Discover the Best Day Trips in the Adelaide Hills: From Scenic Drives to Wine Tastings

Day Trip 1: Stirling and Bridgewater

If you're looking for a scenic drive through the Adelaide Hills, this day trip is for you. Start at Crafers and head up to Mount Lofty Summit for the views - you can also drive along the Mount Lofty Summit Road, which offers stunning views over the Adelaide Hills. As you drive, you'll see rolling hills, vineyards, and charming small towns. However, our first stop is back the other way so head back down the hill and onto the freeway for about 5 seconds where you'll find...

Your next stop of the day is the Stirling Market, where you can find local produce, crafts, and food. This market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and you'll find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The Stirling Market is usually held on the fourth Sunday of every month, except for December when it is held on the third Sunday. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Stirling Market website or social media pages to confirm the dates and any updates or changes to the schedule.

After you've explored the market, head to the Bridgewater Mill, a historic water mill that's now a popular cafe and restaurant. The mill has been beautifully restored and is now a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the delicious food before heading to your final destination. (There is also a great walk that starts behind the mill, check back for more about that!)

Finish your day at Shaw + Smith Winery, which offers wine tastings and has a stunning view over the vineyards. The winery is known for its cool-climate wines, and you'll have the opportunity to taste some of its award-winning wines. Take in the beautiful surroundings as you sip your wine and enjoy the company of friends or family.

Day Trip 2: Hahndorf and Mount Barker

This day trip is perfect for those who want to explore the charming village of Hahndorf and enjoy some stunning views of the Adelaide Hills.

Follow the South Eastern Freeway to your first stop in Hahndorf, a charming German village with plenty of shops and restaurants. Take a stroll down the main street, explore the local shops, and sample some German-inspired cuisine. It can be a bustling place on the weekends, so get in early! Stroll through the streets and enjoy the gorgeous little town. If you're here in April-May, the trees will be changing color and it can be an amazing sight!

Follow the Hahndorf to Mount Barker road via Totness, which winds its way through the countryside and vineyards to your next location, and head through the town of Mount Barker to the Mount Barker Summit, which offers panoramic views of the Adelaide Hills. The summit is the perfect place to take in the natural beauty of the area, and you'll be able to see it for miles around. There is a short easy 20-30 minute walk that starts at the big rock and travels around the summit. (Highly recommended)

Finish your day at Ngeringa Vineyards, which is known for its biodynamic wines and has a beautiful setting in the Adelaide Hills. The vineyard is committed to sustainable practices and produces some of the best wines in the area. Enjoy a wine tasting and take in the beautiful surroundings before heading home.

Day Trip 3: Lobethal and Woodside

If you're looking for a day trip that's packed with fun and adventure, this is the one for you. Start at the Adelaide Hills Visitor Information Centre and drive along the Onkaparinga Valley Road, which winds through the countryside.

Your first stop is the Lobethal Christmas Lights display (if you're there in December), which is one of the most popular events in the Adelaide Hills. The town comes alive with festive decorations and lights, and it's the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. Otherwise, stop past the Lobethal bakery for lunch, the apple crumble is my favourite or check out Mighty Mighty Roastery for a killer coffee.

After that, head to Melba's Chocolate Factory in Woodside, where you can see how chocolate is made and sample some delicious treats. The factory has been in operation for over 100 years and is a popular destination for chocolate lovers. And/Or visit the Giant rocking horse and toy shop in Gumeracha, where you can go to the top for a few dollars.

Finish your day at The Lane Vineyard, which has stunning views over the vineyards and offers wine tastings and a restaurant. The vineyard is known for its cool-climate wines and its commitment to sustainable practices. Enjoy a glass of wine as you take in the beautiful surroundings and reflect on your day of fun and adventure. They also have a great restaurant with some views of the rolling vineyards.

Day Trip 4: Uraidla and Summertown

This day trip is perfect for those who want to explore some of the lesser-known gems of the Adelaide Hills. Start at the town of Crafers and head up the hill to the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Next, head back down the hill to Crafers and follow Piccadilly Road, which winds through the picturesque countryside.

Your next stop is the Lost in a Forest cafe in Uraidla, which is housed in an old church and has a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat before heading to your next destination.

After that, head to the Summertown Aristologist, which is a restaurant and wine bar that specializes in local produce and natural wines. The restaurant has a unique and rustic atmosphere and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some delicious food and wine.

Alternatively, Finish your day at the Barristers Block Winery, which has a stunning setting in the Adelaide Hills and offers wine tastings and a restaurant. The winery is known for its award-winning wines and its commitment to sustainability. Take in the beautiful surroundings as you sip your wine and reflect on your day of exploration.

Day Trip 5: Hahndorf and Nairne

This day trip is perfect for those who want to explore some of the historic towns in the Adelaide Hills. Take the freeway to Hahndorf in the morning. Hahndorf is a charming German village with plenty of shops and restaurants. Take a stroll down the main street, explore the local shops, and sample some German-inspired cuisine and delicious bakeries for coffee or ice cream.

Bonus - The leaves in Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills region typically start changing color in late April or early May, as autumn sets in. The exact timing of the color change can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors, but you can usually expect to see the most vibrant colors in May and early June. It's a beautiful time to visit Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills to enjoy the stunning autumn foliage and the crisp, cool air.

Mount Barker is a bustling country town with a few nice cafes on the main street - Gawler St. Lady Luck and Sazón are both popular choices amongst the locals. You can visit Mount Barker Historical Society Museum, which is housed in a historic building and has a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of the area. Learn about the early settlers and the development of the town as you explore the museum. Also stop by the Mount Barker Summit if you want some views!

After that, head to the Woodside Cheese Wrights in Nairne, where you can sample some delicious cheeses and learn about the cheese-making process. The shop has a wide variety of cheeses to choose from and is a popular destination for foodies.

Finish your day at the Bird in Hand Winery, which has a stunning setting in the Adelaide Hills and offers wine tastings and a restaurant. Now a well-known winery in Australia, stop by to see where it all started. Take in the beautiful surroundings as you sip your wine and reflect on your day of exploring the history and culture of the Adelaide Hills.

These day trips offer something for everyone, from scenic drives and outdoor adventures to wine tastings and cultural exploration. So pick your favorite and hit the road for a day of fun and adventure in the beautiful Adelaide Hills.