A rural playground for many Adelaidians, the Adelaide Hills are only a 30-minute drive from the city, are surprisingly undeveloped with lush woodland and offer numerous conservation areas with walking trails and the chance to view and interact with native fauna. Centred in the Mt Lofty Ranges, narrow, winding roads lead you through gentrified villages, leafy hills and farmed valleys; past carts of fresh produce for sale, stone cottages, olive groves and vineyards. Wineries dotted throughout the hills make for a relaxed wine-tasting and gourmet eating trail. Take a good map, as signage is lacking and it’s easy to get lost.
Getting there & around: Public transport to the Hills is very limited. The best options are to hire a car or take an organised coach tour from Adelaide.Buses 864, 864F and 164F depart hourly from Adelaide for Hahndorf ($3.50, 70 minutes). There are a few No 823 buses from Crafers to Mt Lofty Summit and Cleland Wildlife Park (10 min).
