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Self Drive In And Around Adelaide

A great way to see the beauty of the region

With many of the highlights just a short drive from Adelaide, its easy to base yourself in the city and explore the surrounding regions on a series of day or overnight trips.

The following itinerary to the Adelaide Hills is an example of one of the many drives you can take from the city.

It takes in vineyards, orchards, food producers and historic towns, providing a tantalising taste of this beautiful region.

For those with more time, the Barossa, Murray River and Fleurieu Peninsula regions also link in well.

Adelaide Hills Self Drive Itinerary

Day 1
Leaving Adelaide, head east along North Terrace and Magill Road to Norton Summit, a beautiful apple and cherry producing area, complete with steep gullies and lush gardens. Stop for a coffee at the Scenic Hotel and admire the views from the balcony. Beyond Marble Hill, look out for the Corkscrew Road turn off and follow it over the ridge.

Pick up the Gorge Scenic Drive near Castambul and continue to Chain of Ponds, where you will find two wineries. You could make this an early lunch stop before heading onwards to Gumeracha and then the National Motor Museum at Birdwood. If cars do not appeal, travel south via Lobethal to Woodside where Heritage Park is home to the delicious Melba’s Chocolates. Afterwards take a peek in Woodside’s antique stores.

Travel via Oakbank and Balhannah to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, dating from 1839.

This town has retained much of its German heritage. Look out for The Cedars, the home and studio of artist Sir Hans Heysen.

From Hahndorf drive back to Adelaide through Bridgewater, home to Petaluma Wines and the award winning Bridgewater Mill restaurant. The nearby villages of Aldgate and Stirling have great cafes, restaurants and shops and are worth a stop for coffee.

If you have the time, it is recommended you stay overnight in the Hills at one of the many delightful B&Bs. Book a dusk tour and dinner at the award-winning Warrawong Earth Sanctuary.

Day 2
For those staying on in the Hills, continue exploring the region at a leisurely pace.

On your way back to Adelaide take a short detour to Mount Lofty Summit, stopping to walk through the beautiful Botanic Gardens. The summit offers spectacular views of Adelaide City as well as having a good information centre, and café style restaurant.

Take the South Eastern Freeway back to Adelaide.