Adelaide Hills

101 Things To Do In The Adelaide Hills

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Here’s your ultimate list of ways you can support the bushfire affected Adelaide Hills community. Visit, shop, spend, and support.

After the crazy 2020 that the South Australia has just experienced, supporting local and saying “I Choose SA” has never been more important.

For local growers recovering from the bushfires, it’s also not just an issue of getting through the next months, but the next years, while crops are replanted, farms are rebuilt, and lives are pieced back together.

Covid-affected businesses are also doing it tough, and while we continue to ride the rollercoaster of limited travel, impacted tourism, and changing restrictions, supporting South Aussie businesses needs to be firmly on our radar.

In order to help the Hills, who have been among the hardest hit in 2020, we’ve pulled together a list of 101 great things to do in the Adelaide Hills, which will not only help those affected now, but in the months and years to come. So please, head to the Adelaide Hills and show your support to the businesses who need us.

Please bookmark this list, share it, and shop from it.  

♥ indicates a business directly hit by the fires

  1. Cherry picking! The season goes until mid-Jan. Here’s a map of where to find them: http://bit.ly/CherrySeasonMap2019 
    1. ♥ Ellimatta Orchards, Lenswood
    2. Everlong Orchard 
    3. Harben Vale Cherries
    4. Kenton Valley Cherries
    5. Harrisville Cherries (and pick your own apples!)
  2. Woodhouse Activity Centre. Try their massive tube slides, or try your hand at rock climbing. You can even camp there! 
  3. Head to the Summertown Aristologist, where you can enjoy phenomenal food, gorgeous wines, and their fabulous decor. They support local wineries and food producers and in the hills. 
  4. Take a cheese-making class. While you’re there stock up on their amazing cheeses for the ultimate platters 
    1. ♥ Udder Delights 
    2. Woodside Cheese Wrights 
  5. Pick your own figs at Glen Ewin Estate! They also have a range of amazing events held there throughout the year, and if you’re lucky, they occasionally even sell Fig Gin!
  6. ♥ Visit Lot 100. It’s the ultimate hub – with Vinteloper wines, Mismatch Brewing, Adelaide Hills Cider Co and more using the gorgeous location as their cellar door. Add live music, wood oven pizzas and great platters and you could spend the whole day there.  
  7. ♥ Head to Barristers Block cellar door. While their vineyards were destroyed in the fires, the beautiful grounds were spared, and they are open for business and need your support.  
  8. ♥ Take a trip to Golding Wines. Another winery hit by the fires, Golding’s cellar door was also spared, and their scenic gardens survived. They regularly hold events and would love your support. 
  9. Take the kids to visit the fairy garden in Hahndorf. It’s a magical experience.
  10. Pick strawberries at Beerenberg Strawberry Farm 
  11. Do a gin blending masterclass at Ambleside Distillers in Hahndorf 
  12. Do the Heysen Cedars tour on a unique 60 hectare heritage property and the historic home of Sir Hans Heysen, one of Australia’s most noted landscape artists. 
  13. ♥ Head to Bird in Hand Winery to taste their great wines, and better yet, do it during one of their amazing events. They regularly have concerts at their cellar door. 
  14. Go on the Jurlique farm tour. Take a behind the scenes look at this unique, biodynamic property and learn about the Jurlique skincare range.  
  15. Take a mini staycation at the Hahndorf Big4 caravan park  
  16. Make sure you free your diary for the Crush Festival which happens at the end of January every year. Spread across dozen of Adelaide Hills wineries, there’s plenty of family friendly events, long table lunches, dinners and amazing experiences to be had. This year getting a big crowd up to the Hills will be more important than ever.  
  17. ♥ Visit Melba’s Chocolate & Confectionary Factory in Woodside 
  18. Take the kids to the Farm Barn in Handorf for up close and memorable animal experiences.
  19. Discover one of the Adelaide Hill’s best breakfasts at Fred Eatery in Aldgate 
  20. Visit Applewood Distillery, the home of Applewood Gin and Unico Zelo 
  21. Enjoy a slice of history at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood & see the Bugatti Veyron 
  22. ♥ Book for Sunday lunch at Clover & Stone at Howard Vineyard, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch, and of course, stock up on the delightful Howard Vineyard wines.
  23. Soak in the incredible views at Pike & Joyce, while you enjoy lunch and some of their wonderful wines.  
  24. Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant at Mount Lofty House, is the place to indulge your senses and try their degustation. You can also stay overnight, and make the most of their day spa!  
  25. Sit on the deck at Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard and relax with divine food and wine 
  26. Go mountain biking in Woodside at the Eagle Mountain Bike Park, which has 22km of tracks 
  27. Stock up on the best hills produce at the Adelaide Hills Farmer’s Markets every Saturday on Mann Street in Mount Barker. With over 25 stallholders you’ll be spoilt for choice. 
  28. Immerse yourself with flora and fauna at the Gorge Wildlife Park 
  29. ♥ Shop up a storm at PONY on Onkaparinga Valley Road in Charleston 
  30. Let nature be your guide at Cleland Wildlife Park 
  31. ♥ Head to The Olive Branch Balhannah and enjoy one of their cooking classes, or just stop past for a meal  
  32. ♥ While you’re in the Hills, make sure you stock up on Tweedvale Milk!  
  33. ♥ While their vineyards are up in the hills, the Tomich Wines cellar door is on King William Road in Hyde Park, so stop past and show them some love! Buying wine is always the best way to support a winery.  
  34. ♥ Stop past a bottle shop and buy up some Henschke wines. Their entire Adelaide Hills vineyards, which included their historic pinot noir vines, were destroyed, so any support you can show them would be fantastic.  
  35. Gulf Brewery, Hahndorf. Enjoy a cleansing ale a Gulf Brewery craft beer.
  36. Enjoy breakfast or brunch at Caffe Acqua, Mt Barker.
  37. The schnitzels at the Mount Pleasant Hotel are awesome.
  38. Find quirky gifts and locally made treasures at Peregrine Store, Gumeracha 
  39. Give the kids a farm experience with horse riding and animals at Four Oaks Farm, Littlehampton.
  40. Peruse local arts at Hahndorf Academy; they also hold regular music concerts 
  41. The Coach House Studio at Gumeracha has fine art and craft, indoor plants, gifts and homewares produced by Adelaide Hills and SA artists. Something for everyone! 
  42. Take the whole family for an adventure at Mt Lofty Adventure Hub, Picadilly,  with challenge ropes, mega swing and climbing tower 
  43. Music, drinks and fabulous food are on offer at The Three Brothers Arms, Macclesfield. Something for everyone. 
  44. If you want to experience and indulge in food that is healthy and satisfying, head to The Good Pantry in Gumeracha. They have an all day breakfast and a huge selection of gluten free and vegan free cakes available
  45. ♥  Head to Artwine Estate’s stunning cellar door for the ultimate “alternative” tasting wine experience. They are leaders in alternative varieties with 14 wines to choose from!
  46. Make the most of the local food, produce, arts and crafts at the Stirling Market. Peruse the stalls, stay for brunch and soak up the atmosphere. 
  47. Get Lost in a Forest at Uraidla; wood oven cooking and local wines in a renovated old church. Book in advance as this is a popular place! 
  48. Lobethal Bierhaus is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon with a micro brewery, cellar door and restaurant serving a variety of foods including traditional German fare. You can also tour the brewery and find out how it’s all done 
  49. Visit https://www.toastthelocals.com.au/ to order Adelaide Hills products, produce and all things yummy with an online shop and links to local events 
  50. Pop into Anderson Hill Wines at Lenswood for a platter and tasting.
  51. Magpie Springs at Hope Forest has all the good things in life; wine, art, coffee and beautiful scenery.
  52. Looking for a picture perfect destination? Look no further than The Lane (well actually most of the hills has incredible destinations but we are particularly fond of the epic deck and views from The Lane). With a top notch restaurant, and brilliant wine, it’s the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
  53. The Bridgewater Mill is not only a stunning destination, but it’s quintessentially Adelaide Hills. In Winter get cozy next to the open fire, and in the Summer you can sink into a comfy lounge on their iconic deck with a cocktail or enjoy the best award-winning wines from the Adelaide Hills and South Australia. The food is also phenomenal.
  54. If you’re a beer lover, you can’t go past Prancing Pony Brewery. With trophy-winning craft beers, platters, bar snacks, burgers, and live entertainment, the rustic brewery and bar is full of character.
  55. Visit the Laratinga Wetlands. Laratinga is the Peramangk name for Mt Barker Creek, now corralled into a thriving man-made wetlands (constructed in 1999) that’s become a real haven for birdlife, reptiles and out-for-a-walk locals.
  56. A trip to the Hills is not complete without a visit to the Hills institution, The Big Rocking Horse and toy factory, Gumeracha. For big and little kids. 
  57. Do the ChocoVino chocolate and wine matching experience at Hahndorf Hill Winery, which has been included in CNN’s Top 10 Global Adventures For Chocoholics!
  58. Visit Emma & Ivy in Lobethal, to immerse yourself in their gorgeous cafe and gift shop that also sells plants (does it get any better?)
  59. Book a stay at historic Randells Mill Bed & Breakfast. The self contained loft apartment has a cosy fire in Winter, king sized bed and a spa for two! The perfect place to base yourself when you’re roaming around the hills.
  60. If you love great Japanese food, head to Yuki In The Hills in Aldgate for a taste sensation.
  61. The awesome hills pubs Crafers, Stirling, Uraidla & Stanley Bridge, are all a great day or night out.
  62. Take the kids for a walk in the Wooranbinda wetlands in Stirling.
  63. Treat yourself to a Day Spa treatment at Cocoon in Stirling
  64. Head to Patch Garden & Kitchen, a great cafe in Stirling with lovely play areas inside and outside for kids 
  65. Pop past and enjoy the rustic CRFT tasting room in Carey Gully, which is set within a converted 1900s shearing shed and stables.
  66. Take the family to the Bridgewater nature play ground, then have lunch at the next door pub or Bridgewater mill
  67. Enjoy the amazing combination of organic cherries and wines at Jauma in Lenswood
  68. Visit the Picadilly Kitchen and Picadilly General Store, who sell lots of beautiful local hills art and craft.
  69. You can’t go past the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens for a stunning day out in nature.
  70. Comida in Hahndorf is worth a visit too!
  71. Do a Wine Tour on Thunderbus Road (a pretty alternative tour)
  72. Bring your friends to the Deviation Road Cellar Door and enjoy tastings across their sparkling and premium still wine range. Stay for a glass of your favourite wine, indulge in a guided wine flight and enjoy a regional tasting platter on the deck that overlooks the wine garden and home block vines.
  73. ♥ Visit Petaluma‘s Adelaide Hills Cellar Door, where you can enjoy tastings of their Petaluma and Croser wines including limited releases, museum back vintages and cellar door exclusives.
  74. For the best Pinot in the Adelaide Hills, head to Ashton Hills
  75. Sazón Espresso has the Adelaide Hills’ coffee needs covered, both for visitors and locals. Hailing originally from Mexico Oswaldo and Jose Estrella have made their unique mark with their passion for Mexican inspired food and great coffee.
  76. If you’re after whole foods or vegan fare, check out Brother Bear Cafe in Mt Barker
  77. Walk the Heyson Trail in the Adelaide Hills.
  78. The Amy Gillett Bikeway is a shared path in the Adelaide Hills on part of the alignment of the former Mount Pleasant railway line. It is a 17 kilometres sealed path suitable for recreational cycling, walking and horse riding. Just make sure conditions are safe before venturing out.
  79. Head to Murdoch Hill Cellar Door to enjoy wine flights where you can try a range of wines giving insight into the Adelaide Hills and the philosophies behind Murdoch Hill. You can also purchase wine to enjoy by the glass or bottle, and take in the beautiful farm views from our deck area.
  80. Stay in a castle at The Manor Basket Range of course! ( or Thorngrove if the budget allows!)
  81. ♥ Head to Lobethal Rd winery and join them for a tasting in their mud-brick Cellar Door. Enjoy a glass of wine by the wood fire in the cooler months or enjoy the sunshine in the courtyard garden overlooking the vines. Platters featuring local produce are available.
  82. Living by Design in Balhannah – a beautiful homewares and fashion store, well worth a visit. 
  83. Hügel Wine Bar & Kitchen in Lobethal is a great wine bar in the Hills. It’s the accumulation of Kleemann’s three years at Pike and Joyce & two years at FINO, and it’s FANTASTIC.
  84. Head to Green Valley Strawberries and Cafe in Nairne, where you can buy fresh berries, picked and packed daily, from the strawberry farm AND enjoy the delicious treats from the cafe, including house made waffles, pancakes, scones, and, unsurprisingly, strawberry milkshakes. Light meals and in-house sweet treats are also available.  
  85. If you love cider, why not try Paracombe Premium Perry, which is made from pears! Damian makes award winning Perry, sourcing the finest tree ripened pears from his family orchard, Chamberlain Orchards in Paracombe.
  86. Visit Brayfield Lavender Farm in Hahndorf. The family owned and run lavender farm that offers a large range of quality skincare and dried lavender products, which that make on site. They also have superb B&B accommodation both on their farm and in Hahndorf.
  87. Brush up your cooking skills at the Sticky Rice Cooking School. They support local wineries by buying their wine for cooking classes. 
  88. Head to the Hahndorf Soap Factory to stock up on beautiful, natural handmade soaps and bath and body products from the most natural and organic ingredients.
  89. ♥ Shaw + Smith were heavily impacted by the fires due to the many growers who supply fruit having lost everything. They are open and need you to visit though! Go on, buy some wine. You know you want to.
  90. Got kids? Head to the Stirling Steam Roller Park/Playground
  91. Grab a picnic hamper full of wonderful Adelaide Hills produce and hit one of the hundreds of walking trails: Walking SA have a comprehensive list here 
  92. Enjoy a meal and an ale at the iconic and historic German Arms Hotel  or Hahndorf Inn in Hahndorf  
  93. Have a bite, a beer or a wine followed by teeing off on the golf range for the complete Adelaide Hills experience at Maximillians, Verdun 
  94. Browse the afternoon away in Matilda Bookshop in Stirling. Specialising in children’s books, foodie and gardening material.
  95. Head to The Locavore where you can enjoy local fare grown within 100 mile range of this Stirling institution. 
  96. Make all your New Year health resolutions come true and hop online or shop in person at The Organic Market and Café, Stirling. Also a great place for a bite or to grab a salad on the go. 
  97. And whilst you’re still holding yourself to your resolutions, Ruby’s Organic Café, also in Stirling, can make that it easy for you with a sumptuous organic menu and coffee. Something for all food diets. 
  98. Take the family to Belair National Park for the day. Enjoy the woodlands and lakes on one of the many walking or biking trails, check out historic Old Government House or you can even hire a tennis court or cricket pitch! 
  99. ♥ If you haven’t had fresh bread, a cake or bun from Lobethal Bakery, you haven’t experienced the Adelaide Hills. Also enjoy all day breakfasts and fabulous coffee. 
  100. Follow the incredible Hills Sculpture Trail; 26 incredible stone sculptures dotted throughout the Adelaide Hills in a journey of discovery, art and nature. 
  101. Peruse contemporary art, furniture, books and homewares at Aptos Cruz Galleries, Stirling, for an opportunity to see fine art, original design and antiques with the stunning Stirling Valley as a backdrop. 

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