Which villages in the Adelaide Hills should you visit?

Step outside the city lines to explore the picturesque villages and stunning scenery of the Adelaide Hills. 

With so many to choose from, it can get hard to narrow down which village to visit on your weekend or day trip out. Here are our picks for the most noteworthy towns to visit.

• Crafers

  Crafers is your first stop for the day. It is the first town you hit when driving down the main road into the Adelaide Hills. Only a half an hour journey from the city, Crafers is a great place for a rest among the countryside. The villages greatest claim to fame is its historic hotel. Crafters Hotel is the oldest hotel in all of the Adelaide Hills, as the area was one of the earliest settlements in Adelaide. After strolling around the town, why not head to Mount Lofty Summit to marvel at the spectacular panoramic view of Adelaide’s city skyline. If you wanted a quick look into the town’s flora and fauna, visit the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Sprawling across a whopping 97 hectares, the remarkable area is bursting with flowers, large forestland, and sculptures scattering throughout the garden.

• Stirling

  Next stop on your adventure is the charming village of Stirling. With loads of dreamy sights just a stones throw from the city, it’s ideal for blissed-out breaks with your partner. Regardless of whether you’re interested in the history, shopping, food or to explore the lush surrounds, you’ll find it here. One of the tourist favourites is ‘A Walk Around Stirling West.’ This walk loops you around to 24 different attractions scattered in the area, including the Old Cottage Hospital and George Brown’s Cottage.

• Aldgate

  Breathe in the fresh air full of lush greenery and tree-lined streets. The village of Aldgate was named after the local hotel Aldgate Pump, in 1882. The pump, which sits over the road from the Aldgate Pump Hotel. Previously the pump provided water to horses on their way to the Echunga goldfields. Still standing today, and is one of the main attractions in the town. Visit the pump, before stopping into the Corner Store and the Aldgate Pump Hotel, for a historic Australian trip.

• Hahndorf

  Despite Hahndorf technically not being in the Adelaide Hills, it is still a worth the visit. Sitting right outside the Adelaide hills, this German-inspired town is bursting with a hearty dose of European culture as well as a captivating history. It was founded by a group of Lutheran settlers in the 19th century, so it features a beautiful European style. Discover the charming shops, the local galleries, and of course, the delicious wineries sprinkling the greenery.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.