The Adelaide Hills is a picturesque destination located in the foothills of the Mt Lofty Ranges in South Australia. Many parts of the region, just 30 minutes’ drive from Adelaide, were badly impacted by the Cudlee Creek bushfire that began before Christmas 2019, with more than 80 homes lost. But many towns were not directly impacted, including historic German village, Hahndorf.
What to do in the Adelaide Hills with kids
The area offers a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. Here are some of the top family-friendly Adelaide Hills attractions.
Visit family-friendly Adelaide Hills wineries
One of the highlights of the Adelaide Hills is its vibrant food and wine scene. The region is home to many award-winning wineries and cellar doors, where visitors can taste local wines and learn about the wine-making process.
The cellar doors and gardens at Golding Wines in Lobethal, Barristers Block in Woodside and Anderson Hill in Lenswood are great places to support local businesses.
Adelaide Hills animal encounters
Meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats and native birds at Cleland Wildlife Park, situated in the bush setting of the Mount Lofty Ranges. This park has no enclosures, so you can see the animals in their natural environment.
Animal lovers will also love Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary in Mylor, and Hahndorf Farm Barn, where you can try your hand at milking a cow, take a pony ride, bottle feed baby lambs and hand feed the camels and donkeys.
Kids can cuddle a koala at Gorge Wildlife Park for just $15, and for those on a budget, koala petting is free of charge. ‘Unleashed’ keeper demonstrations on the last Sunday of every month are another chance to meet some of the the park’s residents, which include reptiles, echidnas and exotic monkeys.
Book a Cleland Wildlife Park self-guided tour from Adelaide here
Outdoor adventures in the Adelaide Hills
For the adventurous, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the Hills, as well as rock climbing and abseiling opportunities. The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty summit trail is one popular hike, though sections are steep and better suited to longer legs.
With littlies, a more comfortable route is the Hills Sculpture Trail in town, which is fairly flat and can be taken at your own pace. On two wheels, you can also tackle sections of the Amy Gillett Rail Trail.
Set on a 54ha property, Woodhouse Activity Centre in Piccadilly, offers a multitude of activities, including an obstacle course, disc golf, orienteering and tube slides. Other places to experience the great outdoors include Belair National Park, Cleland Conservation Park and Morialta Conservation Park, which features an awesome adventure playground.
Pick your own farm-fresh fruit
From November to April, kids can pick their own strawberries at the Beerenberg Farm in Hahndorf. Note that the strawberry patch may close in bad weather or when ‘picked out’ so check the website for updates.
Cherry season runs from November to January, and you can also pick your own fruit at Harben Vale Cherries. Other tasty experiences include picking figs at Glen Erwin Estate and apples picking at Lenswood Pick Your Own – keep an eye out for when they are in season.
Follows the Adelaide Hills Kids' Food Trail
The Adelaide Hills Kids’ Food Trail is more than just a delicious experience – it ‘s a great way for little ones to learn where their food comes from. Melba’s Chocolate and Confectionery Factory in Woodside is another must-visit for kids with a sweet tooth. You can also sample plenty of local cheese at Udder Delights or Woodside Cheese Wrights.
There are also many farm-to-table restaurants and farmers markets in the Hills, where visitors can sample the delicious local produce.
More family attractions in the Adelaide Hills
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of beautiful gardens and parks to explore, as well as scenic drives and hot air balloon rides.
The northern townships of Birdwood, Gumeracha and Cudlee Creek are home to some of the region’s favourite family-friendly attractions, including the National Motor Museum, and the The Big Rocking Horse & The Toy Factory.
Family accomodation in the Adelaide Hills
Stay in a heritage-listed stone manor, rustic but cosy chalets or book an unpowered camping site. Other accommodation options in the area include vineyard cottages, country pubs, farm stays, eco retreats and holiday parks.
Discovery Parks – Hahndorf has a jumping pillow, a pool and mini golf, with modern resort rooms, units, cottages and houses for groups of up to 10 people.
In Hahndorf, try The Studios for self-contained studio apartments set just off the main street, or The Manna.
In wine country, consider the homestead at Longview Vineyard in Macclesfield and self-contained country cottages Esto House at Crafers and The Other House at Piccadilly.
For something off the beaten track, consider booking Cleland Cottage in Cleland Conservation Park. Guests have exclusive use of this rustic bushland cottage which sleeps up to ten people.
How to get to the Adelaide Hills, SA
By car from Adelaide, it only takes half an hour to reach the Adelaide Hills, which extends from the Barossa Valley to McLaren Vale. You can also book a half-day tour of the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf.
Opening image: A family meeting the emus at Cleland Wildlife Park. Credit – South Australian Tourism Commission-Adam Bruzzone
Content contributors: Angela Saurine, Elisa Elwin
