My Perfect Weekend Getaway in the Adelaide Hills & Beyond

#springitinerary While Adelaide’s wine country (Barossa & McLaren Vale) gets all the attention, I wanted to explore lesser-known gems just outside the city—rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning nature. Here’s how I spent an unforgettable weekend escape beyond Adelaide’s wine regions! 📍 Destination: Adelaide Hills & Fleurieu Peninsula Distance from Adelaide: 30 min – 1.5 hours 🚗 Getting There Rented a car for flexibility (essential for exploring hills & coast), but some spots are reachable via public transport + rideshare. 🌿 Day 1: Adelaide Hills – Forests, Villages & Hidden Wineries ☕ Morning: Hahndorf – Australia’s Oldest German Town Breakfast at The Haus (think giant pretzels & schnitzel eggs Benedict). Explored cute boutiques (handmade leather, antiques, fudge shops). Optional: Beerenberg Farm (pick strawberries in season!). 🥾 Midday: Hiking & Waterfalls Chose between: Mount Lofty Summit (easy hike, panoramic views of Adelaide). Waterfall Gully → Mount Lofty Trail (moderate 3.5hr return, past cascading falls). OR Relaxed at Cleland Wildlife Park (hand-feed kangaroos & spot koalas). 🍷 Afternoon: Off-the-Radar Wineries Nepenthe (boutique wines + balcony views) or The Lane Vineyard (gourmet lunch with vineyard vistas). Alternative: Gumeracha’s Big Rocking Horse (quirky photo op + toy factory). 🌙 Evening: Cozy Stay in Stirling Checked into The Stirling Hotel (historic pub with modern rooms) or a luxe B&B. Dinner at The Lost Phoenix (Asian fusion in a rustic-chic barn). 🌊 Day 2: Fleurieu Peninsula – Coastal Adventures 🌅 Sunrise: Drive to Port Elliot Stopped at Victory Hotel (clifftop pub) for coffee with ocean views. 🏖️ Morning: Beach Hopping Horseshoe Bay (swimming with pods of dolphins in the wild!). Second Valley (snorkeling in turquoise waters & exploring the "Rocking Horse" sea cave). 🦞 Lunch: Fresh Seafood at Normanville The Yankalilla Hotel (classic fish & chips) or The Esplanade Hotel (gourmet local catch). 🚤 Afternoon: Kayaking or Relaxing Kayaked with dolphins (book with Encounter Marine Park). OR Wine tasting at Down the Rabbit Hole (funky cellar door near McLaren Vale). 🌄 Sunset: Drive Back via Sellicks Beach Drove along one of Australia’s only beach highways (tide permitting!). 💡 Why This Itinerary Works ✅ Escape the crowds of Barossa/McLare Vale. ✅ Mix of nature, food & culture—hikes, beaches, and hidden wineries. ✅ Short drives—maximizes weekend time. Would I do it again? 100%! Next time, I’d add Deep Creek Conservation Park for overnight hiking. 🌿 Final Thoughts Adelaide’s hinterland and coast are packed with magic—no wine snobbery required! Whether you’re after forest walks, coastal drives, or quaint villages, this itinerary delivers. Have you explored these areas? Any hidden gems I missed? Let’s chat in the comments! 📸 P.S. Follow #southaustralia on Instagram for more inspo!