'''Adelaide Hills''' [http://www.southaustralia.com/adelaidehills.aspx] is in South Australia. An easy 30 minute drive from Adelaide central business district. The highest point is Mount Lofty, 712 metres above sea level.

It is the major cool climate premium wine district in South Australia. It has stunning scenery, and a distinct four seasons throughout the year. Charming townships are spread throughout the region, which is between Barossa and Fleurieu Peninsula. 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. Drive the region's many scenic routes and you'll find picture-postcard views 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.

Major Towns

  • Hahndorf
  • Stirling
  • Mount Barker
  • Woodside
  • Other destinations

    It is easy to drive north to Barossa Valley or south to McLaren Vale to visit other wonderful wine regions.

    Get around

    The Hills is a challenge to drive around by car, with poor signage, and winding roads where even the locals get lost.

    Public transport isn't great around the Hills, which is a shame given the fantastic wines of the region, however there are a couple of tour companies providing regular services.

    See

  • Mount Lofty Lookout - Check out spectacular views of Adelaide and Gulf St Vincent, a great tourist attraction in its own right but also home to a restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine and a Visitor information Centre.
  • Hahndorf - One of the Adelaide Hill's most famous towns, Hahndorf is Australia_fs oldest surviving German settlement. Hahndorf has plenty of souvenir shops, craft outlets and galleries to explore, including the Hahndorf Academy. There_fs still a strong German flavour in the town, most evident in the smallgood outlets and German bakeries that line the main street. Visitors can pick their own strawberries at Beerenberg Strawberry Farm or visit the former home and studio of Sir Hans Heysen, The Cedars. There are several good winery cellar doors in the area and the Hahndorf Farm Barn is an enjoyable stop for families
  • The '''National Motor Museum''' in Birdwood is much more than a fantastic collection of vehicles ? it tells the stories about Australia_fs love of cars, and how motoring changed Australians and where they go.
  • Do

  • Visit some of the 29 winery cellar doors. The following are a range from the very small to the larger corporate producers.
  • *Petaluma
  • *Hahndorf Hill Winery
  • *Nepenthe
  • *Shaw & Smith
  • *Tilbrook Estate
  • *Bird in Hand
  • *Barratt Wines
  • *Ashton Hills
  • Wine Tours
  • * '''Rich & Lingering''' [http://www.richandlingering.com.au] Offers bespoke food and wine tours which gratify the senses.
  • Visit food producers - small goods, cheese makers, chocolate makers, espcially in Hahndorf, Balhannah, and Woodside.
  • Visit country markets in Echunga, Uraidla, Woodside, Stirling.
  • Visit Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens
  • Visit 'The Cedars' home of artist Sir Hans Heysen, just outside Hahndorf. His historic property, home, gardens and studio remain much the same as when the great artist died in 1969. Tours of The Cedars cost $10 for adults.
  • Eat

    Sleep

  • '''Cladich Pavilons''' [http://www.cladichpavilions.com]
  • Adelaide Hills Country Cottages
  • '''Mount Lofty House''' [http://www.mtloftyhouse.com.au]
  • Dumas House