15 of the best Adelaide Hills accommodation options

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Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a convenient base to mark your map with some of South Australia’s best cellar doors or luxury accommodation in the Adelaide Hills to explore the region’s most charming towns, here are 15 stays to suit every traveller.

The Adelaide Hills is an intoxicating region known best for its cool-climate wineries. It’s the perfect romantic getaway or a delicious epicurean escape, an undulating landscape filled with charming towns and villages, such as the historic German village of Hahndorf, the bountiful fruit bowl of Lobethal and the relaxed country town of Woodside.

Here are 15 Adelaide Hills stays from an off-grid, adults-only retreat on a cattle farm and an iconic property that oozes elegance to chic accommodation above a historic pub and an affordable family-friendly holiday park.

1. Discovery Parks Hahndorf

Best for: Families, Affordable

Located on the main street of Hahndorf, Discovery Parks Hahndorf is a convenient stop if you’re vanning or want an affordable stay in a convenient location with family-friendly activities. There are powered sites, drive-through sites, studio cottages and a range of cabins to choose from. Kids will love the bouncing pillow, playground, mini golf and pool, and parents will love that it’s a short walk into town and to Hahndorf’s famous German pubs.

Autumnal colours at Discovery Parks Hahndorf
Autumnal colours at Discovery Parks Hahndorf. (Image: Supplied)

Address: 145a Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

2. Mt Lofty House

Best for: Luxury, Romance, History

Built as the summer house for Arthur Hardy – the country’s first Grandmaster of the Freemasons – this beautiful manor perched above the Piccadilly Valley in Crafers was where the elite once came for lavish celebrations. In 1983, the house was razed by the Ash Wednesday fires but was rebuilt and transformed into a luxury boutique hotel in 1988. The historic property has 14 unique suites, from a cosy Classic Room to a Conservatory Suite with a sunroom and private balcony, each one styled with elegant and traditional furnishings such as four-poster beds, dark woods and velvet armchairs.

Guests can indulge in dinner and high tea at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant with expansive valley views, soak up the sunshine with a glass of local wine at the Terrace Bar, or snuggle on a leather chair by the fire at Hardy’s Bar. Housed in a historic cottage on the property, Gatekeeper’s Day Spa is a tranquil space offering massages and facials that guarantee utter bliss.

Mount Lofty House
There is room to roam and relax at Mount Lofty House. (Image: Ben Goode)

Address: 1 Mawson Drive, Crafers

3. Sequoia Lodge

Best for: Luxury, Wellness, Romance

Sitting atop Mount Lofty, this adults-only lodge is nestled on the same 12-hectare property of Mt Lofty House, commanding the same spectacular views over Piccadilly Valley.

Sequoia’s luxury open-plan suites boast sunken lounge rooms with gas fireplaces, large balconies and bathtubs that overlook the valley.

the exterior view of Sequoia Lodge, Mount Lofty
Bask in serenity at one of Sequoia’s spring-fed hot pools. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

There is a restaurant onsite that serves contemporary Australian cuisine, and guests also have access to Mt Lofty House’s dining options and day spa.

a couple relaxing in the infinity pool at Sequoia Lodge, Mount Lofty
Soak up panoramic views over Piccadilly Valley from the pool. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

Curated experiences such as sunrise yoga, a South Australian cheese and wine discovery, and stargazing are available to book.

The property is also home to artesian spring-fed hot pools, which make for the perfect place to end a day of wine tasting in the Adelaide Hills.

a waiter pouring wine into the glass in front of a couple dining at Sequoia
Sip some wine at the restaurant onsite. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 1 Mawson Drive, Crafers

4. The Manna Group, Hahndorf

Best for: Affordable, Families, Location

The Manna Group is a collection of three properties in the heart of Hahndorf, the Adelaide Hills’ charming German village. The 50-room Manna hotel is located on the main street, a few steps from Hahndorf’s boutique shops and the 1863 Hahndorf Inn. There are 19 superior rooms, 27 executive rooms and five spa suites to choose from, each with a simple and modern style. Set back from the main street is its sister property The Manna Studios, which are boutique self-contained accommodations, including two-bedroom apartments and a pet-friendly room if you’re travelling with a furry companion. These studios are ideal for longer stays or when travelling in groups and with your family. And The Lodge is a 19-room motel tucked behind town and has a swimming pool for warmer weather.

Address: Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

5. Grandview Accommodation, Mount Barker

Best for: Groups, Families, Longer Stays

Grandview Accommodation is a collection of four apartments in Mount Barker. The Flaxley Apartments comprise a couple of two-bedroom apartments originally built in the 19th century, each sleeping four, and The Elm Apartments comprise a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom apartment, sleeping four and six respectively.

the Flaxley Apartment at Grandview Accommodation, Mount Barker
Built in the 19th century, Flaxley Apartments can sleep four. (Image: Fotovision)

Each of these accommodations is within walking distance of the township of Mount Barker, making for an ideal Adelaide Hills hub for groups and families.

the bedroom at Grandview Accommodation Flaxley Apartments
The two-bedroom apartment has huge windows to let the light in. (Image: Fotovision)

All apartments feature full kitchens and laundry facilities. The Adelaide Hills Farmers Market is held in town every Saturday, so you can stock the pantry up with local goods after exploring the tree-lined town centre and enjoy a glass of local wine in front of the fireplace.

the living room with a fireplace at Grandview Accommodation Flaxley Apartments
Get cosy by the fireplace. (Image: Fotovision)

Address: 1 Coral Street, Mount Barker

6. Hideaway Huts

Best for: Off-grid, Wellness, Couples

Hidden away on a secluded 40-hectare cattle farm in the Adelaide Hills, these off-grid timber huts were inspired by The Man from Snowy River.

the exterior of Hideaway Huts, Adelaide Hills
Stay in a secluded 40-hectare cattle farm at Hideaway Huts.

Rustic in design but premium in comfort, each hut sleeps two people and features a king-sized bed, full kitchen and private verandah. Soak in the outdoor bath with views of river red gums, stargaze around the firepit, sip a wine in front of the fire to music playing on the vinyl record player, and unwind in complete solitude. These huts are as their name suggests: the perfect place to hide away for a few days.

the rustic interior of Hideaway Huts, Adelaide Hills
Hideaway Huts exude rustic charm.

Address: 1068 Old Princes Hwy, Dawesley

7. The Crafers Hotel

Best for: Couples, History, Location

This historic 19th century pub in Crafers underwent a huge renovation in 2014, restoring its original stonework and adding a French-inspired aesthetic. The chic gastropub is a winner for families, friends and oenophiles alike (it hosts regular wine workshops in its charming cellar).

a couple in bed at The Crafers Hotel
Laze the day away at The Crafers Hotel. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

While its upstairs accommodation comprises seven rooms that sleep two, with high ceilings, antique chandeliers, elegant furnishings, wool carpets, and bathrooms with underfloor heating and Aesop amenities.

coffee in bed at The Crafers Hotel
Sip a warm cup of coffee in bed. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 8 Main Street, Crafers

8. Simon Tolley Lodge

Best for: Wine lovers, Groups

Set among the Woodside vineyards of Simon Tolley Wines, Simon Tolley Lodge accommodates up to 10 guests in five bedrooms. It’s the perfect spot to relax with friends or for a large family to spend the weekend, with views of the surrounding vineyards. Cook up a storm in the full kitchen, chat around the wood fire, or enjoy your vineyard-hopping bounty on the outside patio under the stars. The Simon Tolley property spans 22 hectares, which you are free to wander. The cellar door is open Thursday to Monday and serves produce platters, bread boards and jaffles with wine tasting.

Address: 278 Bird in Hand Road, Woodside

9. Pavilions at Lenswood

Best for: Couples, Romance, Luxury

The six pavilions at Pavilions at Lenswood are unique in design, with interiors inspired by Swiss and Austrian chalets, a Japanese onsen, a Scandinavian aesthetic and Art Deco style.

a woman in her robe inside the bedroom at Pavilions at Lenswood
The luxe pavilions are complete with creature comforts. (Image: Richard Lyons)

Set on an idyllic landscaped property and centred around a lake, these luxe pavilions sleep two, and comprise a kitchen and a bathroom with freestanding tub. Three pavilions feature a Japanese cedar hot tub, two have an indoor sauna, one has a heated plunge pool, and two have spas, so take your pick of how you’d like to soak or steam.

a bathtub inside Pavilions at Lenswood
Soak in your private tub. (Image: Richard Lyons)

The newly built two-storey Fika Pavilion can sleep four guests, however, this retreat is adults-only – so this is perfect for two couples or a group of friends. E-bike hire is available to explore the surrounding countryside of the Adelaide Hills.

a lakeside accommodation at Pavilions at Lenswood
The chic retreat is mirrored by the lake. (Image: Benjamin Goode)

Address: Corner of Swamp and Leslie roads, Lenswood

10. Sticky Rice Villas, Stirling

Best for: Couples, Foodies

Sticky Rice Cooking School is an award-winning, family-owned and run cooking school, which has been hosting cooking classes in the Adelaide Hills since 2008. Scrub up on your kitchen skills by learning the secrets to Thai cuisine, cook up a Mexican fiesta or expand your vegetarian reperitoire with a class and then kick back for the night in one of the three onsite luxe villas. Each is designed differently: the Zen Villa leans towards Thai style, the Yoko Villa is Japanese-inspired, while the Bali Villa will transport you to the beloved Indonesian island. Each has an outdoor courtyard and individual gardens, kitchens, king beds and underfloor heating.

Address: 96 Old Mount Barker Rd, Stirling

11. Longview Vineyard, Macclesfield

Best for: Wine lovers, Couples, Groups

Family-owned Longview Vineyard , just outside the historic town of Macclesfield, is more than a place to swing by for a wine tasting. The property also features accommodation including 12 suites, a restored homestead that can sleep up to 12 guests, and a brand-new lodge that sleeps up to eight guests. Families, couples, groups of friends – everyone is welcome. There are cooking facilities in all accommodations, a communal laundry and breakfast provisions are provided. The cellar door is open seven days and the Longview Day Spa offers a list of relaxing treatments, with an optional wine and cheese platter to finish.

Address: 154 Pound Road, Macclesfield

12. The Manor Basket Range

Best for: Families, Unique, History

This historic estate built in 1935 – formerly known as Camelot Castle – was given an extensive refurbishment to modernise its accommodation offering but it still retains the charm of an ancient castle.

the Camelot Castle at The Manor Basket Range
The Manor Basket Range used to be known as the Camelot Castle. (Image: In The Mood For Love Photographers)

Now known as The Manor Basket Range , this venue is popular for weddings but guests can book accommodation year-round and make it their eclectic base for exploring the hills.

the living room inside The Manor Basket Range
Make The Manor Basket Range your base when visiting the hills.

Its 12 two-storey townhouse-style suites sleep two, are self-contained with kitchenettes and separate living areas, and have a pull-out sofa available for extra guests (kids will love the idea of staying in a castle!). The property is particularly spectacular in autumn when the leaves blush red and orange.

a whitewashed bathroom inside The Manor Basket Range
Inside, you’ll find a fully furnished bathroom and kitchenette.

Address: 762 Lobethal Road, Basket Range

13. Cladich Pavilions, Aldgate

Best for: Seclusion, Couples

Named The Dunes, The Billabong and The Gums , these three uniquely Australian pavilions are nestled in bushland among stringybark and birdlife. The Gums is the largest, sleeping three people and featuring a full kitchen, lounge and private deck, while the others sleep two people; each boasts floor-to-ceiling windows to capture the lush green setting. Custom packages including cheese platters, local chocolates, bubbles and a tour to the wineries or the nearby Jurlique Farm are also available.

Address: 27 – 29 Wilpena Terrace, Aldgate

14. Aberdeen Lane, Woodside

Best for: Affordable, Location, Families

This centrally located motel offers simple but spacious and modern rooms, including king suites, deluxe king suites, two-bedroom apartments and accessible king suites. Each is furnished in soothing soft tones and contemporary furniture.

the king suite entrance at Aberdeen Lane, Woodside
Step into one of the king suites at Aberdeen Lane.

Aberdeen Lane is next door to Woodside Providore, which is a great spot for breakfast and to pick up snacks, cake and coffee. The motel also offers a minibus, which is available for transfers to events and wine tours, and has a communal laundry and an outdoor barbecue area.

Woodside is home to a chocolate factory, fromagerie, an apple orchard, Jurlique Farm and local wineries.

the bedroom inside one of the king suites at Aberdeen Lane, Woodside
Bed down at the cosy king suite.

Address: 67 Onkaparinga Valley Rd, Woodside

15. Uraidla Lock Up

Best for: History, Location, Families

Fancy sleeping in an 1890s police cell? You can in Uraidla – with plush bedding, private ensuite and all the mod cons, of course. Uraidla Lock Up features two accommodation options: The Lock Up, an open-plan studio with a queen bed, small kitchenette and subfloor heating, and The Police Station, which sleeps six in three bedrooms and has a fully equipped kitchen. Both options are beautifully furnished and feature original stone benchtops and brass tapware that speak to the impeccable craftsmanship of the 19th century. Uraidla Hotel is just across the road and there are many other dining options within walking distance.

Address: 1205 Greenhill Rd, Uraidla

Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire
The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.