2025 Stirling Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Tucked away in the rolling green landscapes of South Australia, the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden in Adelaide Hills is a breathtaking retreat for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking peace among the trees. This is not just a garden—it’s a living canvas that transforms with every season. I visited during autumn, and the experience was pure magic. The garden blazed with fiery hues of red, orange, and gold. Walking along winding paths surrounded by giant oaks, maples, and flowering camellias felt like stepping into a fairytale. Every turn revealed a new surprise—mirror-like lakes, hidden sculptures, and rare plants from cool-climate regions around the world. For those who love a scenic challenge, I highly recommend the Woodland Trail, which takes you through native bushland with panoramic views over the Piccadilly Valley. If you’re more about a slow stroll and picnic, the Fern Gully and lower sections are lush and peaceful, with ample spots to relax. What makes Mount Lofty Botanic Garden truly special is how it connects people with nature—not just visually, but emotionally. The birdsong, the fresh air, and the sheer beauty of the landscape recharge your soul in ways few places can. Whether you’re chasing autumn leaves, spring blossoms, or simply a quiet escape, this garden in Adelaide Hills is a destination worth every step. 📍 Address: Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, Adelaide Hills, South Australia 💴 Average Price per Person: Free entry; parking approx. AUD $4 💗 Reasons to Recommend: seasonal beauty, nature trails, tranquil setting, perfect for photography ⸻ #AdelaideHills #BotanicGarden #MountLofty #SouthAustralia #NatureEscape #TripCoins #SeasonalBeauty #AustraliaTravel #100waysoftravel #FeaturedGarden #ExploreNature

#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!

#australiatrip Combining historic charm with contemporary comfort, The Crafers Hotel is a boutique accommodation located in the Adelaide Hills. The rooms are tastefully decorated, featuring plush bedding and modern bathrooms, some with freestanding bathtubs. The on-site restaurant offers a delectable menu showcasing local produce, and the extensive wine list highlights the best of South Australian vintages. The warm hospitality and cozy ambiance made our stay memorable. It's an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions, including Cleland Wildlife Park and Mount Lofty Botanic Garden.

Morialta Conservation Park Hiking Trail This hike has probably one of the best views in Adelaide and it is actually not that hard and it probably takes around 1.5/2 hours to complete. A good thing about this hike it has different difficulty trails that you can choose from which is nice. 🥾 It is not that busy on the weekends or weekdays which is nice and on the walks you can see kangaroos 🦘 and koalas 🐨 Overall very recommend trail to take during the morning. They also have a coffee truck available which is great 😊 #mytravelhacks #localguides #adelaide #hiking #walk

#2024wish Just finished the day of nature at Morialta Conservation Park around Adelaide – a true treasure for outdoor enthusiasts. 🌿 Free entrance and that’s already a win for such an amazing experience. 🚗 This is a hiker’s paradise with trails for every level. The Three Falls Grand Hike is unmissable – at every turn, there’s a waterfall cascading into the void and breathtaking panoramic views that make all the uphill walking more than worth it. 🏞️ Pro tip: The flora and fauna is diverse. Saw brief views of bright parrots and even a koala resting in its gum tree. 🐨 Nature photography heaven! 📸 After a hike switch to the Penfold’s Magill Estate that is just 5 minutes away. Dine and sip some world-class wines, surrounded by breathtaking vineyards. 🍷 Cheers to the beauty of Adelaide nature! #MorialtaMagic #OutdoorAdventure #HikingHeaven #AdelaideEscape

Beautiful waterfalls and plenty of nature to see. I've heard you can see koalas and kangaroos but I didn't this time around. Hoping to visit again soon to finally see Australian wildlife! I highly, highly suggest visiting this wonderful park if you're in Adelaide. Don't miss Aussie nature when you visit! Several beautiful lookouts the farther you go up the trail. #morialtaconservationpark #southaustralia #sa #australia #waterfall #hike

travel to the park to see koalas in the trees and kangaroo eating native grasses