Adelaide Hills Towns
Be inspired
Many towns in the Adelaide Hills date back to the early days of European settlement. Norton Summit, founded in 1837, claims to be the region’s oldest.
Crafers is the gateway to the Adelaide Hills. It’s also just a short walk from Mount Lofty Summit and some spectacular views of Adelaide.
Hahndorf and Birdwood are iconic towns. Hahndorf has a rich German history and 90 buildings dating back to the 1800s. Birdwood is home to the National Motor Museum and takes its name from Gallipoli commander, Sir William Birdwood.
A gardener’s delight
Stirling and Nairne are just two Adelaide Hills’ towns with stunning European-style gardens. Leafy Stirling is also a popular destination for visitors to the Santos Tour Down Under bike race.
Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary is just a ten minute drive from Stirling. It’s another Hills’ gem and a magical place to be at dawn and dusk.
Steeped in history
In the mid 1800s, Aldgate and Bridgewater were important stops for horse and bullock teams. Bridgewater’s heart is the magnificent Bridgewater Mill Petaluma Restaurant and waterwheel. Bridgewater Mill was built on the banks of Cock’s Creek, the town’s original name.
In Woodside, it’s all cheese and chocolate. Woodside Cheese Wrights and Melba’s Chocolate Factory are renowned produce makers. One taste and you’ll understand why. Balhannah and Littlehampton reflect their railway days, while in Echunga, it’s gold. Follow the Jupiter Creek Heritage Trail and discover Echunga’s gold rush story.
Macclesfield’s stone architecture and a weekly market give the town an old village feel. Meadows, like Oakbank, also springs to life at Easter for its fair but the bakery is worth a visit anytime.
Every Adelaide Hills’ town has a story to tell.
Things to do
Here are some great ideas for you to try while you’re in the area.
What's on
There are plenty of events on in the Adelaide Hills. Here are some ideas you might like.
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