As the oldest wine region in South Australia (the first vines were planted in 1839, just three years after settlement) the Adelaide Hills has had time to get things right. There’s picture-postcard scenery at every turn; some of the best cool-climate wines in Australia; koalas, kangaroos and enough cute native animals to melt even the most world-weary heart; and gorgeous places to rest your head at the end of gentle days of discovery. And this little pocket of paradise is so close to Adelaide. Just a few minutes' drive along the South Eastern Freeway and you're surrounded by manicured vineyards and market gardens, natural Australian bushland and lush green pastures. Each season offers its own appeal: landscapes ablaze with changing colours in autumn; warm fires and historic B&Bs in winter; blooms and berries in spring; and cool cellar door retreats in summer. Rolling hills and leafy valleys provide a spectacular backdrop for pretty towns across the Adelaide Hills. You're unlikely to pass through any village without being enticed by a roadside stall, nursery, intriguing shop, aromatic bakery or historic pub. Visit Hahndorf for its German heritage; Woodside for its antiques; Stirling for its organic market and excellent shops; Gumeracha for its giant rocking horse (voted best big thing in Australia); Bridgewater for the award-winning cellar door and restaurant at Bridgewater Mill; Birdwood for the National Motor Museum; Macclesfield for its Sunday market; and Norton Summit for the Scenic Hotel. The cool-climate wines of the Adelaide Hills are among the most prestigious in Australia. Discover them at more than 20 cellar doors from Macclesfield in the south to Kersbrook in the north. The region is home to more than 200 grape growers and 50 wine labels. Look out for famous names like Petaluma, Nepenthe, Shaw & Smith, Ashton Hills and Chain of Ponds at Gumeracha. Pick your dream vehicle at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood: the FJ, the Monaro, a Norton or a Triumph. The museum is much more than a fantastic collection of vehicles – it tells the stories about Australia’s love of cars, and how motoring changed who we are and where we went. Walk in the steps of world famous artist Sir Hans Heysen. Just outside the much-loved heritage town of Hahndorf resides the artist’s original family home, The Cedars. This historic property, with its grand homestead and beautiful surrounding gardens and studios remain much the same as when the great artist died in 1969. Check out spectacular views of Adelaide and Gulf St Vincent at Mount Lofty Summit, a great tourist attraction in its own right but also home to an excellent restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. The refurbished Visitor Information Centre features hands-on displays of attractions and conservation activities throughout South Australia. Cuddle a koala and see kangaroos and 120 other native species at Cleland Wildlife Park, just 12 kilometres from the heart of Adelaide. There’s also the world's biggest bird aviary, plus feed runs at 10am to 3pm daily and great night walks for a look at the world of native nocturnal animals. |
Visitor
Information
Centres
Adelaide Hills Visitor Information Centre
Main Road, Hahndorf, South Australia, 5245
Toll Free: 1800 353 323 Adelaide Hills Wine Region
38 Adelaide Road,
Mt Barker, SA 5251
1300 305 577
Mount Lofty Summit Information Centre
Mount Lofty Summit, Crafers, South Australia, 5152
Telephone +61 8 8370 1054 |
