While it might be less than a 20-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD, the Adelaide Hills might as well be a world away. A succession of perfectly charming towns set amongst green, rolling, vine-laden hills, it’s little wonder why the area has become one of South Australia’s most popular destinations.
If you’re eager to wade into all the fun and excitement that the Adelaide Hills has to offer, the experiences below are a great place to start. Blending wine, feeding roos, picking fruit, hiking for views; no matter what your version of a good time might be, you’re sure to find it in the Hills.
1. Blend your own cool climate wine
Unlike the warm and dry climate of the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions, which are renowned for their full-bodied and intense reds, the Adelaide Hills features a decidedly cool climate that produces delicate and complex drops. And with a plethora of wineries and cellar doors to choose from, it’s a great idea to increase your knowledge on wines so you can participate in the varied tastings on offer.
There’s no better place to learn about the nuances of the region’s wines than at The Lane, home to an acclaimed restaurant and tasting room, which offers a Blend Your Own Wine Experience, to really get the creative juices flowing! This two-hour crash course in winemaking will see you walk away with your very own Adelaide Hills blend!
2. Pick strawberries at Beerenberg
Beginning in November every year, specks of red begin to dot the fields that surround Beerenberg, a sixth-generation family business famous for its sauces, preserves and fresh produce. The addition of colour to the fields, marks the start of strawberry season, which stretches all the way through the summer months to April. During this time Beerenberg invites guests to pick their own fruit, an ultra-cute activity that is as fun for kids as it is for couples. What you do with your sweet, juicy and oh so fresh haul is up to you!
3. Strudel and Stroll through the historic Hahndorf
As the name suggests, the village of Hahndorf was established by German settlers in 1838. Almost two centuries later the German influence remains as strong as ever, as you’ll tell by the oom-pah music and shouts of ‘Prost!’ that emanate from the pubs that line the main street.
There’s no bad place to immerse yourself in the German experience but a stand out adventure is the Strudel and Stroll walking tour, which takes guests through the process of making Apple Strudel or known by our German friends as Geman Apfelstrudel. Whilst cooking, guests will walk the town to learn about the early settlers, German architecture and the origin of the pretzel, before sitting down to enjoy their very own strudel for dessert!
4. Shop the boutique stalls of Stirling Market
In an area famed for its cute towns, the garden village of Stirling could well be the cutest, particularly in Autumn. And there’s no better day to enjoy the delights of this community than the fourth Sunday of every month, when the Stirling Market is set up along beautiful Druid Avenue. Here you’ll find everything you could ever want from a boutique country market: arts and crafts, fresh produce, antiques and collectibles, clothes, plants, woodwork, wine and more!
5. Intimate dining in the corners of Mylor!
Hidden between the valley and forests of Mylor is the exclusive culinary experience; Villetta Porcini, a dining extravaganza presented by chef Andre Ursini, is built on rural simplicity and appreciation for excellent, local produce. Whilst kept deliberately secretive and intimate, there are whispers that guests can roam the grounds, and pick their own produce, mushrooms being a hot commodity of course! Those interested must sign up to their database and wait for a weekend to become available – a booking process that only amplifies the exclusive experience!
6. Climb the world’s largest rocking horse
The Australian obsession with big things is alive and well in the tiny town of Gumeracha, which is home to a not-so-tiny rocking horse. In fact, it’s the biggest in the world. Standing more than 18m hooves to mane, the Big Rocking Horse features a platform on the saddle that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. On the same site you’ll find a toy factory that specialises in timber pieces, and a petting zoo filled with cute Australian fauna. Extend the experience by creating a checklist of nationwide ‘big things’ – it may take a few years to complete, but it’s an experience you sure won’t forget.
7. Taste wine in ‘The Tank’ below The Uraidla Hotel
When you close your eyes and think of wine tasting you’ll likely picture yourself on a sun-drenched patio looking out over row upon row of fruit-filled vines. No such views are found at Uraidla Hotel, but while your sunscreen will go to waste at The Tank, this tasting experience is one of the most unique in Australia. This former underground water tank has been converted into a wine tasting cellar lined floor to ceiling with 4000 bottles of the good stuff.
8. Learn the art of authentic Thai cuisine
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook the most genuine and delicious Asian cuisine, good news: the expert chefs at Sticky Rice Cooking School in Stirling are ready to share their secrets. While the school offers classes in a broad range of flavours, including Mediterranean, Mexican, Japanese and Korean, it’s best known as a temple of Thai cuisine. And if you’re looking for a truly immersive cooking experience, consider staying on-site in one of Sticky Rice’s luxurious villas!
Now you know all about the amazing experiences on offer in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, why not make a trip out of it and visit Newenham to truly experience and enjoy all the Hills has to offer.
If you’d like to know more about securing your future at Newenham, see our land for sale or call Newenham’s friendly Sales Team on 0429 107 497.
The Sales and Information Centre is located at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker. Check the website for open hours or book by appointment for a personal tour at a time that suits you by calling our Sales Team on 0429 107 497.
