Adelaide Hills, South Australia © Tourism Australia
Guide to Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills is a food and wine lovers’ paradise, peppered with lush vineyards, cosy pubs and charming country towns.
Locals call this place “The Hills,” and here you can find scenic views, fairytale villages and some of Australia’s best cool-climate wines. Wind your way through shady corridors to discover boutique cellar doors and distilleries, vibrant gardens and heritage accommodation, all just a short drive from Adelaide’s buzzing city centre.
The Adelaide Hills is home to two First Nations communities – the Peramangk and Kaurna peoples whose cultures continue to be practiced and celebrated throughout the region. Many place names throughout this area, like Uraidla, Gumeracha and Echunga, are derived from these local language groups.
The Adelaide Hills is located east of Adelaide, an easy 20-minute drive from the city centre.
- Adelaide Airport is 37km from the Adelaide Hills, and services both international and domestic arrivals.
- Car hire is available from the airport.
Public transport is available from Adelaide to the Adelaide Hills, however the best way to discover the region is by car or on a guided tour.
If you’ve got a car, getting around the Adelaide Hills is simple. Most roads are paved and traffic is limited.
The Adelaide Hills experiences four distinct seasons, with warm, dry summers and cold, rainy winters. High altitude means that it’s a few degrees cooler than Adelaide year-round here, offering a cool respite in summer and dramatic, misty vistas in winter.
Autumn brings a vibrant change of scenery, when vineyards, orchards, parks and gardens are washed in shades of gold and red - this is the perfect time to cosy up in a cellar door with a glass of red wine in hand. Come spring, pear orchards are filled with fragrant blossoms and the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens bloom with vivid bursts of colour.
- High season: Spring, summer and autumn
- Low Season: Winter
- Don’t miss: Seeing the landscape change colour in autumn.
South Australia is committed to fostering accessible travel for all visitors, and there are great ways for everyone to experience the landscapes, dining scene and luxurious stays throughout Adelaide Hills.
- Arrival: Dedicated assistance is available for people with disabilities upon arrival and departure at Adelaide Airport.
- Getting around: Adelaide’s buses, trains and trams have dedicated accessibility features – check out Adelaide Metro’s website for more information and to plan your trip. There are also wheelchair accessible vehicles for hire at numerous locations around the city, as well as wheelchair accessible transfer services.
- Accessible experience highlights: Visit Cleland Wildlife Park for wheelchair, mobility scooter and pram-friendly tracks, as well as an accessible Wildlife Park where you can get up close to furry koalas. Stay a night at Sequoia Lodge, where interconnected suites are perfect for travelling with a carer or companion. Settle in for a meal or wine tasting at The Lane Vineyard’s cellar door and restaurant, both accessible for travellers in a wheelchair.
- Helpful resources: Discover the Adelaide Hills’ accessible experiences and accommodation.
