Visit the Adelaide Hills This Summer!
Looking for a place to escape the heat over the summer? The Adelaide Hills are alive during the summer months with fun events and destinations for the whole family. You’ll wish you knew about these months ago…
Tour Down Under – Saturday 14th January till Sunday 22nd January
A crowd favourite and an iconic Australian event, the Tour Down Under welcomes thousands of professional and enthusiastic cyclist to the state. The state comes alive with events throughout the CBD and surrounding suburbs, with Victoria Square alight with the Adelaide City Council Tour Village. Festivals are run in conjunction with the races, with towns and communities around the state decorating shop fronts and roads.
On Wednesday, 18th January 2017, the Tour Down Under headed through the Adelaide Hills for the Staging Connections Stage 2 of the race. Beginning in Stirling at 10.45am and weaving their way through the Adelaide Hills, cyclists had a sharp descent on Norton Summit and climb up Torrens Hill Road, before the finishing in Paracombe.
Stirling was abuzz with activities, events and stalls as the race began with many eager visitors keen to witness the start of the excitement. But if you missed the Tour Down Under this week, there’s still plenty to do in and around the Adelaide Hills.
Australia Day at Auchendarroch – Thursday 26 January 2017
What’s the best part about living in the Adelaide Hills? The facilities that are on offer, and one of the most recognised locations in the Hills is Auchendarroch house. Set in the picturesque setting of Mt Barker, families are invited to celebrate Australia Day on the lawns in Mt Barker, along with free families activities, and free circus workshops. A sausage sizzle will be on offer, along with face painting, mini gold, Old MacDonalds Farm and so much more.
Crush Wine Festival – Friday 27th January till Sunday 29th January
The annual Crush Wine festival sees hundreds and thousands of people flock to the Hills in celebration of the local wine
and food culture. This event allows the Hills to showcase their regional wine alongside a lively mix of dance, music, art, fashion and food. With over 30 participating venues, and an opportunity to enjoy the sophisticated and beautiful environment that is the Adelaide Hills, Crush gives all event-goers the opportunity to indulge in some of the unique food and wine experiences the Hills has to offer. A mere half an hour drive from the Adelaide CBD, wineries and other participating venues will be offering tours, food and wine matching experiences, master classes and the regional flare sometimes forgotten about. Fine contemporary dining will be on offer with a full program available on the crush website.
Platform 1 Sound & Light Show – Running until March 2017
Ever wandered how early German settlers established themselves in the Adelaide Hills? The Platform 1 Sound & Light Show describes and depicts exactly that, and how they forged their farming and family life. Visitors are transported by train, as the farm comes back to life to divulge this remarkable story.
This show is held every Friday and Saturday night after dusk, from November to March and includes a country-style supper served in a railway dining carriage.
Take the Kids on a Food Trail
An activity for any time of year is the Adelaide Hill’s Food Trail. This adventure allows children to explore the the processes involved in food production and indulge along the way. From strawberry picking in Hahndorf, all the way to our own doorstep in Woodside, the Kids Food Trail is the perfect way to spruce up your weekend; and learn along the way!
There’s also the Chocolate and Cheese Trail, which includes some of the most iconic artisan destinations from around the Adelaide Hills. From Red Cacao in Stirling, producers of fine, decadent chocolates, to our next door neighbours Woodside Cheese Wrights. There’s a treat for everyone on this Chocolate and Cheese Trail. And while you’re on your way to Melba’s, be sure to save some room for dessert. Our cafe is now serving up delicious Chocolate Raspberry Brownies, with a side of our very own melted milk chocolate. As if we didn’t have enough in our factory, our coffee shop offers visitors milk shakes, cold refreshments and other nibbles.
So whether you’re escaping the buzz of the city for a weekend away, or looking for something to do with the kids before school’s back, be sure to check out what’s happening in the Adelaide Hills. More information about these events is available on the Adelaide Hills tourism website.