What is the Adelaide Hills known for?
The Adelaide Hills is a scenic region just east of Adelaide, known for cool-climate wines, apple orchards, historic towns such as Hahndorf, and native wildlife at places like Cleland Wildlife Park.
The hills are part of the Mount Lofty Ranges, rising to Mount Lofty, about 727 metres above sea level. The Mount Lofty Summit lookout offers views over Adelaide and the coast.
The region's cooler climate suits sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir, and there are many cellar doors. The area also grows apples, pears, cherries and strawberries.
Towns and attractions
Hahndorf, founded by German settlers in 1839, is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. It is known for its German bakeries, butchers and heritage streetscape.
Cleland Wildlife Park lets visitors see koalas, kangaroos and other native animals. The Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is known for its autumn colors.
Towns such as Stirling, Lobethal and Birdwood have their own attractions, including the National Motor Museum at Birdwood. The hills are also known for their bushfire risk, especially after the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires.