Best Things to Do in the Adelaide Hills: Your Spring Guide
Embrace the returning sunshine and escape to charming towns with our guide to the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills.
As the days get longer and the mercury slowly rises, many of us are itching to come out of our winter-long hibernation. In Adelaide, there’s no reason to stay hidden indoors anymore, with the Adelaide Hills townships and renowned wine region bursting to life with market stalls, wine festivals and experiences.
From quaint cafes and hidden wine bars on tree-lined streets to rustic cellar doors with views of the rolling vineyards, we’ve created a spring guide to the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills to make the most of the charming vibes as the region begins to bloom.
Best Things to Do in the Adelaide Hills: Visit
Hahndorf
Welcome to Adelaide's most famous historic town, filled with restaurants, art galleries, markets and home to Beerenberg Strawberry Farm. At just a 30-minute drive from the CBD, Hahndorf is a unique and quaint village that wouldn’t feel out of place deep in the heart of Bavaria, with the town proud to hold onto its German heritage.
Picture-perfect in any season; during spring the tree-lined streets once again flower, coming to life after a chilly winter and barron branches. The town is popular for short road trips from the city, with Same Same But Different Café, Adelaide Hills Wine Bar, and the iconic Hahndorf Inn the ideal spots to steal a table and unwind with delicious eats.
Stirling
Rustic yet elegant, Stirling embodies luxury country living in the Adelaide Hills. With timeless village charm, picturesque valley views and a spirited community, Stirling offers a refreshing escape from the city hustle and bustle, with plenty of character to keep things interesting year-round.
Stroll along the tree-lined streets that change from season to season, and discover the commercial strip along Mount Barker Road, known as Stirling Village. The street boasts unique retailers like Matilda's Bookshop and a thriving cafe culture, and the town has an annual calendar of great events, such as the fabulous Stirling Laneways market celebrations that occur once a month from September to April.
When you need a bite to eat, look no further than the beautifully renovated Stirling Hotel. Home to a casual bistro, formal dining room, cellars, and a patisserie with coffee and 'grab and go' food, everything you need to refuel is under one roof.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
The beautiful Mount Lofty Botanic Garden provides 97 hectares of spectacular gardens, walking trails and lakes, with a rich display of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias.
A favourite with locals and visitors alike, the garden is impressive all year round, the colours in autumn and spring are notably spectacular, providing the perfect backdrop for a sunny picnic.
Once you've had your garden stroll in Mt Lofty, spend some time in Crafers - it's beautiful and quiet year-round, rich in history and natural splendour, with picturesque valleys, eateries and spectacular lookouts. From here, you are well-placed to spend an afternoon at Cleland Wildlife Park within Cleland National Park. This natural habitat park connects visitors with Australian wildlife in a safe and eco-friendly way - most animals aren't in enclosures!
Lobethal
Picture-perfect all year long, Lobethal makes for a perfect day trip, less than an hour from Adelaide yet feeling a world away thanks to the lush greenery, fruit orchids and heritage buildings dotted along the streets.
If you're looking for the perfect spot to take in the crisp Lobethal air, Golding Wines is a must-visit come spring, with the gardens and landscaped terrace overlooking the rolling hills and vineyards blooming to life. Home to a fabulous tasting room and relaxed alfresco seating, you can settle in with a delicious drop and moreish menu designed for sharing.
If your Adelaide Hills travel companion is somewhat of a rev-head, take a 15-minute drive to Birdwood, where the National Motor Museum provides a playground for motor enthusiasts.
Best Things to Do in the Adelaide Hills: Eat
LVN Restaurant at Bird in Hand
The recent unveiling of Bird in Hand's reimagined on-premises dining room, LVN Restaurant, has completely blown us away. The menu at LVN centres around fresh and high-quality seasonal ingredients, with much of the produce showcased plucked directly from the onsite kitchen garden, or sourced, as it has been for generations by Indigenous communities, from the surrounding Adelaide Hills region, Finniss River on the lower lakes of South Australia and Seymour in Tasmania. How magical!
For the ultimate long lunch in the Hill, book in for a degustation experience, where over 3 hours, seven to ten dishes will be artfully presented and enjoyed, with the option to add wine pairings.
150 Pfeiffer Road, Woodside, South Australia
The Crafers Hotel
The Crafers Hotel is a classic and quaint countryside pub, just 20 minutes from the CBD and arm’s length to Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Stone walls, wooden bar, roaring fireplaces and mood lighting will set the tone, welcoming diners in for a hearty supper.
With a menu spanning from classic pub fare to French-inspired meals in the restaurant serving everything from scallops to duck breast, you may want to extend your experience with a night in one of their seven hotel rooms.
8 Main Street, Crafers
FRED Eatery
Located in Aldgate Village, FRED Eatery is a fun and friendly cafe serving fresh eats and great coffee. From breakfast on the go to a long, lazy brunch in the Hills, FRED's range of modern Australian dishes will keep you coming back for more.
Over and above the delectable bites, the interiors are #instaworthy- think Scandi-styling with bold flashes of green. In the market for some unique homewares? Pop into FRED Living to pick up something fabulous.
220 Mount Barker Road, Aldgate Village
Hardy's Verandah
Take a seat at heritage-listed Hardy’s Verandah and enjoy a culinary experience steeped in history. Their seasonal menu is plated in four to eight-course degustations, paired with multi-award-winning wine, sake and creative cocktails.
Expect an explosion of flavours from the finest fish, meat, fruit and vegetables crafted into inspiring seasonal dishes you’ll remember fondly.
Make a weekend of it and book a stay in Mount Lofty House, or lap up the luxury at the 5-star Sequoia, and add in an afternoon High Tea at Hardy's for a getaway like no other.
1 Mawson Drive, Crafers
Mighty Mighty Coffee Roasters
As the name suggests, it's Mighty Mighty good here. Tucked away behind Lobethal Bierhaus you'll find this excellent coffee roastery, offering some of the best coffee and vibes in the Adelaide Hills.
It's bringing premium coffee to the hills, drawing in locals with the drops of their magical cold drip, perfect flat whites and naturally sweet long blacks to fuel the day ahead. For eats, grab something sweet or savoury with a range of pastries, sandos, bagels and smoothies.
Behind Lobethal Bierhaus, 3C Main Street, Lobethal
Best Things to Do in the Adelaide Hills: Wineries
Sidewood Estate
Set amongst a stunning mix of eucalyptus and landscaped gardens, this family-run winery is just 5 minutes from Hahndorf Village, and a long leisurely lunch here may be one of our favourite things to do in Adelaide Hills.
A popular spot to enjoy a spring day with friends, Sidewood Estate has just as much pull on the cooler days, with a cosy restaurant - complete with a crackling fireplace, of course - dishing up flavour-packed meals that pair perfectly with your drink of choice.
Leave your worries at the doors as you take in the gallery of eclectic Australian artwork, indulge in seasonal dishes and try a drop or two of award-winning wine varietals at the cellar door.
6 River Road, Hahndorf
Nepenthe Cellar Door
A superbly renovated cellar door impresses just about anyone who walks through the doors at Nepenthe. Only 25 minutes from the city, this Adelaide Hills cellar door is found in a state-of-the-art building with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor deck, offering views from every angle.
Settle in for an afternoon of guided wine tastings with cheese and charcuterie boards, or enjoy private spaces and tasting experiences for a special occasion celebration.
If you're partial to a glass of white wine, spring is the perfect time to visit Nepenthe, with Nepenthe's crisp 2023 Ascend Sauvignon Blanc particularly thirst-quenching this time of year.
93 Jones Road, Balhannah
Pike & Joyce Wines
Pike & Joyce is a must-visit for those passionate about good food and great wine. The lovechild of two prominent South Australian winemaking families, the estate offers some of the truest expressions of the region's varieties.
Spanning 25 hectares, the vineyards are some of the highest in the Adelaide Hills, providing the perfect terrain to produce its renowned cool-climate drops.
The tasting room is open daily for visitors to enjoy, and the inspired dining in the restaurant is bold, flavourful, and dishes like housemade pork dumplings with Taiwanese kimchi, fresh Coffin Bay oysters and charred lamb rump naturally pair well with a glass of vino.
730 Mawson Road, Lenswood
Ambleside Distillers
We may be talking wineries, but if gin is more your thing, a trip to Ambleside Distillers is one of the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills. Ideally located in Hahndorf, you can stop in for one of their exquisite G&Ts and light share plates.
Make your day out to the Hills extra special and book one of Ambleside’s experiences for gin-tasting flights, or expert masterclasses to learn the art of cocktails and blending your gin. With cosy seating inside the modern space, you can stay warm indoors, gin in one hand, toastie in the other.
1 Ambleside Road, Hahndorf
Best Things to Do in the Adelaide Hills: Stay
Espira
Meaning 'to exhale', Espira is a luxury eco-retreat pod designed as a private space for guests to immerse themselves in nature and forget all about the stress of everyday life.
Perched atop its own 'Dream Hill' in Ashton, this striking escape offers unparalleled views of Adelaide Hills vineyards, Marble Hill, Piccadilly Valley, and the Barossa Ranges.
With a contemporary design and premium amenities, including indoor and outdoor wood fireplaces to keep you toasty warm, Espira invites you to indulge in luxury and soak in breathtaking sunsets and star-filled skies (preferably from a bubble bath vantage point).
Casa Freschi, 159 Ridge Road, Ashton
Cladich Pavilions
A haven of sophistication and privacy awaits at the Cladich Pavilions, just 30 minutes from Adelaide's CBD. Our pick as a base while exploring the Adelaide Hills, guests can choose from three premium pavilions, with each providing a secluded escape surrounded by nature.
The charming bed and breakfast is surrounded by towering gum trees and native bushland, bringing the calming sounds of local birds and wildlife that gently wake you each morning. Bliss.
27-19 Wilpena Terrace, Aldgate
Carriage House 1884
Transport yourself to a bygone era at Carriage House 1884 - a gorgeous option for secluded and stunning Adelaide Hills accommodation. With wood-panelled walls, welcoming leather seating, fireplaces and bookcases, this accommodation would be right at home in a charming old English village.
Large doors open out to an established garden, waiting for afternoon tea or a glass of local pinot noir as the sun retreats for the day. On colder days, there is nothing quite like a slow stay here, cosying up by the fireplace, book in hand.
112 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers
1965 Lobethal
A haven from the modern world, turn back time and revisit the 60's at 1965 Lobethal. Relax in this stylish, mid-century house centrally located in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, with convenient access to the region's premium cellar doors, fine dining, bush walking and boutiques.
It's a thoughtfully curated space, with contemporary touches to ensure utmost comfort. Spin Elvis Presley records as you whip a feast in the fully-equipped kitchen, or slip next door to the intimate Hugel Wine Bar for a pre-dinner bev.
53a Main Street, Lobethal
Have you ticked off the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills and are ready for another adventure? Check out this iconic Adelaide road trip for a getaway from South Australia to Victoria, or visit McLaren Vale for a premium wine experience.
