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Adelaide HillsNature & adventure

Our most recommended Adelaide Hills Nature & adventure

Barossa Valley: Hot Air Balloon Flight

1. Barossa Valley: Hot Air Balloon Flight

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Barossa Valley on this hot air balloon tour from Nuriootpa. Watch the sunrise as you soar over the valley and end your experience with a mouth-watering breakfast on the ground. Meet your pilot and crew approximately 2 hours before sunrise at the reception center in Nuriootpa. Once everybody is assembled and signed in, your pilot will give you a briefing before you board a comfortable all terrain vehicle for the drive to the launch site. Drive through the Barossa Valley which is famous for having some of the most gorgeous landscapes in all of Adelaide. Once you arrive at the launch site, your pilot and crew will inflate the balloon ready for take-off. Have the option to join in with the balloon preparation. This whole process takes about 30-40 minutes. Jump on board, and after one last briefing and then it’s up, up, and away. Wave goodbye to the crew who will follow on the ground and meet you when you land. Relax and take in the amazing 360⁰ views. Experience the peace and beauty of floating over the countryside as the sun is rising. Fly for about 1 hour before landing somewhere downwind. Once you have landed your crew will meet you and it’s time to pack the balloon away. Hop back in the comfy vehicle and head back to the reception center for breakfast. The morning ends with a delicious Barossa breakfast back at the reception center with a view over Penfolds Stonewell vineyards. Chat with your fellow passengers and pilot about the morning's events, while sipping sparkling wine and indulging in the best Barossa produce.

Cleland Wildlife Park Experience with Mount Lofty Summit

2. Cleland Wildlife Park Experience with Mount Lofty Summit

A day with Australia's wonderful animals awaits. Before arriving at the wildlife park, you will take a short stop at Mount Lofty Summit to enjoy the magnificent panorama over Adelaide. At approximately 710m, the summit is the highest point in the Adelaide Hills with uninterrupted views to the Gulf St. Vincent and as far as the eye can see north and south. The Cleland Wildlife Park is set in 35 hectares of natural bush and provides a unique open space environment with very few enclosures. It is home to over 130 species of native animals and is one of only a few places in the world where you can hold a koala. Cleland Wildlife Park is well known for its management and care in the health and wellbeing of the animals. As you explore the park and follow the self-guided discovery trails, find an abundance of native wildlife and walk among the free roaming animals in their natural environment. Explore the lively wetlands where the pelicans, cormorants and water birds live. See kangaroos, emus, dingoes, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and many more! Get up close to Australia’s iconic Koala! Your entry fee includes the ‘close-up’ experience where you can meet, touch and photograph one of the park’s cutest inhabitants while listening to the keepers who care for them. For an additional fee (no pre-booking), you have a unique opportunity to hold a koala and have a professional photo taken at the same time. Engaging with the park’s friendliest inhabitants provides a truly immersive experience. The best way to get up close to the kangaroos, wallabies and potoroos is by hand feeding them with the animal food provided. Don’t forget to save some for the emus and waterfowl as you make your way around the park. The Ocean to Outback Interpretive Centre provides an opportunity to learn about South Australia’s diverse ecosystems whilst viewing the nocturnal animals, small mammals and reptiles – you may even choose the reptile hold experience!

From Adelaide: Victor Harbor & Southern Highlights Day Tour

3. From Adelaide: Victor Harbor & Southern Highlights Day Tour

Enjoy a delightful tour of South Australia’s premier tourist region, the Fleurieu Peninsula. This tour begins with a picturesque journey through the Adelaide Hills to the historical Scottish settlement of Strathalbyn. Here you will stop for some free time and morning tea in High Street (own expense). Continue on to the paddle steamer town of Goolwa where you'll have a brief tour of the town including the wharf, barrage and beach. On your way to Victor Harbor, cruise past the charming coastal town of Port Elliot including Horseshoe Bay, and stop at Whale Lookout for a photo opportunity. Upon arrival at Victor Harbor, South Australia’s most popular seaside village, wander through the main street, sampling the fresh local product. Enjoy free time to explore Victor Harbor. Visit one of the many pubs or cafes for lunch, and following that, you may choose to explore Granite Island, where you might even catch a glimpse of a Southern Right Whale during the winter months. Your tour then continues through the wine-making region of McLaren Vale, best known for producing outstanding Shiraz, and you'll enjoy a scenic drive through South Australia’s southern metropolitan beaches of Port Noarlunga and Moana before returning to Adelaide.

From Melbourne: 4-Day Great Ocean Road Tour to Adelaide

4. From Melbourne: 4-Day Great Ocean Road Tour to Adelaide

This 4-day tour takes you on an awe-inspiring journey through some of Australia’s most amazing sights and scenic cliff-hugging adventures. Delight in wonderful local food and wine, native Australian wildlife, tour caves, and see historical attractions Enjoy a relaxed pace allowing ample time for all the ‘must-sees’ during your journey, and each night arrive at your evening accommodation with ample time to relax and explore the regional towns. Travel on an air-conditioned coach with large viewing windows and reclining seats. Your tour can be as active as you want it to be. Join in on opportunities for nature walks, swimming, and spotting some of Australia’s unique animals in the wild, or simply explore destinations at your own pace. DAY 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en route to Geelong. Travel through Torquay for the first of countless photo opportunities of stunning coastal views and lookouts. Stop for a quick visit to the famous Bells Beach. Continue along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, visiting scenic spots including Kennett River where you can see koalas and colorful native birds in the wild. There are plenty of chances to see native Australian wildlife including Eastern Grey Kangaroos as they graze in the wild. Travel through Apollo Bay and into the Great Otway National Park. Take a guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully to see the world’s tallest flowering plants, prehistoric trees and ferns, and many other unique features. Arriving at the Twelve Apostles in the afternoon after the crowds have left, explore the boardwalks or brave a helicopter flight along the coastline (at your own expense). Visit Loch Ard Gorge and hear the story of the famous 19th-century Australian shipwreck. DAY 2: Port Campbell to Port Fairy Pop back to the apostles in the morning to check out these unique rock formations in the morning light without the crowds. Spend time visiting the unique formations of Loch Ard Gorge and hear the harrowing story of the wreck of the Lock Ard. Next up travel to Warrnambool for lunch followed by a visit to Tower Hill Wildlife Park. Discover aboriginal history and culture, local wildlife, and plants on an interactive tour of the park. Spend the evening in the quaint fishing village of Port Fairy. DAY 3: Port Fairy to Naracoorte Today you're bound for South Australia. Stop in Portland to enjoy panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, before a scenic drive through dense pine plantations to your lunch venue in the pretty riverside village of Nelson. After lunch, cross the border to arrive in Mount Gambier to see the famous Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole. Arrive in the evening to spend the night at Naracoorte. DAY 4: Naracoorte to Adelaide Your day begins with a guided visit to the world heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves, one of the world’s most important fossil sites. Continue with a drive through the Coonawarra vineyards where Australia’s most illustrious cabernet sauvignon vines thrive on the famed rich red soils. Lunch is served at Bremerton Winery Langhorne Creek, where you can also indulge in some wine-tasting. Your tour continues to Mount Lofty for sweeping views of the city, before ending at your accommodation in Adelaide's CBD.

Adelaide to Melbourne: 3-Day Ultimate Overland Journey

5. Adelaide to Melbourne: 3-Day Ultimate Overland Journey

Embark on a 3-day tour from Adelaide to Melbourne with accommodation in the heart of the Grampians surrounded by kangaroos and cockatoos. Travel south to the Shipwreck Coast and visit the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and other stunning locations before continuing the journey to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. Day 1: Adelaide - Halls Gap Depart the city through the Adelaide Hills en route to the Grampians National Park. Traveling through the western plains of Victoria, watch as the mountain range slowly grows on approach. Hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls and explore other famed lookouts of The Balconies and Boroka Lookout before checking in for the night in the heart of the Grampians Halls Gap. Day 2: Halls Gap - Warrnambool Start the day with a hike up to the iconic Pinnacle lookout with an amazing view over the Grampians. Later, visit the Tower Hill Conservation Reserve, an extinct volcano, rich in Aboriginal history and an abundance of wildlife. Finish the day with time to relax in the town of Warrnambool, before coming together for a group dinner and at a local hotspot (dinner and beverages at guests' own expense). Day 3: Warrnambool - Melbourne The last day is a journey along the historic Great Ocean Road. Begin with the highlights of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Embark on a guided rainforest walk before lunch in the popular seaside town of Apollo Bay. Follow the road to its end as it twists and turns with stops at Memorial Arch and a famous surf beach or two, arriving in Melbourne in the evening.

Mount Lofty Downhill Bike Tour & Cleland Wildlife Park Visit

6. Mount Lofty Downhill Bike Tour & Cleland Wildlife Park Visit

At the beginning of this 4-hour activity you’ll be picked up in central Adelaide and transferred to the summit of Mount Lofty. At 710 meters, it is the highest point in the Mount Lofty Ranges and offers stunning views of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, and the plains below. From here it’s downhill all the way back to Adelaide! It’s just a short ride though Cleland Conservation park to your first stop of the day, at Cleland Wildlife Park. You’ll have a chance to explore at your leisure and feed or pet kangaroos, wallabies, emus and many other native animals. You may even have the chance to pet a koala! Enjoy morning tea while relaxing in the natural surroundings. On leaving the wildlife park, you can enjoy the best part of the whole trip, which is the ride through Cleland Conservation Park. It’s all downhill with a mix of some fun rough sections, other nice flat sections, and some fast bits! You’ll definitely see wild koalas as you ride through this stunning place. After approximately 10 km you’ll arrive in the suburbs of Adelaide, and enjoy a final spin along some quiet backstreets, past some lovely houses and suburban parks. When you reach Victoria Park you’ll have a great view of the summit of Mount Lofty, where you started out 3 hours and 18 km ago!

Hahndorf: Gourmet Food & Wine E-Bike Tour

7. Hahndorf: Gourmet Food & Wine E-Bike Tour

Join on an all-inclusive tour of the senses as you travel through the Adelaide Hills and experience all that this beautiful region has to offer. During your 5-hour tour, you'll visit five premium locations and sample their world-famous produce. The meeting point is The Lane Vineyard, where you hop on your e-bike and cruise through the region’s stunning valleys. Your experienced, local guides will guide you to Beerenberg where you'll take part in picking the freshest and the sweetest strawberries (seasonal). Then ride through the historic German town, Hahndorf and take in its picturesque main street, riding to your next stop – Udder Delights. Here, you'll sample world-famous local produce, including cheeses, fresh breads, and their mouth-watering quince paste. After this, you're back on your e-bike and take a ride to the region’s premium wineries. Shaw and Smith is the first stop where you are treated to a wine flight of five of their most premium wines - and a rest to take in the stunning views. Then on to Nepenthe for a sip or two under the gorgeous old gum tree. The Lane Vineyard is your final stop where you will retire the bike, experience their ‘Taste the Lane’ wine selection, and take in the breath-taking views that this estate has to offer. Further Information: Appropriate for beginners For adults 18+ only Approximate riding distance: 20km

Mount Lofty Summit Hike and Cleland Wildlife Park Visit

8. Mount Lofty Summit Hike and Cleland Wildlife Park Visit

A short scenic drive from the city takes you directly to the trailhead of Adelaide’s most popular hike. Explore this natural environment at your own pace on this specially structured self-guided experience. Arriving around 8:30 AM, be amazed by your first sight of the spectacular First Falls sparkling in the morning sunshine. Setting off at your own pace and depending upon your interest stops along the way, expect to take between 1 to 2 hours to arrive at the Summit. Fully immerse in the environment and sense the wilderness while listening to the sounds of the native birdlife. Detect the distinctive scents of the eucalyptus trees as the 3.9km trail climbs past waterfalls, along streams and gully ridges. Keep a keen eye out for sleepy koalas high in the gum trees, small lizards or even a kangaroo grazing in the bush! Sense the feeling of height as you reach the summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views over Adelaide and beyond. See the city buildings, parklands and iconic Adelaide Oval, look out across the plains to the Airport, the coastal town of Glenelg and the far reaches of Port Adelaide. On a clear day, you may even sight Kangaroo Island! Just down from the Summit is another beautiful bush track leading to the Cleland Wildlife Park. Re-energise at the Cleland Café on arrival before exploring the 35 hectare park on the self-discovery trails. Walk among the free roaming animals in their natural environment, stop to feed the kangaroos and wallabies, be amazed at the lively wetland birds and be sure to visit Australia’s cutest inhabitants for the Koala ‘close up’ experience.

From Melbourne: 3-Day Great Ocean Road Tour with Lodging

9. From Melbourne: 3-Day Great Ocean Road Tour with Lodging

Our first stop along the coast is at a famous surfing beach before travelling the very scenic Great Ocean Road. While winding our way along we stop to view the ‘Arch’ and tell you of the intriguing story of this incredible memorial road. Lorne is the largest of the seaside resorts and is a perfect place for a lunch break. After lunch we cruise along the spectacular road, stopping at many scenic spots including Kennett River where we try to spot koalas in the wild. Your private self contained villa is set high on a hill overlooking the Southern Ocean. This amazing setting is a great place to relax and unwind for a couple of hours (accommodation based on availability). Dinner tonight is at the most renowned restaurant along the coast, Chris’s at Beacon Point. Our journey starts after breakfast with us travelling through the Otway ranges where we take you on a 1km guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully to see the world’s tallest flowering plants, prehistoric trees and ferns. Our first stop along the Shipwreck coast is at Castle Cove overlooking the Aire River valley. In this area millions of years ago when Australia was part of the great southern land, Gondwana, dinosaurs were roaming the land. A unique find along the coast in 1987 uncovered important clues into the world’s prehistoric past. The 12 Apostles are Icons of Australia’s natural beauty. We arrive as the stacks are lit with the morning sun making them perfect for photos and crowd free. After hearing of the creation of the stacks and holding some of the limestone rock you can explore the beautiful sights. We then visit ‘Loch Ard Gorge’, the site of the most famous 19th century Australian shipwreck. We retell the story from the calm voyage, the tragic wreck, the courageous survivors and their ultimate fate. While hearing the tale you will be able to see and hold some original artefacts, photos and documents from the ‘Loch Ard’ contained in our treasure chests. Port Campbell is our lunch stop for today. After lunch we travel to a lesser known but highly impressive area of the Great Ocean Road west of Port Campbell. Our journey then continues through Warrnambool and onto Tower Hill Game Reserve where we may have the chance to see Koalas, Kangaroos and Emus. Our journey then continues through picturesque Port Fairy towards Mount Gambier, home of the ‘Blue’ crater lake and numerous ‘sinkholes’. We check into our overnight accommodation at ‘The Barn’, or similar, in Mount Gambier and start enjoying friendly country hospitality in complete comfort. Our third day starts with a visit to the Naracoorte Caves National Park for a cave tour with a local guide. These limestone caves are World Heritage listed area due to the fossils of the ‘Mega Fauna’ found buried in the Caves. We stop in Keith for lunch before joining the highway towards Adelaide. On our approach to the city we visit the very popular tourist village of Hahndorf and Mount Lofty summit.

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What people are saying about Adelaide Hills

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 52 reviews

What can I say …. Awesome !!! It took me a while to decide whether todo this as ‘I don’t really do tours ‘ but I’m so glad I did !!! The tour itself pretty much did everything . Accommodation was fab . Lovely stops for lunch and good breakfasts ( all included in price ) which exceeded what I was expecting. Mick our tour leader was just brilliant !!! Friendly , funny and flexible !!! The tour wasn’t rigid and we went with the flow which I really liked . We had 10 in our group and it was a fab group of people I must say . For those wandering about ages …. I’m 54 … the youngest on our tour was 35 and the oldest , a very young 72 !!!! I feel we saw everything and stuff I wouldn’t know about seeing too. Would I recommend ?? Yes , yes and yes !!! X

Absolutely do this , from watching and helping put the massive balloon up , to the flight, the peace and quite , the scenery of the vine yards and the Barossa, the landing and helping pack up the balloon and then a good size breakfast, to the very helpful crew , totally recommend to experience

Our guide Phil was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He continued telling us about history and stories of SA throughout the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Phil!

We really enjoyed our day even if the weather insisted on trying to ruin it. Our tour guide and driver Phil, was very friendly and informative.

awesome hassle free experience, just remember to bring warm clothes