There’s nothing better than cruising through tree-lined villages, and small country towns. As the winter-blues continue, there’s never been a better time to discover the constant beauty of the Adelaide Hills. And this week, Melba’s takes you on a journey, showing you some of the best places to visit in our neck of the woods…
Start your morning in the picturesque Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. Renowned for breathtaking views, and magnificent surrounds, these gardens are a beautiful representation of the ever-changing scenery in the Adelaide Hills. Explore the grounds, or visit the iconic Mount Lofty House; built in 1852 and overlooking the stunning Piccadilly Valley, you’ll witness the true beauty of these patchwork-like rolling hills. Order breakfast or indulge in a delicious coffee as you sit and relax, watching the world go by. Close by is the Cleland Wildlife Park, a perfect way to spend the morning after a warm cup of coffee. The kids will love the animals, and you’ll be able to have some time getting to know the diverse flora and fauna of this region. You’ll even have the opportunity to get up close and personal to a Koala. Cleland are one of the only few places you can hold these cuddly creatures.
For lunch why not head to the gorgeous town of Stirling, where you’ll find the charming Patch Kitchen, renowned for its ‘farm-fresh’ food. As you wind your way along the country roads, you’ll find this picturesque restaurant nestled among trees. If the weather holds off, the kids can play in the ample garden space. It’s a real family-friendly environment that promotes the use of seasonal and local produce.
Or maybe try out Hahndorf’s Seasonal Garden Cafe. This famous destination produces some of the towns most delicious combinations. Much like Patch, an emphasis is placed on seasonal and local produce, sourced from the land and regional farms. Take the time to drive through the tree-lined Main Street of Hahndorf, try to find a park (it’s hard but worth the struggle), and step back in time. As one of Australia’s oldest surviving German settlements, it’s saying ‘Old. New. Endless.’ couldn’t be more accurate. Be sure to discover its famous small-good outlets, bakeries and cafes – all so delicious!
In the afternoon head along the country roads and towards some of SA’s premier wine destinations. Not only are we renowned for our scenery, but our cool climate drops from wineries like Barristers Block, Shaw & Smith and Bird in Hand leave the Adelaide Hills at the top of every wine lover’s list. With an abundance of places to try our famous wines, you’ll struggle to pick just one!
Take the long way home to be sure to see as much as possible. Even if you’re driving through these charming, story book-like towns, you’ll see so much of what makes this region unique. You may feel like you need more than 24 hours to explore this region, and you’re not wrong! The Adelaide Hills are packed with breathtaking scenery and hidden treasures that even locals feel like they don’t know what’s around every corner.
Our Melba’s Team encourages all locals, tourists and ‘city-dwellers’ to take the time to discover some of SA’s delicious destinations. Whether you’re taking a day-trip, or planning a weekend away, be sure to add the Adelaide Hills to your bucket-list.
