14 Best Things To Do In The Adelaide Hills

Start here for the best things to do in the Adelaide hills that go beyond wine tasting.

Of course, you’re going to be spending a sizeable measure of time in the undulating Adelaide Hills sipping wine. We have that itinerary covered for you here, and dining, too. But there are plenty of other things you really should do on a visit to this beautiful region.

From strawberry-picking to ice-cream-licking, and bike-riding to summit-hiking, you’ll find plenty of extra-curricular activities to complement your viticultural pursuits. It’s worth adding an extra day or two just to ensure you can adopt a leisurely pace to explore more. Here are 14 of the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills.

1. Beerenberg Farm

An Adelaide Hills institution, Beerenberg is a must-visit on your tour of the region. The family name may be familiar from supermarket shelves across the country, but here you’ll discover the provenance of flavour that makes Beerenberg’s jams, sauces and marinades so delicious.

a mother with her kids strawberry picking at the Beerenberg Farm — Strawberry picking is a fun family activity. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

In strawberry season (November to April), head to the Hahndorf farm to pick your own basket of berries from the patch or pop in any time to enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea at the farm cafe and shop.

the cafe and shop inside Beerenberg Farm — Shop the delicious array of jams. (Image: Beerenberg Farm)

Kids won’t leave without a visit to The Dairy, the farm’s ice creamery, where waffles, thickshakes and homemade gelati will hit the insatiable sweet spot head-on.

a herd of cows at Beerenberg Farm — See cows and goats at the small farm. (Image: We Are Komodo and Daisy Hofstetter)

2. Sticky Rice Cooking School

Fire up the wok and expand your signature dish repertoire with some culinary tuition at Sticky Rice Cooking School . This well-run Adelaide Hills favourite has been honing the skills of home chefs since 2008, plumping up their pad Thai, fine-tuning their dumpling-folding technique and crisping up their pork belly.

a cooking class at Sticky Rice Cooking School — Join a culinary class covering Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisines. (Image: Sticky Rice Cooking School)

It’s mostly Asian-style menus here, from Japanese to Malaysian and Thai, but you’ll also find classes covering Spanish and Middle Eastern. If you’re too full from your own masterful creations, stay onsite at one of the three beautiful, Asian-inspired villas.

cooking an Asian-style dish in a pan at Sticky Rice Cooking School — Master Asian-style dishes. (Image: Adelaide Hills Wine Region)

3. Cycle the Hills

Take to two wheels for a fun way to wind through the Adelaide Hills. Bike About guides culinarily inclined cyclists on a tour of Hahndorf and her surrounds, stopping at local wine and food producers along the way.

a group of women exploring Shaw + Smith, Adelaide Hills — Stop by Shaw + Smith to try their signature wines. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The five-hour outing sees you pedal to Beerenberg to pick strawberries, into Udder Delights to sample cheese, and onto Shaw + Smith to sip their award-winning wines.

food dipped into cheese at Udder Delights — Sample irresistable cheese at Udder Delights. (Image: Udder Delights)

While some effort is involved, it’s relatively minimal given you’re issued with an e-bike for the journey – allowing you to enjoy the breeze on your face as you woosh past the stunning countryside.

4. Cleland Wildlife Park

Furred and fluffy locals hang about at Cleland Wildlife Park wowing visitors with their adorable cuddliness.

a koala resting on a branch at Cleland Wildlife Park — Cuddle cute koalas at Cleland Wildlife Park. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Most animals here live in a natural habitat but are quite accustomed to fawning parkgoers and will often willingly accept pats and feed and pose for the occasional photo.

kangaroos at Cleland Wildlife Park — Spot kangaroos in their natural habitat. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

While koalas are the headliners, you may also spot kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, potoroos, dingoes, native birds, reptiles and even the shy echidna. Stay tuned for the soon-to-open educational hub, Koala Loft, where visitors can interact with koalas and learn about their conservation.

a yellow-footed rock wallaby at Cleland Wildlife Park — You can also see yellow-footed rock wallabies. (Image: Greg Snell)

5. Ambleside Distillers

Even the most devout oenophiles need to cleanse their palate every now and then. Break up a wine-focused excursion with a visit to the Ambleside Distillery to try their selection of botanically infused gins.

the exterior of Ambleside Distillers, Adelaide Hills — Amble through Ambleside Distillers. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australia Tourism Commission)

Their spirited collection includes seasonal releases, such as mandarin gin made from South Australian citrus and the blossom gin crafted with strawberries from Beerenberg and rose from Jurlique, as well as their core range infused with local and native ingredients.

a bartender mixing drinks at Ambleside Distillers — Sample their world-class gin tipples. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australia Tourism Commission)

Try a selection with a gin flight at the distillery or sip one (or more) of their refreshing gin cocktails. If the sun is shining, find a spot on the lawn and temper your tasting with some nibbles or a toastie.

friends enjoying a gin and wine tasting session at Ambleside Distillers, Adelaide Hills — Gather a few mates for a gin-tasting session. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australia Tourism Commission)

6. Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens

To see how the cool-climate garden grows in the Adelaide Hills, carve out a little time from your rigorous wine-tasting schedule to wander the beautiful Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens .

an aerial view of Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens — Be surrounded by a tapestry of foliage. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

Meandering over 97 hectares and planted with different gardens and gullies – including a fragrant rose garden – it’s the prettiest place for a stroll in any season.

Along your walk, you’ll encounter a collection of sculptures, many by celebrated artist Greg Johns, as well as the Noel Lothian Viewing Platform, which spoils visitors with a pretty tapestry of foliage.

7. Wander through Hahndorf

It won’t take you long to discern something of a Bavarian theme in this charming Adelaide Hills town. Established in 1839, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and this identity has been cleverly parlayed into a tourist drawcard. But apart from the toppings for your bratwurst, there’s nothing all that cheesy about Hahndorf.

friends exploring the Grunthal Brewery in Hahndorf — Explore the historic Grunthal Brewery in Hahndorf. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australia Tourism Commission)

While there are a handful of German pubs, eateries and themed shops, it’s also just an adorable tree-lined town with historic buildings and a vaguely European vibe. Here you’ll also find the craft Grunthal Brewery , the chic Waldon’s General Store , and a stylish Spanish restaurant, Comida , among other finds.

friends enjoying at Grunthal Brewery in Hahndorf — Catch up over a cold pint at Grunthal Brewery. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australia Tourism Commission)

8. The Stirling Market

If you happen to arrive in the Hills on the weekend of this long-established monthly market, you’ll have struck artisan gold. The Stirling Market is a collective of makers and creators with a bit of everything on offer to tempt any type of shopper. Peruse stalls selling plants, handicrafts, local honey, produce, toys, books, antiques and ceramics. There’s also hot food and coffee and live entertainment lending a convivial atmosphere to this community event.

9. Hike to the Mounty Lofty Summit

All the fine wining and dining done in the Adelaide Hills may call for a counterbalance of physical activity. The 7.8-kilometre return Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty summit hike is a good way to offset indulgence given it’s an uphill climb. The steep hike is graded as ‘hard’, but should take no more than three hours up and back.

the Waterfall Gully near Mt Lofty summit — Walk from Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

However, at the top, you will find The Summit Café and Function Centre , where you may feel like rewarding yourself with an Aperol spritz and delaying your descent or calling for a pick-up.

the Waterfall Gully in Adelaide Hills — Reach the summit for more rewarding views. (Image: Ben Goode)

10. Browse Antiques

Country towns are often a goldmine for bygone bric-a-brac and the Adelaide Hills antique trade is no different. Scattered about is a collection of stores selling found and foraged objects with a certain rustic and rusted charm to delight the Antiques Roadshow set. Check out The Warehouse at Woodside , Hahdorf’s Grass Roots Vintage and Hahndorf Antiques and Collectibles , as well as Ambleside Antiques and the weekends-only The Local Produce Shop & Farmer’s Daughter , among others dotted about.

a couple browsing through antique items at The Warehouse at Woodside — Step into The Warehouse at Woodside for all things antique. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

11. Woodside Cheese Wrights cellar door

This artisan cheesemaker has been separating their curds and whey since 1994. The Woodside Cheese Wrights range includes cow and goat milk varieties made using local milk from surrounding dairies, so you’ll be able to taste the distinct terroir of the region. Their chevre is a cult product but swing by the Woodside cellar door to taste a number of deliciously creamy concoctions. Best enjoyed with a crusty loaf of bread and a crisp, Adelaide Hills white, of course.

a cheese offering at Woodside Cheese Wrights cellar door — Taste creamy delights at Woodside Cheese Wrights. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

12. Pull into roadside stalls

The fecund Adelaide Hills may be best known for its proliferation of grapes, but these hills are also alive with all manner of tempting produce. While you’ll find plenty on restaurant menus around the region, you can also collect your own provisions from the many roadside stalls and farm gates dotted from Verdun to Balhannah and Piccadilly to Uraidla. Particularly good if you’re staying in accommodation equipped with a kitchen. If you’re visiting in the summer months, you’ll find yourself amid a cherry fest. Find the plump, sweet fruit sold at stalls or you even pick your own. This guide will show you the way.

13. Jurlique Farm tour

For 35 years, Jurlique has been hydrating hands and other body parts using naturally grown botanicals from their Adelaide Hills farm. For skincare fanatics or anyone who enjoys a stroll around a beautiful garden, add a tour of this B-Corp Certified company to your itinerary. The 90-minute tour will take you behind the scenes of this beloved Australian skincare brand, while explaining the nature and science that goes into their products. If you’d rather go skin-deeper, opt for the eight-hour tour that includes an afternoon in the Jurlique Spa.

14. Eat, drink and be merry

Of course, the top-tier reason for visiting the Adelaide Hills is to savour the area’s incredible wineries and complementary restaurants. While there are far too many to list here if you’d like to hit the vines, read our top picks here. And for booking in those gastronomic adventures, these are the best restaurants in the Adelaide Hills.

al fresco dining at Pike and Joyce Lenswood — Dine al fresco at Pike and Joyce. (Image: Adelaide Hills Wine Region/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Need somewhere to rest your head? Choose from one of the best accommodations in Adelaide Hills.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.

14 of the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills