Adelaide Hills - South Australia
The Adelaide Hills skirt the eastern side of the South Australian city of Adelaide, leaving it bound between the hills and the sea. Essentially the Adelaide Hills are the Mount Lofty Ranges which are the eroded stump of the overall geological feature known as the Adelaide Geosyncline, an orogenic or mountain building structure caused by the uplift of a rift valley that was filled with sediment between 870 million years ago and 500 million years ago. These hills are resposible in part for Adelaides great Mediterranean type climate as well as the wonderfull scenery of the hills.
The Adelaide Hills are also a wine lovers paradise, with many Wineries producing fine wines, one is never too far away from the opportunity to taste a fine drop. Visiting the local wineries gives a great reason to tour the history and heritage of the Adelaide Hills. Some of the better known wine areas include Gumeracha, Mount Torrens, Hahndorf, Bridgewater and Summertown.
Hahndorf is one of the best known centres in the region and is only half an hours drive from Adelaide along the Southeastern Freeway. It was one of the original german settlements in the 1840's and still holds onto its German Heritage. Mount Lofty is another must for visitors to Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. The view of Adelaide and Gulf St Vincent from the Mount Lofty Summit is wonderful and at night is spectacular.
There are so many ways to enter the Adelaide Hills, along the edge of the hills face zone there are several beautiful winding drives including...
- From North East Road through Tea Tree Gully along through Chain of Ponds and into Gumeracha. From Here the choices include Birdwood, home of the National Motor Museum, or Lobethal, renowned for its Christmas Lights Display.
- Gorge Road from Athelstone will also get You to the same area but via Cudlee Creek, a popular tourist drive following the Torrens River Valley. Cudlee Creek also has a very good Wildlife park.
- Montecute Road leads into the hills between Black Hill Conservation Park and Woodforde Conservation Parkto Montecute and passed the beautiful Marble Hill Ruins, originally the summer residence of the state Governor until destroyed in the 1955 Black Sunday Bushfires.
- Old Norton Summit Road and Norton Summit Road enter the Adelaide Hills from Magill and join again at the popular village of Norton Summit, from which beautiful views of Adelaide and Gulf St Vincent are easily enjoyed. From Norton Summit You can travel either to Lobethal via the fruit growing areas of Ashton and Basket Range, or to Uraidla and Summertown.
- Coach Road which joins the end of The Parade from Norwood at Auldana winds along the edge of Horsnell Gully Conservation Park to Summertown and Uraidla.
- Greenhill Road which leaves Adelaide from Burnside also leads to Summertown and Uraidla, with amazing views of Adelaide and Cleland Conservation Park. Just before Summerton is the option to turn right into Mount Lofty Summit Road, an up to Mount Lofty.
- Possibly the easiest access to the southern end of the Adelaide Hills is the South Eastern Freeway (Highway 1), which has exits to all of the major areas in the Adelaide Hills. This is the main highway to Murray Bridge and on to Melbourne.
- The southern areas of the Adelaide Hills are accessible from the South Eastern Freeway as well as from Upper Sturt Road from Belair to Stirling and on to Mount Barker.
Many great walking trails and areas can be found in the Adelaide Hills, including the Heysen Trail. Getting out into the hills can be a wonderful experience and worthy of every bit of energy expended.
Oakbank holds its Easter Racing Carnival every year on Easter Saturday and Monday, this event equals the famous Melborne Cup in crowds and excitement.
For the Sports person most major sports are catered for on the Adelaide Hills
There are so many places to visit in the Adelaide Hills and all types of accommodation, from Bed & Breakfast, Resorts, Retreats, Hotels, Motels, Guesthouses, Self Catered, Camping, Cabins and Caravan Parks are available.
Whatever your style, you'll find a great place to stay in the Adelaide Hills
There are many Tours in, to and around the Adelaide Hills, whether its to visit the beautiful scenery, or to sample the local wines. There is so much on offer, opportunity knocks at every turn to experience new and wonderful things.
Local Tour Operators have a great knowledge of their area, So why not experience it with people who know all the best spots.
Whatever your style, you'll find a great Tour in the Adelaide Hills.
There are so many Things To See and Do in the Adelaide Hills.
Start with a visit to one of the Adelaide Hills Visitor Centres where they can help you with your holiday plans.
Adelaide Hills Visitor Information Centre
41 Main Street.
Hahndorf
South Australia, 5245
Phone (08) 8388118 or freecall 1800 353 323
Email vic@adelaidehillsinfo.asn.au
www.visitadelaidehills.com.au
Mount Lofty Summit Information Centre
Mount Lofty Summit
Crafers
South Australia, 5152
Phone (08) 8370 1054
Email mtloftysummit@saugov.sa.gov.au
Strathalbyn Visitor Information Centre
South Terrace,
Strathalbyn
South Australia, 5255
Phone (08) 8536 3212
Email info@strathalbyntourism.com.au
www.strathalbyntourism.com.au
There are many Great Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels and other Dining Options throughout the Adelaide Hills giving so many dining possibilities, often the hardest thing is deciding where to eat. Whatever your favourite foods, you'll find plenty of options in the Adelaide Hills
Whatever your favourite sport, you'll find plenty of options in the Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills Plays Host to Many Great Events during each Year.
Adelaide Hills Events Calendar for 2008
|
|
