The Adelaide Hills is one of my favourite regions of South Australia, jam-packed with natural beauty, world-class wineries, quaint villages and cosy pubs. Located just twenty minutes’ drive from Adelaide (seriously!), the Adelaide Hills feels a world away from the city and is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway of good food & wine!
In this quick travel guide to the Adelaide Hills, I’ll cover the best things to see & do in the Adelaide Hills, where to stay, the best places to eat & drink and any stops you won’t want to miss on the way, all based on my own experiences visiting the Adelaide Hills.
Explore More: 5 Of The Best Places to Visit in South Australia
Adelaide Hills Map
I’ve marked places mentioned in this post on Google Maps, so you can get a sense of the layout of the region.
Where to Stay in the Adelaide Hills
There is a wide range of accommodation in the Adelaide Hills, from cosy B&Bs and cottages, to family homes and luxurious digs like the famous Sequoia Lodge. Look for accommodation in any of Basket Range, Crafers, Stirling or Hahndorf, to name just a few popular areas. You’ll need your own wheels to get around, regardless of where you stay.
- Sequoia Lodge $$$$ – One of the most luxurious lodges in Australia, Sequoia Lodge is the ultimate in Adelaide Hills luxury, perfect for a honeymoon destination or as a special stay.
- The Manor, Basket Range $$$ – We stayed at The Manor in Basket Range on our first trip to the Adelaide Hills, and loved this property! It was well-located, and has beautiful grounds.
- The Stirling Hotel, Stirling $$$ – This is a stylish, tastefully renovated five star hotel in the town of Stirling
- Camellia Cottage, Crafers $$ – A very charming cottage, that is the epitome of the quaint Adelaide Hills vibe. Located in Crafers, which is where you’ll find the best pub in the Adelaide Hills.
Best Things to Do in the Adelaide Hills
Wine Tasting Adelaide Hills Wineries
The Adelaide Hills is an award-winning wine region, with more than 50 cellar doors to visit! Wine tasting is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in the Adelaide Hills, especially as it is one of the leading cool climate wine regions in Australia.
You’ll find the best pinot noir in South Australia, alongside elegant chardonnay, riesling and sauvignon blanc.
Check out my complete guide to The Best Wineries in the Adelaide Hills for more ideas!
Shaw + Smith
Shaw + Smith is a household name in Australia, at least amongst wine-lovers! You can make a pilgrimage to the award-winning winery’s cellar door in Balhannah, and enjoy a tasting flight alongside exceptional snacks, designed to complement each tasting. This was one of my favourite cellar door experiences in the Adelaide Hills.
Nepenthe
Just across the road from Shaw + Smith is Nepenthe’s recently renovated, state-of-the-art cellar door. With floor-to-ceiling views over the Adelaide Hills, private tasting rooms and a grassy lawn, it’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Nepenthe kindly hosted myself, David and his parents for a guided tasting of their single vineyard Apex wines, which were spectacular – especially as their chardonnay is a dead ringer for white Burgundy (my favourite!). Afterwards, we enjoyed a picnic & a glass of our favourite wine from the tasting on a picnic table at the lawn, with a pizza – there is a pop up pizza van on select weekends over the warmer months, and live music.
Hahndorf German Village
Hahndorf is a 19th century village in the Adelaide Hills, built by German immigrants. Visiting Hahndorf is like stepping back in time – and off the continent! Visiting Hahndorf is one of the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills, so you can explore the pretty main street and stop for lunch at one of the German pubs.
Beerenberg Farm Shop
Beerenberg Farm Shop is a must-visit in the Adelaide Hills, and is one of the most impressive farm shops I’ve ever visited! Beerenberg is a beloved, historic Australian family farm that makes some of the best jam, chutneys and mustards in Australia. I’ve visited the Beerenberg Farm Shop both times I’ve been in the Adelaide Hills, because I can’t resist stocking up on some of their most unique products – and taking home a bunch of mini sample sizes.
Woodside Cheesewrights
Next door to Melba’s is Woodside Cheesewrights, a small-scale, artisan cheese producer. Taste a few cheeses, and pick up something to enjoy later, to go with whatever wine you’ll pick up at the Adelaide Hills wineries.
Melba’s Chocolate
Melba’s is an old school chocolate factory, tucked away in the Adelaide Hills. Stop by to browse their extensive and unique range of delicious, housemade chocolate creations – it’s hard to leave empty handed! They also have the absolute best hot chocolate in Australia!
Where to Eat & Drink in the Adelaide Hills
Crafers Hotel
The Crafers Hotel is one of the most beautiful country pubs I’ve visited in Australia. It’s located in Crafers, just 20 minutes’ from the Adelaide CBD. Crafers is a beautiful, historic pub that has been lovingly renovated, and has several gorgeous dining spaces. The menu is an elegant gastropub, with hearty and delicious meals. We visited on a very foggy winter’s day, and had one of the most memorable meals – we want to go back next time we’re in the Adelaide Hills, it’s a real stand out!
Hahndorf Inn
There are several German pubs and cafes in Hahndorf, but I think Hahndorf Inn is the best. It’s extremely cosy and old fashioned, and serves high quality, German traditional meals like flammekuchen, wursts, schnitzels and more. It’s the perfect place for a hearty meal, especially on a cool autumn or winter’s day!
Further Reading
- The Best Wineries in the Adelaide Hills
- The Best Wineries in the Barossa Valley
- The Best Places to Visit in South Australia
- Stargazing in the River Murray Dark Sky Park, South Australia
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived in New York City and now live back in Australia, in Melbourne.
I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.
My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!
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