Exploring Adelaide Hills: Wine, Wildlife & Scenic Views
Credit: The Lane Vineyard
The Adelaide Hills are just a short drive from the city, but feel a world away. Rolling vineyards, charming villages, and native wildlife create a perfect escape that's uniquely South Australian. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, this region offers something for everyone – from wine lovers to nature enthusiasts.
What Makes the Adelaide Hills So Special for Adventure?
The Adelaide Hills sit perfectly between the stunning coastline and the outback, creating a cool-climate region that's ideal for both wine production and outdoor adventures. Just 20 minutes from Adelaide's CBD, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, historic towns, and some of Australia's most picturesque landscapes.
What makes this region truly special is its diversity. In a single day, you can go from sipping award-winning wines to cuddling koalas, then watch the sunset over the city from a mountaintop lookout. The Hills are famous for their four distinct seasons, with autumn colours that rival those found anywhere in Australia, making it a year-round destination.
Where Can You Get the Best Wildlife Experiences?
Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
The Adelaide Hills are home to some of South Australia's most accessible wildlife encounters. If you're wondering how to spend a day in Adelaide Hills, starting with some furry friends is always a good idea.
Meet Koalas and Kangaroos at Cleland Wildlife Park
Cleland Wildlife Park offers one of Australia's most hands-on wildlife experiences. Unlike many zoos, Cleland creates an open environment where kangaroos and wallabies roam freely, and you can purchase special food to hand-feed them. The koala holding experience is a must-do – where else can you cuddle one of these iconic Australian animals while professional photographers capture the moment?
The park is home to over 130 species of Australian wildlife, including dingoes, emus, wombats, and numerous bird species. The natural bush setting makes it feel less like a zoo and more like you're visiting these animals in their natural habitat.
Breathtaking Views at Mount Lofty Summit
Just minutes from Cleland Wildlife Park sits Mount Lofty Summit, the highest point in the southern Mount Lofty Ranges at 710 metres above sea level. The panoramic views extend across Adelaide to the coast and are simply spectacular, especially at sunset.
The Summit Restaurant and Café offers a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee while taking in the views. For nature lovers, the Summit is the starting point for numerous walking trails, including the 4km downhill walk to the stunning Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. These gardens are particularly breathtaking during autumn when the deciduous trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold.
Are You Ready for Scenic Drives and Hidden Lookouts?
One of the best ways to experience the Adelaide Hills is by car, winding through the region's scenic roads. The Hills are criss-crossed with driving routes that showcase everything from historic towns to hidden lookouts with views that will have you reaching for your camera.
The Lobethal to Lenswood loop takes you through apple and cherry orchards, with roadside stalls selling fresh produce depending on the season. If you’ve got some time to spare, stop by Marble Hill Cherries and Lenswood Apples to partake in your own fruit-picking experiences. For something truly special, head to the Windy Point Lookout at sunset, where you can watch the city lights come to life while enjoying a fresh-fruit picnic.
If you're looking for luxury, take a drive through Stirling – often considered the richest suburb in Adelaide Hills. With its tree-lined main street, historic homes, and boutique shopping, it's a glimpse into Hills living at its finest.
Local Tip: In need of car hire? Visit our friends at Europcar to organise pick-up and drop-off from Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide.
What are the Top Wineries & Cellar Doors?
Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
The Adelaide Hills wine region has gained international recognition for its cool-climate wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Adelaide Hills wine tours have become increasingly popular, with good reason – the cellar doors here offer not just exceptional wines but stunning settings as well.
Shaw + Smith
Shaw + Smith's modern, minimalist cellar door offers seated wine flight tastings paired with a regional cheese plate. Their Sauvignon Blanc is iconic, and the vineyard views from their tasting room are simply stunning. Book ahead – this popular spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Bird in Hand
Bird in Hand combines exceptional wines with art and culture. Their gallery space hosts rotating exhibitions, while their restaurant serves Italian-inspired cuisine using local ingredients. Their sparkling wines are particularly noteworthy, and the stone buildings set against the vineyards create a perfect photo opportunity.
The Lane Vineyard
For a complete food and wine experience, The Lane Vineyard is hard to beat. Their dining room offers panoramic views across the vineyards, and their chef's menu with matched wines showcases the best of Hills produce. Their single vineyard wines demonstrate why the Adelaide Hills has earned its reputation for exceptional cool-climate varieties.
The Hills Cider Company
While not exactly wine, The Hills Cider Company in Hay Valley serves traditional ciders made with apples and pears sourced from local orchards. With a huge range of products from classic dry varieties to more experimental fruit-forward blends, their cellar door is conveniently housed in the Lot 100 food and beverage space, alongside Mismatch Brewing Co., Adelaide Hills Distillery, and an award-winning paddock to plate restaurant.
What's the Charm of Hahndorf's German Village?
Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Is Hahndorf worth visiting? Absolutely! As Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf maintains its European charm while embracing modern food and wine culture. The main street is lined with stone cottages housing artisan food producers, craft shops, and German-style pubs and restaurants.
Start your visit with a traditional German feast at the Hahndorf Inn or the German Arms Hotel – think pork knuckle, sausages, and giant pretzels paired with German beers. Then wander the main street, sampling local cheeses, chocolates, and traditional German sweets.
Don't miss the Hahndorf Academy, housed in a beautiful 1857 building. This cultural centre includes art galleries, a museum about the town's history, and a shop featuring work from local artists. The Beerenberg farm just outside town is perfect for family visits, offering gourmet tastings and workshops built around their famous jams, chutneys, relishes, and sauces. Depending on the season, they also open up their strawberry patch for picking - make sure to check their website for updates.
Exploring Local Markets and Artisans
The Adelaide Hills are home to some of South Australia's most talented food producers and artisans. The Stirling Market, held on the fourth Sunday of each month, brings together local growers, bakers, and craftspeople in the leafy heart of Stirling.
For weekly shopping, the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers fresh regional produce every Saturday morning. Here you'll find everything from organic vegetables to artisan bread, smallgoods, and locally-made preserves – perfect for creating your own Hills picnic.
Craft studios are scattered throughout the region, with glassblowers, potters, and textile artists opening their studios to visitors. The annual SALA (South Australian Living Artists) Festival in August is when many artists open their homes and studios, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process.
Ready to Book Your Stay?
Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
The Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide offers the perfect base for your Adelaide Hills exploration.
Located in the heart of Adelaide, the hotel provides easy access to the Hills while giving you all the conveniences of city accommodation. After a day of wine tasting and wildlife encounters, you can relax in comfortable rooms before heading out to enjoy Adelaide's vibrant dining scene.
The hotel's concierge can help arrange Adelaide Hills wine tours, ensuring you make the most of your Hills experience without the worry of driving. With parking available on-site, you can also easily return to the hotel after a day of self-driving through the region's scenic roads.
Your Adelaide Hills adventure awaits, book your stay today.