Adelaide Hills

A picturesque region of small towns, craft producers, and scenic landscapes just outside Adelaide, featuring villages like Hahndorf and Stirling. It's perfect for exploring cool-climate wines, galleries, local produce, and mountain scenery.

Things to do

• Visit Hahndorf Academy — Explore this heritage museum dedicated to the history of German Lutheran settlement in the Adelaide Hills, housed in a restored 1858 schoolhouse.
• Walk through Mount Lofty Botanic Garden — Stroll the landscaped gardens at Mount Lofty summit with panoramic views across Adelaide and the plains.
• Wine tasting at local cellar doors — Sample cool-climate wines from Adelaide Hills wineries such as Shaw + Smith and Geoff Weaver, known for Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz.
• Explore Stirling village — Wander through this charming hillside town with galleries, gift shops, and cafés nestled among tree-lined streets.
• Cycle the Riesling Trail — Ride this scenic 16 km trail connecting wineries between Barossa Reservoir and Williamstown through vineyard landscapes.
• Visit Cedars historic home — Tour the former residence of renowned Adelaide Hills artist Hans Heysen, featuring his studio and art collection.
• Browse galleries in Heysen Road — Discover independent art galleries and studios along this creative hub in Hahndorf showcasing local artists and craftspeople.

Food to try

• German smallgoods from Hahndorf — Sample authentic German-style sausages, biltong, and cured meats from butchers in Hahndorf, reflecting the region's German heritage.
• Locally roasted coffee — Visit specialty coffee roasters throughout the hills villages for artisanal coffee that showcases the region's café culture.
• Farm-gate produce and berries — Purchase fresh strawberries, apples, and seasonal stone fruits directly from farm gates and roadside stalls throughout the Adelaide Hills.
• Gelato from Italian-style vendors — Enjoy handmade gelato in Stirling and Hahndorf, featuring locally inspired flavors made fresh by artisan ice cream makers.
• Cool-climate wine and local cheese pairing — Combine Adelaide Hills wines with local artisanal cheeses from producers like Barossa Valley cheese makers at cellar door tastings.

Local customs & good to know

• German cultural heritage — The Adelaide Hills were settled by German Lutheran refugees in the 1840s, and this heritage remains strong in Hahndorf's architecture, food, and community events.
• Support local artisans — The region thrives on independent creators and galleries, so visiting studio shops and markets directly supports small business owners and artists.
• Plan for weather and seasonal variations — The Adelaide Hills sits at higher altitude and cooler than Adelaide city, so bring layers and check weather before visiting, especially in winter months.
• Visit wineries during standard hours — Most cellar doors operate limited hours particularly on weekdays, so plan ahead and book tastings in advance during peak seasons.