Your weekend itinerary in the Adelaide Hills
It’s pretty special to live in a region that people travel to. The wineries, eateries, markets, charming towns, hikes and history, all in our background. Then, beaches, the river and the city, all within an hour’s drive.
We get to ‘have it all’ here in the Hills.
Tourism contributed $192 million to our local economy in 2024 and $519 million for our extended neighbours in the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Living here, we get to enjoy one of South Australia’s most popular places, anytime time we like. With Mount Barker’s rapid growth, with a projected 20,000 more people over the next 20 years, this will also spur a lot of growth in the surrounding towns.
We’re seeing this play out already, with new eateries and entertainment additions to the Hills, such as Lot 100 and the award-winning Ondeen. Whether you want to get an early start on your day or have a dinner date night, there’s plenty to do without having to go down the hill.
Start the day with a coffee and stroll
Nothing quite compares to a slow stroll, coffee in hand, in a charming Adelaide Hills town. You can’t go wrong with cafes, as they’re all good quality in the Hills. Some favourite picks include:
- FRED Eatery in Aldgate (we even interviewed the owner on the Nitschke Podcast)
- Green Valley Strawberries Café in Nairne
- Woodside Providore
- Lady Luck in Mount Barker
If you’re in Mount Barker on a Saturday morning, head to the Adelaide Hills Farmer’s Market (on Mann Street). There’s also the Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market.
If you’re strolling on a Sunday, check the schedule for the Stirling Markets, Gumeracha Fifth Sunday Market, Uraidla Market, and Meadows Country Market & Fairs.
Nature trail to work up appetite
With so much surrounding nature, you’re spoiled for choice if you want to work up a sweat or leisurely explore a trail. There’s the famous Mount Lofty hike, Morialta Falls, Heyson Trail, Laritinga Wetlands, and Amy Gillett Pathway (for the cyclists).
Pick a trail that’s most convenient for you.
Graze on lunch
If you’re going straight from your hike to lunch, you might be in the mood for a pub meal. There’s an abundance of options in the Adelaide Hills; it just depends on dress code and cravings.
For pub grub, you can’t beat:
- Uraidla Hotel
- Stirling Hotel
- Crafers Hotel
- Stanley Bridge Tavern
- Lobethal Bierhaus
- Bridgewater Inn
For cafes or cool eateries, consider these options:
- Dirty Doris
- Emma & Ivy
- The Good Pantry
- The Haus
- Fourth Hill Providore
- Crafers Pizza Bar
Or better yet, treat yourself to a degustation or lunch menu at one of the many wineries we have. This would be too exhaustive of a list to include them all, but some local favourites are The Lane, Sidewood Estate, Bird in Hand, Shaw + Smith, and Barristers Block.
Choose a cellar door that’s close to you because they’re all good.
If you’re planning to spend the rest of the night in, you could peruse some of the boutiques and artisan stores to pick up supplies… face masks, local cheese, jam, chocolate, and of course, a bottle of wine.
As local residents (and real estate agents) ourselves, we have a long list of the best places to visit in the Adelaide Hills – make sure you’re on our email list