Koala in the Cleland Wildlife Park

Lookout over Adelaide from Mt Lofty

National Motor Museum at Birdwood

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THE ADELAIDE HILLS

The Adelaide Hills are renowned for their beauty, the diversity and quality of the many obvious and hidden attractions, and their proximity to the city of Adelaide.
Adjacent to the internationally recognised wine areas of the Barossa Valley and Southern Vales, it is only a short drive from Adelaide along the freeway.
Lovely little towns, many of them with German heritage will be found nestled amongst the forest and woodlands and each offers its own atmosphere and character.
Probably the most visited is Hahndorf, just north of the freeway and named after Captain Hahn who brought early German migrants to Adelaide and helped them establish here. It was also the home of noted artist Sir Hans Heysen and his home is open for inspection.
Oakbank is filled with revellers each Easter when the world's largest picnic race meeting is held over the long weekend and Gumeracha, Birdwood and Woodside have major attractions to visit.
You will be fascinated by all the towns in the hills and should spend a day just following your nose and exploring. The Cleland Wildlife Park and the view from Mt Lofty Summit are only a couple of the attractions you will find.
A little further east is Murray Bridge where the mighty River Murray crosses the freeway is a popular playground for water sports enthusiasts, and there are many popular attractions to visit. Among these is Dundee's, displaying colourful butterflies in a walk-through environment, and crocodiles. Adjacent is the popular family attraction, Puzzle Park. A little further on, just before Tailem bend, is the magnificently presented Old Tailem Town, a representation of Tailem Bend as it was around the turn of the century.
Just off the freeway near Callington is the Monarto Zoo, a free-range area with native and exotic animals on display, and open to the public on Sundays and Public Holidays.
There are many things to see and do in, and around, the Adelaide Hills, the following is a summary of some ideas and attractions.

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MAIN EVENTS:

Bay to Birdwood Run: September

Oakbank Steeplechase Meeting: Easter weekend in April.

To enjoy the Adelaide Hills you will need at least a couple of days and I would suggest you stay overnight to give yourself time to explore all the attractions.
There are dozens of places to see and visit and, although the area is only a short drive from Adelaide, it offers an opportunity for a romantic overnight break instead of returning to the city to drive up again the next day and complete your tour.
There are several wineries, lots of olde style pubs, museums and attractions to see and there is a wealth of accommodation options including B&Bs, motels, pub rooms and caravan parks.
The hub of the hills is Hahndorf and there is a variety of accommodation including 2 motels and a caravan park.
ACCOMMODATION

Motels, hotels, caravan parks, B&Bs, guest houses and farm stays will all be found in the Adelaide Hills with the majority concentrated in Hahndorf.

Wilkins Tourist Maps produce a map in this area. You can pick up an Adelaide Hills map from accommodation houses and some information centres in towns in this area.