Guided walks, food and wine experiences, and nature tours in the Adelaide Hills — the green hinterland on Adelaide’s doorstep, with heritage villages, national parks, and excellent trail networks.
| Region | Adelaide Hills |
| Key trails | Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty, Morialta Falls trails, Heysen Trail (Hills section), Cleland Wildlife Park walks |
| Tour types | Guided walks, food and wine tours, wildlife experiences, cycling tours |
| Best season | Year-round (spring for wildflowers; autumn for harvest) |
Guided Walking Tours
The Adelaide Hills offers some of South Australia’s most accessible hiking — the famous Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit walk is one of Adelaide’s most iconic day walks, and the Morialta Conservation Park trail network offers a range of options from easy river walks to challenging gorge scrambles. The Heysen Trail also passes through the Hills on its journey north.
- Big Heart Adventures – Adelaide Hills Walking Tours — Guided bush walks through the Adelaide Hills, incorporating the region’s best trail networks including Morialta, Mount Lofty, and sections of the Heysen Trail. Small-group tours combining walking with the Hills’ natural and cultural highlights.
Food, Wine & Village Tours
The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia’s finest cool-climate wine regions, known for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. The Hills is also home to artisan food producers, heritage villages, and thriving farm gates — making guided food and wine tours a popular experience.
- Adelaide Hills Wine Tours — Multiple operators offer guided wine and food tours through the Adelaide Hills, taking in cellar doors from Hahndorf to Basket Range, with stops at artisan producers of cheese, cider, gin, and local produce. The Hills’ proximity to Adelaide makes it ideal for half-day and full-day tours from the city.
About the Adelaide Hills for Guided Tours
The Adelaide Hills rise steeply east of Adelaide, reaching 727m at Mount Lofty — the highest point on the Mount Lofty Ranges. The Hills are characterised by dense native bush, deep gorges, waterfalls, and a patchwork of vineyards, orchards, and heritage towns.
Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, sits in the heart of the Hills and draws visitors to its heritage streetscape, artisan food producers, and boutique wineries. The surrounding countryside offers excellent walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting — koalas are commonly seen in the gum trees around Cleland Wildlife Park and Morialta.
Trails in this region: Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit, Second Falls Gorge Hike, Yurrebilla Trail. Browse all South Australian trails or see the activities guide for more to do.
Planning Tips
Proximity to Adelaide: The Adelaide Hills is the most accessible trail region from Adelaide — Waterfall Gully is 20 minutes from the CBD, and Hahndorf is 30 minutes. Day walks and tours are easily combined with other Adelaide activities.
Waterfall Gully crowds: The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty walk is extremely popular on weekends — arrive early to secure parking. Guided tours typically arrange transport, removing the parking challenge.
Morialta Gorge safety: The upper gorge walk at Morialta involves some scrambling — appropriate footwear is essential. Guided walks with local operators ensure routes are matched to group ability.
Where to stay: See our Adelaide Hills accommodation guide for stays near the trails and wine villages.