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Best Things to Do in the Adelaide Hills: Your Autumn Guide
Embrace crisp autumn air and escape to charming towns with our guide to the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills.
When it’s autumn in Adelaide, there’s no reason to head indoors just yet, with sunshine-filled days sticking around a little longer despite summer coming to an end. Beautiful year-round, the Adelaide Hills townships and renowned wine region are bursting with life, with market stalls, wine festivals, a kaleidoscope of colours in the treetops and epic experiences beyond the city.
From quaint cafes and hidden wine bars on tree-lined streets to rustic cellar doors with views of the rolling vineyards, we’ve created an autumn guide to the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills to make the most of the charming vibes as the region shines.
Best Things to Do in the Adelaide Hills: Visit
Charleston Farm
If you’re looking for one of the most wholesome activities in the Hills, this is it. Gather the girls for a flower-filled day at Charleston Farm, where for just $45, you can pick a bunch of blooms from the gorgeous, privately-owned flower field. Autumn sees beautiful buds spring, with dahlias the standout floral, while roses, hydrangeas and marigold also blanket the farm.
Sitchu tip: Combining art, nature and relaxation, the Paint & Pick workshops offer yet another way to experience the beauty of Charleston Farm. Find out more on Instagram.
Farm open days are released 1-2 weeks in advance, dependent on flower availability. Bookings essential.
Hahndorf
Welcome to Adelaide’s famous historic town, filled with restaurants, art galleries, markets and the Beerenberg Farm. 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 autumn the tree-lined streets themselves are worth a drive, with green foliage slowly changing into vibrant reds, oranges and yellow, blanketing the roads in a carpet of autumnal colour. 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 ideal spots to steal a table and unwind with delicious eats.
Stirling
Elegant and oozing character, 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. 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 community-led events, such as the fabulous Stirling Laneways markets, held once a month from September to April.
When you need a bite to eat, the beautifully renovated Stirling Hotel delights. 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.
Sitchu tip: Just up the road and often overlooked, find time to drive through Mylor and discover a town that looks plucked direct from a storybook. With farm stays complete with babbling brooks, the Warrawong Sanctuary parkland, a cosy general store and Verte Kitchen for breakfast and lunch, it’s worth adding to your autumn itinerary.
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 gardens provide the perfect backdrop for a sunny picnic. Once you’ve had your garden stroll in Mount Lofty, spend some time in Crafers – it’s beautiful and quiet, 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!
Sitchu tip: After more wildlife experiences? Gorge Wildlife Park sits further north on 14 acres in Cudlee Creek, where encounters with koalas, kangaroos, meerkats and reptiles await, and you can spot some exotic creatures like the iconic capybara.
Lobethal
Picture-perfect Lobethal makes for an easy breezy day trip. It’s less than an hour from Adelaide, yet feels a world away thanks to the lush greenery, fruit orchids and heritage buildings dotted along the streets. Golding Wines is a must-visit, 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 2024 unveiling of Bird in Hand’s reimagined on-premises dining room, LVN Restaurant, completely blew 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. Magical!
For the ultimate long lunch in the Hills, book in for a degustation experience, where, over three 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 or lunch on the deck. 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, leisurely 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 standout 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 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 fuss-free day out with friends, Sidewood Estate delights as you leave your worries at the doors to 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.
Sitchu tip: Keep an eye on Sidewood Estate’s socials for upcoming specials and live music sessions in the garden.
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, autumn is the perfect time to visit Nepenthe, with the 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 and flavourful, with dishes like housemade duck pâté, beef carpaccio and Harissa roasted spring chicken that 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. 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 seating inside the modern space on cooler days, the outdoor grass area is perfect for sunny sips.
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 Cladich Pavilions, located just 30 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD. Guests can select from three exquisite pavilions, each offering a secluded sanctuary. This enchanting bed and breakfast is nestled among towering gum trees and native bushland, where the soothing sounds of local birds and wildlife create a tranquil morning serenade. It’s the perfect escape to relax, unwind, and reconnect with the beauty of the outdoors.
Book your stay with Cladich Pavilions
Book your stay with Booking.com
27-29 Wilpena Terrace, Aldgate
Carriage House 1884
Transport yourself to another era with Carriage House 1884 private Adelaide Hills accommodation. The wood-panelled walls, welcoming leather seating, fireplace and bookcases would be right at home in a charming old English village, with large doors opening out to your established garden waiting for a spot of afternoon tea or a glass of local wine as the sun retreats for the day.
Book your stay with Carriage House 1884
Book your stay with Booking.com
112 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers
1965 Lobethal
A haven from the modern world, turn back time to the 60’s mod era at 1965 Lobethal. Relax in this stylish mid-century house, centrally located with easy access to the region’s premium cellar doors, fine dining, bushwalking, and more.
This thoughtfully curated space feels like home, blending vintage charm with contemporary comforts. Go all out and spin Elvis Presley records while whipping up a nostalgic feast in the fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy the small private garden with a pre-dinner drink, enhancing your experience in this delightful retreat.
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.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
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