Just 30 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre, the Adelaide Hills feels like stepping into another world - a whimsical blend of storybook villages, lush forests, boutique vineyards and warm country hospitality. It’s where nature, creativity and culinary passion converge to offer one-of-a-kind adventures you simply won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re seeking indulgence, tranquillity or something delightfully unexpected, the Hills has a surprise around every bend.
Here’s our guide to the most unique local experiences that promise to make your Adelaide Hills escape unforgettable.
Pick Your Own Strawberries at Beerenberg Farm, Hahndorf
There’s something joyfully nostalgic about wandering through strawberry fields with the sun on your back and a basket in hand. At Beerenberg Farm, a Hahndorf institution, you can pick your own strawberries straight from the patch during the warmer months. Afterwards, pop into their charming farm shop to stock up on small-batch jams, chutneys, and sauces - all lovingly made on-site using local produce. It’s a sweet slice of country life that tastes as good as it feels.
Get Cheesy at Udder Delights
For the dairy-devoted, a stop at Udder Delights is an absolute must. Nestled in the heart of Hahndorf, this artisan cheese cellar door offers tastings, cheese fondue experiences, and even hands-on cheese-making classes. Try your hand at crafting a camembert or blue cheese, or simply relax with a wine and cheese board while watching the world go by. It’s indulgence, with a local twist.
Wine Among the Pines at Cobbs Hill Estate
Tasting wine at a cellar door is lovely. Tasting wine in a forest is unforgettable. At Cobbs Hill Estate, you can enjoy a picnic and wine flight amongst towering pines, peaceful lakes, and rolling vineyards. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and you might just spot a kangaroo or two hopping by. Pair a crisp Hills chardonnay with a gourmet grazing box and soak up the serenity.
Stirling Market Magic
Held on the fourth Sunday of every month, the Stirling Market is more than a market - it’s a local institution. Set beneath a canopy of oak and elm trees, this bustling event showcases the very best of the Adelaide Hills’ artisan culture. Browse stalls offering everything from handmade candles and ceramics to local gin, fresh sourdough and wildflower bouquets. The atmosphere is electric, and the community spirit is palpable.
Step Back in Time at The German Village Shop, Hahndorf
No trip to Hahndorf is complete without exploring The German Village Shop. Inside this treasure trove, you’ll find authentic German cuckoo clocks, beer steins, Christmas decorations and hand-carved wooden toys. It’s like wandering through a fairytale shop in the Black Forest - only with more charm and a distinct Aussie twist. Perfect for picking up a keepsake or unique gift.
Hike to Waterfall Gully
Lush, dramatic and utterly enchanting, Waterfall Gully is home to the largest of seven cascading waterfalls in Cleland Conservation Park. The hike from here to Mount Lofty Summit is a local rite of passage - challenging but well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll pass through native bushland, spot koalas snoozing in the trees, and be rewarded with sweeping vistas from the summit.
Sunrise with Kangaroos at Cleland Conservation Park
For the early risers and nature lovers, a sunrise bushwalk through Cleland Conservation Park is pure magic. Watch golden light spill across the hills as kangaroos and emus stir in the morning mist. Cleland also offers up-close wildlife encounters, including the chance to cuddle a koala. It’s a beautiful way to connect with South Australia’s native wildlife, just minutes from civilisation.
Gin, Cider & Chocolate Trails
While the Hills are renowned for wine, the local spirits and ciders are equally deserving of attention. Stop by Ambleside Distillers for botanical-rich gins with garden-fresh garnishes, or sip crisp apple ciders at The Hills Cider Company. Cap it off with a visit to Red Cacao in Stirling for artisan chocolate that’s as beautiful as it is decadent.
Wander the Mt Lofty Botanic Garden
Nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Lofty, this spectacular garden is a serene wonderland of curated landscapes, rare plants and vibrant seasonal displays. Stroll beneath towering oaks, lose yourself in fern gullies, or visit in autumn when the trees put on a fiery show of reds and golds. A true sanctuary for nature lovers, photographers and anyone in need of a moment of peace.
Soak in Beauty at Jurlique Farm, Biggs Flat
Tucked away in the hills near Mount Barker, Jurlique Farm is a biodynamic oasis where nature and skincare meet. Guided tours take you behind the scenes of this globally loved skincare brand - through lavender fields, rose gardens and herbal drying rooms. Learn how flowers grown in this pristine environment become part of luxurious natural skincare products found around the world. It’s a sensorial experience you’ll never forget.
Rediscover the Art of Slow Travel
The Adelaide Hills invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and discover places that speak to the soul. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or on a romantic getaway, these experiences go beyond sightseeing - they’re stories you’ll take home.
So go on - pack your bags, head for the hills, and let the magic unfold.
Ready for a getaway in the Adelaide Hills? Click here to view our top packages, or get in touch with one of our travel experts!
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