3 Best Sights in The Adelaide Hills, South Australia

A short drive from Mt. Lofty Summit brings you to delightful Cleland Wildlife Park, where many 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 koala close-up sessions (A$33, daily 2 pm and 2:30 pm). Breakfast with the Birds offers the chance to feed a variety of species before the park opens to the public, and private two-hour night walks (A$327 for up to four people) let you wander among nocturnal species such as potoroos and brush-tailed bettongs: check the website for the next scheduled walk. Private guided tours can be arranged for A$135 per hour weekdays, A$270 per hour weekends. Reservations are essential. 

The park is closed when there's a fire ban (usually between December and February).

For more than 20 years 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 winery cellar door is open by appointment only, and also occasional events including memorable paddock-to-plate dining experiences showcasing Ngeringa wines like the sprightly pet 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. Tastings by appointment, A$20.

With its rhododendrons, magnolias, ferns, and native and exotic trees, these gardens are glorious in 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).