Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale & Barossa

Tasting fine wines and artisan foods as you tour quaint and historic villages will be at the top of your itinerary – but there are plenty more distractions to enjoy as you go.

Climb through the botanic gardens of Mount Lofty in Adelaide Hills to enjoy incredible views from the Summit Café, as kangaroos and bandicoot mill around. Explore the Alternate Realities Museum at d’Arenberg Cube. Take breakfast in the sky with a majestic hot-air balloon ride over the Barossa.

And don’t forget to uncover South Australia’s wildlife and nature. See western grey kangaroos and find distinctive rock formations at Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park. Spot giant termite mounds and curious echidna among the wildflowers of Hale. See pink gum trees and flocks of birds by Sandy Creek’s sand dunes. Or take a family trip to Cleland Wildlife Park to get up close with wombats, koalas, cockatoos, and butterflies.

Vineyards, their wineries, and the food which complements their produce are reasons one, two and three for visiting Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Barossa. As you explore these distinct regions of Southern Australia, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the greatest food and drink experiences in the country.

Uncover ‘the art of being different’ at D'Arenberg in McLaren Vale, with its incredible cube architecture and futuristic attitude. Learn the secrets behind Australia’s prized Penfolds wine in the Adelaide Hills. Or learn about the origins behind the famous Jacob's Creek in Barossa.

Once you’ve had your fill of vineyards, it’s time to tuck into some of Australia's best artisan food experiences. Discover the romantic Appellation Restaurant at The Louise in Marananga, or join a celebrity chef cooking class at Maggie Beer's Farm Eatery. Try rich cocoa delights from the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, or enjoy a delicious dairy tasting at the Barossa Valley Cheese Company.

Between the wineries and restaurants, you’ll find dozens of cute towns and historic villages, each with its own fascinating personality. Spend a night in the picturesque township of McLaren Vale itself. Wander the quirky shops and cafés of Christies Beach, or taste products of the Vale at the lively Saturday farmers market in Willunga. Sample sauerkraut and schnitzels, or pick strawberries and collect jams in the German village of Hahndorf.

Uncover the past and future of transport at Birdwood’s National Motor Museum, where early machines are parked beside the sleek supercars of today. Walk the 19th-century streets of Angaston, which are lined with heritage architecture of grey marble and bluestone. Follow the mining trial of Kapunda, where Australia’s copper industry once flourished. Visit the four Lutheran churches of Tanunda. Or join a Ngadjuri bush food tour with a sophisticated high tea in the old town of Lyndoch.

Mild winters and warm summers mean there’s never a bad time to visit Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Barossa. December to February is summertime, with minimal rainfall and temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C – perfect for lazy days touring the countryside and vineyards.

Autumn occurs between March and May. The days begin to cool but rainfall remains low, so this is a great time to enjoy the outdoor activities, while avoiding the summer crowds. June, July and August are the wettest and coolest months of the year, when temperatures can even reach single figures. Some villages will be quiet and sleepy – especially on the coast – but many cosy restaurants remain open to keep you warm and well-fed. September to November brings spring, when the countryside comes alive with colour and temperatures begin to climb once more.