Region in South Australia
Photo: Wanderer / Wanderer at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Adelaide Hills is a region in South Australia. The Hills are just east of the Adelaide metropolitan area. It is mostly farming land, fruit production and wineries, with many small towns. After European settlement wealthy locals built here to escape the heat of the Adelaide Plain.
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Has spectacular views of Adelaide and Gulf St Vincent. The peak is a great tourist attraction in its own right, but also home to a restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine, and a Visitor information Centre. There are a couple of buses a day that will take you directly there, so check the timetables carefully. The summit cannot be accessed by vehicle between late evening and early morning hours, however the lookout is still accessible by foot. The only place in the Adelaide region to ever get snow, but even that is extremely rare, and does not occur every year.
1,000-hectare open-range sanctuary undertaking breeding programs for rare and endangered species. The park is 45 minutes (70 km) from Adelaide and is the gateway to the Murraylands region. Drive through Cheetah habitat, and see a Southern White Rhinoceros, Australia's largest giraffe herd and the largest revegetation project of its kind in South Australia's history. Safari bus and walking tours operate every day of the year.
97 hectares of magnolias, etc., with several walking trails, stunning views and good picnic areas.
One of the Adelaide Hill's most famous towns, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. Attractions include a small chocolate factory, the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm (where you can pick your own strawberries for very reasonable prices), parks with barbecue facilities and a playground, plus many small stores selling all manner of products. Hahndorf has plenty of souvenir shops, craft outlets and galleries to explore, including the Hahndorf Academy. There's 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 home of one of Australia’s most famous painters, Hans Heysen, nestled among the majestic gum trees which featured in many of his paintings. Visit his studio which has largely remained undisturbed since his death in 1968.
Cars and motorcycles from all eras on display, also historical car parts, car-related items from repair manuals to petrol station signs and toys.
A zoo.
A national park of 835 ha, 11 km south of Adelaide City. Due to its history as a "recreation park", it has many good trails for bushwalking, as well as tennis courts and grassy areas available for hire, and a good adventure playground for children. Old Government House, the colony's first official vice-regal summer residence, is in the park. A vehicle entry fee applies to cars entering the park, or else its western parts can be accessed from the Belair line train, a 35-minute journey from Adelaide city. Gates open 8AM-sunset, except 25 Dec.
A large conservation park of 992 ha (2,450 acres), 20 minutes from Adelaide City. Although it lacks the picnic and sports facilities of Belair, Cleland offers greater opportunities for tourists to get up close and personal with Australian native fauna. Visitors can feed and wander at their leisure among kangaroos, wallabies, Emus and waterfowl. Displays of Dingoes, reptiles, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Echidnas and Koalas allow easy viewing access, or stroll through the aviaries. Visitors also have the rare opportunity to be photographed holding a Koala, under supervision from Parks and Wildlife Officers. There is also an Aboriginal cultural tour.
10 km (6 mi) north-east of the CBD, where the suburbs meet the Adelaide Hills. It covers 533 ha (1,317 acres), and contains numerous walking trails of various levels of difficulty, including trails that pass by three major waterfalls, and provide panoramic views over Adelaide. There is a popular rock climbing area within the park and a giant cave. The waterfalls only flow in the winter months and early spring, and are usually completely dry by Christmas.
Offers bespoke food and wine tours which gratify the senses.
Fantastic organic food, with a large selection of vegetarian meals. Very popular with locals, so get in early for lunch. Also serves Devonshire tea. Seasonal menu. The market and cafe sources high quality produce from local growers, regional suppliers and specialty providers.
Has 'all-day breakfast'. Also at Woodside, Mt Barker (2 locations), Stirling, Balhannah.
Booking recommended.
Famous hotel built in 1839. Well worth visiting if you are in the area. In winter you can sit around the fire and have a leisurely afternoon tea. The hotel also provides meals and accommodation.
In addition to camping and caravan sites, there is a range of accommodation-only cabins.
A beautiful old building on Hahndorf's Main Street. Very comfortable accommodation, with a sumptuous buffet dinner.
Phone for availability.
Just 'Over the Border' in the Barossa. Phone for availability. Kitchen closed M–Tu.
Kersbrook Tavern
Phone for availability. On the way to the Barossa.
By bus
Adelaide Metro operates weekday services to Lobethal along the SE Freeway and Onkaparinga Valley Road.
The Hills is a challenge to drive around by car, with some inadequate signage and winding roads, but they are beautiful to drive.
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Adelaide · International · ADL
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