As you drive the winding roads away from Adelaide, you may find yourself in a paradise of sweeping hills, forests, stone cottages, and historic towns. Look closely and you might encounter a koala peacefully munching a leaf. In contrast, you might wonder if you’ve been transported into 19th century Germany, as you wander through the picturesque and historic town of Hahndorf.
The Adelaide Hills are perfect for romantic retreats. Couples who want to connect can share excellent food and wine, gentle strolls around towns that are rich in character, or go for a quiet trek through the native bush.
Friends and families will have a blast at the many festivals and celebrations held each year. In addition to the many historic towns, and fun attractions of the Adelaide Hills, you’ll also find some great national parks and wildlife parks to explore.
Whether you are planning a quiet retreat to a self-contained and private cabin, or want to explore the towns and have fun with your friends – you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit the Adelaide Hills.
Five fun ideas for a fantastic break!
1. Chocoholic alert! Melba’s chocolate factory is located in Woodside, and well worth a visit to see how this glorious stuff is made. Be sure to bring some money so you can stock up (or wolf it down on the spot!)
2. A walk on the wild side: Cleland Wildlife Park is a great way to get up close with Australia’s most popular animals. Kangaroos and wallabies happily bound around, and hop up to you with the hopes you’ll have some food (which you can purchase at a very reasonable price as you enter). Emus don’t ask, they just take – but you’ll have fun trying to keep your bag of food away from them as they snake their necks around to sneak it out of your hands. You can even have your photo taken with a cuddly koala, or gently coax a young joey to leave mum’s pouch for a moment to snuggle up with you instead.
3. Special fun for families: Your children may be excited to learn that the world’s biggest rocking horse is nestled in the Adelaide Hills, and they can even climb on top! Built alongside a toy factory that produces wooden toys (that thankfully don’t beep or have flashing lights) you can also enjoy their wildlife park and feed some native animals during your visit.
4. Lofty aspirations: If you go to the summit of Mt Lofty, you’ll be treated to some spectacular views. Stay for dinner at the Summit Restaurant. On the Eastern face of Mt Lofty in Piccadilly, you’ll find the Botanic Gardens with lovely walking trails through seven valleys of different plant groups.
5. Step back in time: The Adelaide hills have a rich history, and each town is eager to share its stories.
When to go
The Adelaide Hills are enjoyable at any time of the year.
How to get there
Adelaide is easily accessible from anywhere in Australia by air, train, bus, or car. Consider renting a vehicle to drive to the Adelaide Hills, as you will then have maximum flexibility to enjoy all of the lovely towns scattered around the region. The drive will take 40 minutes from the airport, or as little as 20 minutes if you are visiting from accommodation within Adelaide.
Accommodation
From the outrageous extravagance of a castle - Castle Keep at Thorngrove Manor - to the humble (but very warm and cosy) rooms of a log cabin - Burnslea Log Cabin - you can make sleeping at night every bit as interesting as exploring during the day. The Adelaide Hills have options to suit every taste, from standard hotel rooms to quaint bed and breakfasts. You’ll find all of these Adelaide Hills accommodation options at TakeABreak.
Ideal length of visit
The hills are perfect for a romantic weekend, as well as for families and friends wanting to get away for a few days longer.
Further Information
Check out SouthAustralia.com for the official tourism site of the Adelaide Hills for loads of excellent information and travel tips.
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in Adelaide, Yulara (Uluru), Alice Springs and Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, “I have been lucky to see Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find holidays they would enjoy.” Kylie currently works as a travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.
Kylie Jane Degeling wrote this article
