framed buildings, traditional bakeries, and craft shops. Try a pretzel or a German sausage.
• Cleland Wildlife Park: Get up close with kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in a natural bush setting. You can even hold a koala (bookings essential).
• Mount Lofty Summit: Panoramic views over Adelaide and the coast. Walk the summit trail or drive up for sunset.
• Wine tasting in the Adelaide Hills wine region: Known for crisp sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir. Visit cellar doors like Shaw + Smith, Penfolds Magill Estate, or Bird in Hand.
• Lobethal and the German heritage trail: Discover historic churches, antique shops, and the famous Lobethal Christmas lights in December.
• Stirling and Aldgate: Charming villages with boutique shopping, galleries, and excellent cafés – perfect for a lazy lunch.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can easily enjoy the highlights in a day trip from Adelaide, but staying overnight allows you to explore the area's walking trails, sample more wines, and soak up the village atmosphere. Two days gives you time for a leisurely wine tour and a hike in the Mount Lofty Ranges. If you're self-driving, consider spending a night in Hahndorf or Stirling.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Barossa Valley: Just north, this world-famous wine region is a perfect pairing with the Hills – contrasting bold shirazes with the Hills' cool-climate styles.
• Clare Valley: An hour north, offering more wine tasting (especially riesling) and the scenic Riesling Trail cycle path.
• Fleurieu Peninsula: South of Adelaide, with stunning beaches, the McLaren Vale wine region, and wildlife at Kangaroo Island (accessible by ferry).
• Adelaide city: The vibrant capital is only 20 minutes away – combine a Hills day with Adelaide's markets, museums, and food scene.
• Kangaroo Island: A longer detour, but unforgettable for wildlife and wilderness. Ferries depart from Cape Jervis, about 1.5 hours from the Hills.

Please check official sources for current details.