South Australia » Adelaide Hills

Adelaide Hills is part of the Mount Lofty Ranges and is a pleasant, thirty minute drive South East of Adelaide. There's plenty to do in these wonderful hills full of large Gum trees, including bush walking or visiting the Conservation Parks, historic townships and wineries. The region is known for its wine, the most famous found in Lenswood, recognised for its Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, the Piccadilly Valley, or Chain of Ponds, producing a fine Chardonnay. For a full view of the surrounding hills, city and sea, climb Mt. Lofty Summit, set among the green forest, orchards and rocky views of Adelaide Hills.

On the way to Adelaide Hills there are various places worth visiting along the way, and plenty of scenic routes which you can take to get there. Heading north through Adelaide Hills towards the Barossa Valley you will come across Birdwood, a small town that is home to the National Motor Museum which has some great displays. You can either continue north from here or head south through the ranges and various nature parks along the way. The Morialta Conservation Park has absolutely fantastic landscape made up of rocky gorges and waterfalls. It is a really pretty place and shouldn’t be missed. If you want to see some animals then head further south to the Cleland Wildlife Park. Rising 727m high behind the park is Mt. Lofty, where you can dine with spectacular views over Adelaide. It is only a 2km walk from the Wildlife Park, although you can also drive. Nearby, the pleasant Mt. Lofty Botanical Gardens also make a nice visit.

South of this is the Belair National Park which hosts the Old Parliament House (a summer residence for the governor). There is also another wildlife sanctuary at Warrawong. Also towards the south of Adelaide Hills is Hahndorf, the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. Many of the pretty German buildings still stand, and the pub in the German Arms Hotel has all the atmosphere of any one of the exciting pubs in Germany itself. There is also an interesting museum and art and craft gallery within the Hahndorf Academy, as well as tours to Hahn’s house ‘The Cedars’.

Another historic town is Strathalbyn, which was settled this time by Scottish immigrants. There are some beautiful walking trails around the historic buildings in the town, including the Old Courthouse and Police Station (now a museum) and St. Andrew’s Church.

You can bush walk through the various forests, spotting parrots and songbirds along the way. Popular trails include the Heysen Trail, or along the Almanda Silver Mine, Scott Creek and Jupiter Creek Gold Diggings, Echunga. You can also horse ride, visit the numerous museums or take a steam train to the coast (seasonal).

There are some YHA hostels in the area, although they are open to members only. There are also several small guesthouses in the numerous towns as well as small country puns where you can get some food. However, the Adelaide Hills is only a short distance from Adelaide and so makes a perfect day trip.

Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most well known wine growing regions, and is situated just a short drive north from Adelaide. Many of the areas original German names were anglicised just before WW1, although the region still maintains a German feel to it. On the way to the Barossa Valley it is also worth stopping at Springton on the way, where you can see the hollow gum tree where a pioneer family lived for 5 years. There is also the amazing Whispering Wall at the Barossa Reservoir, where the acoustics are so good that a conversation at one end can be heard perfectly clearly at the other.

There are around 50 wineries in the region, with the majority being open to the public. It is well worth exploring the region and visiting several of the wineries as they all offer something slightly different. There is a great scenic drive which takes you from Angaston to Tanunda via Menglers Hill, as well as a pretty walk through the small hamlet, Bethany, which was the first German settlement in the Barossa Valley. After your walk you can stop in for a drink in The Landhaus, a 12-seater pub. Make sure you book to ensure a chair.

Angaston is a pleasant town and hosts a lovely art and craft studio in the Bethany Art Gallery. You can also visit the rather grand Collingrove Homestead, built in 1856. Heading to the north of the valley are several picnic areas in Nuriootpa. This is also a pleasant place to stay near the Para River.

If you are in the region around the time of the festivals then you should definitely make the effort to go. The German Oompah Fest is held in January and Barossa Under the Stars is held in February. There are a selection of fun events during the Barossa Vintage Festival held at Easter every odd year, and musical compilations during the Barossa Music Festival in October.

With wide, leafy streets perfect for strolling, Angaston and its surrounds are home to some of the Barossa's most fascinating heritage buildings and magnificent stately homes, a number of which now offer traditional bed and breakfast in true manor style.

Stroll through the town to take in wineries, galleries, the Barossa Quilt and Craft Cottage, restaurants and more. Venture beyond the town boundaries and you'll find several of the Barossa' oldest and best-known wineries, including Yalumba and Saltram.

Tanunda
Tanunda is in the heart of the Barossa Valley is still maintains the heart of the German originators to the area. Goat Square used to hold the Ziegenmarkt and still homes some pretty cottages. There are some remarkable Lutheran churches in Tanunda, which are really beautiful to look at. There is also a keg factory where you can watch wooden items being made, and an interesting museum which tells you about the history of the Barossa Valley which you can visit.