Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Travel to a land with crisp air, cool temperatures, vast valleys, and beautiful scenery. The Adelaide Hills lie east of Adelaide and it is only a short drive to the stunning region.

Set within the Mount Lofty Ranges, the Adelaide Hills are famous for their wine, culture and natural beauty. The towns of the Adelaide Hills incorporate Stirling, Hahndorf, Mt Barker, and Birdwood to name a few. Only an hour out from Adelaide City, the Hills region is a hub for cultural activities, stunning natural attractions and wildlife spotting opportunities. You’ll be able to meet dedicated winemakers, pick fresh fruit for hours on end and sample some of the best food and drink from South Australia.

The History of Adelaide Hills

Before the European settlement, the Hills partly belonged to the Kaurna Aborigines and partly to the Peramangk tribe. Due to this collective area, the Hills were vacant often. In 1836, the introduction of the Europeans settlers in South Australia began. At first, the area was a haven for those on the fringe of society, such as young runaways, bushrangers, and fugitives.  The introduction of vineyards began in 1836, and the area’s success in wine production quickly grew. The first gift of Australian wine to an English monarch occurred in 1843 and the wine in question was made in the Adelaide Hills.

What to do at the Adelaide Hills?

The rolling hills are filled with an array of activities, suitable for the whole family. Here are just a few to choose from!

• Wineries

  The rolling hills are bursting with delicious wineries and restaurants, all offering unique varieties of wines created from the nutrient-rich soil of the valley. There are many renowned wineries such as Penfolds, Hahndorf Hill, and Nepenthe Wines. Enjoy a white, red, or rose as you marvel at the lush greenery surrounding you. If you are visiting at the right time, you might even get to see the Adelaide Hills wine festival, held every year where all cellars celebrate this area’s fantastic wine.

• Hahndorf

  This German-inspired town of Handorf was founded back in the 19th century by a group of Lutheran settlers. The architecture and tree-lined streets of the town are European inspired, with historic buildings and squares around since the birth of the town. Visit this charming area either to wander through the galleries, museums, and shops or try the local craft beer.

• Beerenberg Strawberry Farm

  Beerenberg Strawberry Farm is a beloved family-owned farm, the dream of this farm began almost 200 years ago. The family of George and Anna Paech left their home Prussia to adventure to South Australia! The family quickly got to work, using the hill’s rich soil to grow the perfect fruit and vegetables. In 1970, the family produced strawberries, turning their family farm into one of the top tourist destinations of the Adelaide Hills. The farm is not just famous for their strawberry’s delicious taste, but for how they are picked. By you! The fun activity allows visitors to enter the strawberry fields and pick their very own strawberry punnet. Easy to remember tips from the staff make sure tourists pick the best choice of fruit offered, and to care for the fruit to keep in the best form after leaving the farm. After filling up your cars with strawberries, be sure to visit the farm shop. Consisting of several homemade products, such as jams, spreads, chutneys and more. Enjoy this fun-filled day for the whole family.

• Wildlife Encounters

  The Cleland Wildlife Park is home to over 130 native Australian species like kangaroos, wallabies, emus and dingoes. On a day trip here you’ll be able to watch as the keepers feed the animals or even hold a koala or reptile! There are private experiences you can have with some of the animals like meeting koalas, wombats or step into the butterfly enclosure with the Invertebrate keeper. Another experience that you can have at the wildlife park is the Breakfast with Birds, your activity will begin with an exclusive tour before the park opens where you’ll be able to bird spot, feed them and have your own breakfast at the cafe.

• Foodie Experiences

  Make your way to Choco Vino at Hahndorf Hill winery for an experience you won’t forget. Rated as one of the best food and wine experiences in the world, at Choco Vino you’ll be able to sample chocolates from top chocolate houses in Australia and France, as well as taste a piece of the most coveted chocolate in the world. The experience is conducted in a glass cellar where you’ll be able to sample your expertly matched wine and chocolate and enjoy a stunning view of the Hahndorf countryside below.

Another unmissable experience in the Adelaide Hills is located in the main street of Hahndorf at Udder Delights. Producers of cheese from both goat and cows, Udder Delights offer tastings, as well as a sitdown menu where you can stop for a lengthy afternoon tea or fondue set. Try their truffle cheese toastie served with pickled onions on the side for a perfect winters comfort meal or divulge on an extravagant cheeseboard.