What happens when you trade your phone signals for birdsong? When your morning commute is a bushwalk and not a traffic jam? Welcome to the Adelaide Hills – a place that slows you down in all the best ways.
Located just 30 minutes from Adelaide, this cool-climate region in South Australia invites you to breathe deeply, and explore nature, food, art, and wine – all at once. You’ll find local growers selling their own apples at roadside stalls, cellar doors tucked between the gums, and walking trails that disappear into forested silence.
If you’re wondering what to do in Adelaide Hills, this guide from CABN shows you why here’s the perfect place to breathe deep and reconnect with yourself or the land around you.
Adelaide Hills Attractions You’ll Want to Slow Down For
You don’t come to Adelaide Hills for flashing billboards or large crowds. You come for the kind of beauty that doesn’t shout but stays with you.
- Start at Mount Lofty Summit. Just before sunset is best — the whole Adelaide skyline softens in golden light, and if you look long enough, you might even spot the edge of the Southern Ocean shimmering on the horizon.
- From here, you may wander downhill to Cleland Wildlife Park. And yes, you really can hand-feed a kangaroo. This isn’t only for kids — there’s something oddly grounding about getting that close to a koala or emu in a place where nature still calls the shots.
- When you go further south, you can stretch your legs at Waterfall Gully. The hike from here back up to Mount Lofty is no joke (bring water), but it’s also one of South Australia’s most-loved bush walks. The kind of trail where you’ll hear kookaburras before you spot them.
- If you need something more chill, roll out a picnic blanket in Belair National Park. Spot some rosellas. Watch the light flicker through tall gums. Then lose track of time.
- Just a 4-minute drive from CABN Hahndorf, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Hahndorf’s historic main street, with iconic stops like Ambleside Distillers, The Haus Restaurant, Hahndorf Inn, and German Spoon. Surrounded by cellar doors and artisan producers, it’s the perfect place to eat, drink, and explore between moments of stillness.
What to See and Do in the Adelaide Hills
The food here isn’t just good. It tells a story — about soil, seasons, and the people growing, baking, or fermenting it just a few kilometres away.
Start in Mount Barker or Piccadilly Valley. The air’s crisper. The menus lean local. And the cellar doors are more likely to be run by the winemaker than a corporate host. Order a tasting flight of cool climate wines — Chardonnay, Pinot, or Syrah — and you’ll get low-intervention vintages that actually taste like the region.
Look for labels that mention own apples, single-vineyard blends, or award-winning wines. These producers are doing something special and they’re happy to tell you the story behind every bottle.
Now pair that wine with local bites. Think about ash-rolled goat cheese, gluten free sourdough, or wood-fired pizzas straight from the oven. They are the kind of meals where no one rushes you out the door.
If you’re craving something lighter, try the Adelaide Hills cider. Dry, crisp, and ideal after a long bushwalk. Many brewers here use heirloom apple varieties, some from trees older than your grandparents.
Looking for Somewhere to Stay? Try CABN Adelaide Hills
If your idea of a weekend escape involves no Wi-Fi, no screens, and no “ding” notifications, you’re the kind of travelers we see at the Hills.
CABN Adelaide Hills offers minimalist, off-grid cabins sited deep in native bushland. These cabins aren’t flashy hotels but they have sleek designs, rainwater showers, fire pits, and views that make you stop mid-sentence.
You wake to birdsong, sip local wine under a canopy of stars and hear your own thoughts again.
Some of our guests book for a birthday, anniversary, celebration or mini-moon. Others come solo, just to sit, hike, journal, and sleep well. Either way, it’s the kind of stay that nudges you gently back into balance.
So whether you want to pop into a stunning cellar door or spend the afternoon at a day spa, the options are all there. You just get to choose what pace to move at.
South Australia’s Best Produce Is Grown (and Poured) Here
Want to bring a little of the Adelaide Hills home with you? Swing by a weekend market. Stock up on delicious treats like cherry jam, small-batch gin, and beeswax-wrapped cheese.
Many of the stalls are run by farmers themselves, so if you want tips on how to roast those heritage carrots, just ask.
You can also get your hands dirty with a behind-the-scenes tour at one of the local wineries. Stomp grapes in season. Learn how oak barrels change a Shiraz. Or taste vertical vintages that show how wine evolves year by year.
Trust us: after a couple of tastings, you’ll start planning your next visit before this one ends.
Thinking Bigger? Try Out CABN on Kangaroo Island
If, after encountering the CABNs at Adelaide Hills, you’re already dreaming about your next escape, you can head southwest and trade the forest for the sea.
CABN Kangaroo Island is a wild, ocean-framed version of everything you loved in the hills — just with more sea and stars.
Perched near the Southern Ocean, it offers off-grid eco stays wrapped in natural luxury. You wake up to crashing waves, sip wine from Islander Estate, and explore untouched beaches without another footprint in sight.
It’s a quieter alternative to the busy crowd. One where your neighbor might be a wallaby, and your biggest decision is which trail to wander after breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Adelaide Hills known for?
The Adelaide Hills are best known for their cool-climate wines and rich winemaking history. In fact, this region is one of Australia’s oldest wine districts. The first vines were planted at Echunga back in 1839, just three years after South Australia became a province. By 1843, the Hills were already producing their first wines, setting the stage for what would become one of the country’s most iconic wine regions.
How long does it take to reach Adelaide Hills from Adelaide?
In under 40 minutes. You will be surrounded by trees, vineyards, and wildlife. Perfect for a day trip or long weekend at CABN Adelaide Hills.
What’s the best time to visit Mount Lofty Summit or Waterfall Gully in the Hills?
Early morning or just before sunset. The light’s golden, the crowds are thinner, and you’ll hear more birds than people. It’s peak South Australia magic.
What makes Islander Estate wines worth trying?
They’re grown and bottled on Kangaroo Island, shaped by the ocean air and ancient soils. Expect depth, character, and a few surprises in each pour.
How does CABN Kangaroo Island compare to the Adelaide Hills experience?
Both offer eco-luxury, privacy, and immersion in nature. The Hills give you forested trails and vineyards, with options for a CABN X or CABN lodge in Hahndorf. CABN Kangaroo Island brings ocean views, remote beaches, and breezy coastal vibes.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Whether you’re sipping fine wine at a cellar door, hiking to Waterfall Gully, or winding down in a CABN Adelaide Hills cabin, one thing’s guaranteed: you’ll leave lighter than you came.
Ready to escape into nature in the Hills or anywhere in South Australia? Book your off-grid retreat with CABN South Australia today.
