4 Best Sights in The Adelaide Hills, South Australia

A short drive from Mt. Lofty Summit brings you to delightful Cleland Wildlife Park, where a range of native Australian animals roam free in three different forest habitats. Self-guided walking trails crisscross the park and its surroundings, and you're guaranteed to see emus and kangaroos in the grasslands and pelicans around the swampy billabongs. There are also enclosures for wombats and other less sociable animals. Koala cuddling is a highlight of the Meet A Koala Experience, while Breakfast with the Birds offers the chance to feed a variety of species before the park opens to the public, and the Echidna Encounter is a rare chance to get up close and personal with one of the planet’s two species of monotreme. The park is closed when there's a fire ban, which is most likely to occur between December and February.

Since 2001 this winery on the former Jurlique herb farm has practiced biodynamic farming by following lunar cycles, growing vegetables, raising livestock, and abstaining from chemical treatments. The welcoming cellar door is open for tastings and on Friday and Sunday morning guests can embark on a vinous journey on the Vine-to-Glass tour. The winery also hosts occasional events including memorable paddock-to-plate dining experiences showcasing Ngeringa wines (try the sprightly pét-nat) alongside incredible produce grown on-site. The farm supplies most of Adelaide's top restaurants and there is also a dedicated chamber music venue on-site.

The cool-climate Adelaide Hills wine region has developed a reputation for excellent Pinot Noir, and nowhere is this more in evidence than Ashton Hills. Founder Stephen George helped to put the region on the map when he founded the vineyard 40 years ago, testing dozens of Pinot Noir clones before deciding on the five that make up the premium releases. Current winemaker Liam Van pelt continues that legacy, and the shedlike cellar door is a delightful spot to while away an afternoon with a tasting that takes in cool-climate touchstones, including sparkling and Chardonnay alongside the obligatory Pinot Noir.

A panoply of rhododendrons, magnolias, ferns, and native and exotic trees ensure these gardens are glorious throughout fall and spring; free guided walks leave the lower parking lot on Thursday at 10:30 am year-round except on extreme fire danger days when the forecast is above 35°C (95°F).