Adelaide Hills: What to do and see

The Adelaide Hills are an easy drive from the city - the hard bit is deciding where to go with so many towns to visit.

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In partnership with Tourism Australia

The bushfires of 19/20 spelt disaster for many regional businesses. So when you take a well-earned break this summer, put bushfire-affected destinations at the top of your list.

Try a few top local experiences to help give these communities the boost they need to bounce back.

Head for the Hills
Discover wine, history and agrarian riches in the Adelaide Hills!

The strawberry season has officially opened at The Beerenberg Family Farm in October. Summer enjoys the health treats. Picture: Keryn Stevens

BEERENBERG FARM

The Paech family has grown juicy, sweet strawberries in the Adelaide Hills since 1969 and, from November to April, visitors can visit Beerenberg Farm to pick their own.

It’s a fun, delicious excursion, and it won’t break the bank – the cost is $5 per person, with children under 12 picking free of charge. Make sure you take home some of Beerenberg’s famous jams and condiments, too.

MORE INFORMATION: beerenberg.com.au

The Cedars at Hahndorf is the perfect place for lovers of fine art to drop in when visiting quaint South Australian town. Picture: Supplied/The Heysen Foundation.

THE CEDARS

Lovers of fine art and history will delight in a visit to The Cedars, the former home of the German-born Australian landscape painter and early conservationist Sir Hans Heysen.

The property is surrounded by enchanting gardens, while inside the home, the Heysen family’s iconic artworks are displayed. Heysen’s studio, which remains as he left it, is a truly evocative experience.
MORE INFORMATION: hansheysen.com.au

Hahndorf Hill winemaker Larry Jacobs, with Prue Henschke, enjoying a drop of wine in the Adelaide Hills region. Picture: Supplied

HAHNDORF HILL

Hahndorf is ideal for growing cooler-climate grapes and Hahndorf Hill winery is the place to experience a unique taste of the Adelaide Hills region.

Specialising in Austrian-varietal wines, such as blaufränkisch, grüner veltliner, zweigelt and St Laurent, Hahndorf Hill’s cellar door offers tastings, cheese plates and ChocoVino, in which wines are matched with gourmet chocolate.

MORE INFORMATION: hahndorfhillwinery.com.au

Bamfurlong Fine Crafts has some absolute treasures including this Alison Cooper wattle blossom vase. Picture: Bamfurlong Fine Crafts

BAMFURLONG FINE CRAFTS

On Main Street in Hahndorf sits a treasure trove of Australian artisan works.

This gallery represents more than 60 artists and their handcrafted pieces in various mediums, including ceramic, timber, leather and fibre.
MORE INFORMATION: bamfurlong.com.au

Lobethal lights are an annual tradition. Picture: Supplied

THE LIGHTS OF LOBETHAL

For a magical Christmas experience, head to Lobethal from December 13-23, when the historic town turns into a Yuletide wonderland.

The Lights of Lobethal is the largest community Christmas lights display in the Southern Hemisphere and has been delighting visitors for more than 60 years with its pageant, nativity performances, and lights trail tours.

MORE INFORMATION: lightsoflobethal.com.au

A tasting paddle of beers at the Lobethal Bierhaus, a craft brewery fan’s delight. Picture Brad Crouch

LOBETHAL BIERHAUS

Craft beer fans should set their course for a weekend in Lobethal.

Historically a hub of hop production, Lobethal is rightfully renowned for its beer.

Situated in the Old Onkaparinga Woollen Mills, which was originally a brewery, Lobethal Bierhaus is a microbrewery with a truly hands-on approach, and its beers are brewed and packaged entirely on site using the best available malted barley, wheat and real hops.

The restaurant, a dining destination in itself, focuses on premium, seasonal local produce, and wines from neighbouring Adelaide Hills wineries.

MORE INFORMATION: bierhaus.com.au

Self-guided tours of Hahndorf provides for a fascinating trail through the town’s historical sites. The days of German settlement date back to the 1830s. Picture: Supplied

HAHNDORF HERITAGE WALK

It’s still possible to experience Hahndorf as it may have been in the days of German settlement in the 1830s; all you need are some good walking shoes and your imagination.

The self-guided Hahndorf Heritage Walk is a fascinating trail taking in the town’s historical sites.

Start at the visitor information centre, where you’ll find a map to guide you, then head first to the Hahndorf Academy, established in 1857 as a school to provide “a sound and good English and German Education”.

From there, you’ll discover churches, as well as settlers’ cottages, workshops and shopfronts. With food, wine- and beer-tasting opportunities along the way, sustenance is plentiful, so make a day of it.

MORE INFORMATION: walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/hahndorf-heritage-walk

1965 Lobethal is all about turning back the clock while you wind back and relax. Picture: 1965 Lobethal

1965 LOBETHAL

Step back in time to the swinging sixties at Lobethal’s premium bed and breakfast accommodation.

The mid-century decor at 1965 Lobethal – complete with a turntable and vinyl collection – belies the mod cons expected of a spot to stay.

Ideally located to explore the town’s offerings on foot, guided tours are also available. Guests can also book the resident mint-green 1965 Chrysler Valiant Safari, affectionately named Carol, for tailor-made half- or full-day tours of the beautiful Adelaide Hills.

MORE INFORMATION: 1965lobethalbnb.com.au