Adelaide Hills

Featured Lists

Michael Coghlan / CC BY 2.0

Adelaide Hills Essentials

This selection covers the core highlights of the Adelaide Hills, from the 710-metre peak of Mount Lofty to the historic German village of Hahndorf. Visitors can encounter native fauna at Cleland Wildlife Park or explore cool-climate viticulture at Shaw & Smith and Hahndorf Hill. The region's history is preserved at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, while the 18-metre-tall Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha offers a unique roadside landmark. The Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens showcase cool-temperate plants across 97 hectares.

8 places

Mljacobs6 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Wineries & Distilleries

The Adelaide Hills region is characterized by high-altitude viticulture and artisanal craftsmanship. This collection features established estates like Shaw & Smith and Bird In Hand alongside boutique spirit producers like Applewood Distillery. Highlights include specialized traditional method sparkling wines at Deviation Road, native botanical spirits in Gumeracha, and historic brewing traditions at Lobethal Bierhaus. Many venues, including The Lane and Hahndorf Hill Winery, leverage the region's cool climate and German heritage to produce signature Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Gruner Veltliner.

10 places

Mljacobs6 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Artisans & Local History

The Adelaide Hills region preserves its heritage through specialized museums and artisan craft. This collection features the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, housing over 400 vintage vehicles, alongside local history archives in Lobethal and Gumeracha. The area’s creative output is represented by boutique wineries like Hahndorf Hill and Shaw & Smith, the Applewood Distillery’s native botanical spirits, and traditional confectionery at Melba's Chocolate Factory. Historic architecture and gardens, such as the 1940s Stangate House, provide insight into the district's social and architectural evolution.

10 places

Scenic Viewpoints

The Adelaide Hills offer a network of elevated vantage points ranging from the 710-meter peak of Mount Lofty to the dramatic quartzite cliffs of Morialta Conservation Park. This collection highlights the region's geological diversity, featuring the three-tiered waterfall system of Fourth Creek and the wildflower-rich slopes of Anstey Hill. Visitors can observe the transition from native stringybark forests to panoramic views of the Adelaide city skyline, the suburban plains, and the waters of Gulf St Vincent.

11 places

Adelaide Hills — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, October, November, December

Practical information

Tours & Activities