HIGHER ground
HIGHER ground
Imagine you’re in the Adelaide Hills. It’s alive with the sounds, fragrances and flavours of autumn. The taste of strawberry on your lips, the sound of dry leaves crunching underfoot and endless vineyards turning gold before your eyes. The Hills are calling for you. Are you ready?
Words: Sasha Oelsner
Imagine you’re in the Adelaide Hills. It’s alive with the sounds, fragrances and flavours of autumn. The taste of strawberry on your lips, the sound of dry leaves crunching underfoot and endless vineyards turning gold before your eyes. The Hills are calling for you. Are you ready?
Words: Sasha Oelsner
1. Hahndorf Main Street | HAHNDORF
This historical German town with its hundreds of deciduous trees is a magical ode to autumn. Take a stroll along Main Street under the ruddy canopy of cork elm, oak and chestnut trees. Along the way, see what wares take your fancy. There are exquisitely detailed mechanical cuckoo clocks and year-round traditional Christmas ornaments in The German Village shop. Uncover forgotten treasures in one of the antique stores or stock up for winter with soft alpaca wool beanies and gloves. With plenty of places to eat and drink along the stretch, you’ll have to come back another time to try them all.
2. The Cedars | HAHNDORF
One of Australia’s most renowned landscape painters, Hans Heysen migrated to South Australia as a child in 1884. Heysen’s influence has seen him lend his name to 1200km of walking trails, a tunnel and even an electoral district. Visit his family home and you’ll understand how the Adelaide Hills landscape became his muse. His daughter, Nora, walked in his artistic footsteps, becoming the first woman to win the Archibald Prize. At The Cedars, you can step inside their respective studios, see their famous works and explore the expertly preserved house on a guided or self-guided tour. Be sure to wander through the property’s magnificent garden that changes with the seasons.
3. Fabrik | LOBETHAL
The historic Onkaparinga Woollen Mill, once known worldwide for its high-quality checked blankets and sturdy woollen garments, has a new life thanks to Fabrik. This arts and cultural destination pays homage to the textiles of its past and celebrates local artists of today. Take your time exploring the accessible galleries and watch spellbound as makers-in-residence weave their magic before your very eyes. Take home one-of-a-kind textiles, homewares, jewellery and art made by local artisans and don’t forget to check the website before you visit for unique events, exhibitions and workshops.
4. Jurlique | BIGGS FLAT
Natural skin care manufacturer Jurlique hails from the Adelaide Hills, with its high-quality products shipped around the globe. But a visit to its biodynamic farm is more than a shopping trip. Go behind the scenes to learn how the company cultivates the powerful organic ingredients for its products. While you’re visiting, craft your own personal essential oil blend. Need some rest and relaxation? You’ll be glowing after a rejuvenating facial treatment or blissful body massage – all using Jurlique botanicals, of course.
5. National Motor Museum | BIRDWOOD
Take a pleasant drive through the Adelaide Hills to visit Australia’s largest collection of cars and motorcycles. Located in the Old Birdwood Mill, the collection of motoring memorabilia, collectables and vehicles has been expanding since the old mill was repurposed as a museum in 1964. Imagine what it was like to drive an open-topped, razor-thin wheeled 1899 Shearer Steam Carriage, or see one of the few Back to The Future gull-winged DeLoreans ever produced. Join a guided tour or cruise through the vast collection at your leisure.
6. Beerenberg Farm | HAHNDORF
You might think you’re in a fairytale while you kneel among the neat, green foliage, handpicking plump, ripe strawberries for your basket. Open almost every day from November to April, the Beerenberg Family Farm’s pick-your-own experience is a sweetly rewarding activity. After you’ve worked up an appetite in the field, enjoy a meal at the Farm Café where you can try some of Beerenberg’s famous relishes, jams, sauces and dressings followed by a scoop, or three, of their farm-made ice cream. If strawberries aren’t your flavour, this is also the perfect season to try picking apples in nearby Lenswood or figs near Houghton.
7. Woodside Cheese Wrights | WOODSIDE
As Kris Lloyd, artisan behind the dairy delights at Woodside says, “Cheese is a complete food and can and should be the hero of any menu, platter or dish.” Woodside Cheese Wrights’ cheeses are handcrafted and include traditional styles through to unique flavours inspired by Australia. For something different, try the award-winning zesty goat chèvre encrusted with lime-flavoured green ants. Pick up some goodies from the cellar door and then head to The Cedars or Mount Lofty Botanic Garden for a picnic.
8. Mount Lofty Botanic Garden | CRAFERS
For a spot of colour therapy, visit Mount Lofty Botanic Garden to admire the many shades of yellow, orange and red. Stunning all-year round, the grounds are particularly splendid during autumn. From the lower car park on the moderately easy Lakeside Loop walking trail, you can see the beautiful trees reflected in the water – only broken by the touchdown splash of waterbirds. Or take one of the trails to the upper car park and you’ll be rewarded with stunning aerial views. Look out for kangaroos basking in the golden sunlight, and flashes of iridescent colour as superb fairywrens and scarlet robins frisk among the fallen leaves.
9. Longview Vineyard | MACCLESFIELD
No need to jetset to Tuscany for la bella vita, and that timeless Italian feeling. One look at the lunch menu at Longview Vineyard and your soul will be transported across the seas. In fact, with so many delicious plates to choose from, the restaurant’s Feed Me menu might just be the right decision. If it’s a delightful day, the staff will gladly lend you a picnic rug and basket, then help you assemble your favourite wines, cheese and antipasti nibbles before you set off to explore the vineyard’s beautiful surrounds. If you’re feeling playful, try a game of bocce.
10. Cleland Wildlife Park | CRAFERS
There’s something enchanting about feeling tiny, clawed hands gently grasping your own as a whiskered snout snuffles seeds and nutritious pellets out of your palm. Cleland’s large, free-range enclosures full of native animals give you an up-close view of wallabies, kangaroos, potoroos, bettongs and more. The cooler autumn days are perfect for meeting koalas, informative keeper talks, walk-through aviaries, reptile holds and other exciting experiences that will keep you entertained and educated all day.
IMAGES: Fabrik Arts + Heritage; National Motor Museum; RAA/Mike Lockheart; SATC/Tourism Australia; Woodside Cheese Wrights.
