These favourites range from free public and private gardens regularly open to the public for a fee (or donation to charity), and others welcoming visitors by arrangement:

Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, Crafers

Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is a 97-hectare cool-climate Eden set against the stunning backdrop of the Piccadilly Valley, with meandering trails through magical valleys, magnificent trees, magnolias, rhododendrons, ferns and camellias. Perfect for picnics, and free guided walks on Thursdays at 10:30am.

Hans Heysen’s The Cedars, Hahndorf

The Cedars is the historic home, studio and garden of renowned landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen who lived and worked here until his death in 1968. Explore the exotic species and giant namesake Himalayan cedar trees in its rambling cottage garden, along with a walking trail through his favourite locations.

Wittunga Botanic Garden, Blackwood

Head to Wittunga Botanic Garden for lakeside picnics, butterfly gardens, great nature play space and an extensive collection of waterwise plants from Australia and South Africa.

Auchendarroch House, Mount Barker

Auchendarroch House is a grand heritage building (c. 1860) that has become a dining and functions venue, with adjoining cinema complex. Its magnificent gardens have been lovingly restored, with a range of tours and activities.

Stangate House, Aldgate

Stangate House was built in the 1940s, overlooking one of Australia’s most beautiful camellia gardens, one of just three recognised as an International Camellia Society Garden of Excellence, with regular open days for visitors.

Al Ru Farm, One Tree Hill

Al Ru Farm was purchased by Ruth and Alan Irving as a sheep grazing property in 1980 and they quickly set about converting paddocks to garden. The result is an established 10-acre destination garden among the very best private gardens in South Australia. Small group tours are available by appointment.

ANZAC Memorial Garden, Macclesfield

The ANZAC Memorial Garden is a native garden filled with memorials and artworks, created to provide a place of commemoration for the service of local men and women in times of war.

Open Gardens South Australia

Open Gardens SA offers a program of stunning private open gardens across the Adelaide Hills, including Ashgrove Iris Garden in Gumeracha and Al Ru Farm in One Tree Hill. Look out for open days in Mount Barker at Irene Pearce's fascinating garden 'Tickle Tank' and Sophie’s Patch, home to gardening columnist, author and TV presenter Sophie Thomson.

Flower Farms

Jurlique’s biodynamic farm in Biggs Flat (near Hahndorf)

On a Jurlique Farm Tour learn how and where the herbs and flowers are grown for one of the world’s most recognised skin care brands, with insights into plant propagation, harvesting and processing.

Kidman Flower Co in Balhannah

Kidman Flower Co is a beautiful native flower farm in Balhannah near Hahndorf offering 'shed door' sales and guided walks (including flower arranging session) by appointment.

Winery Gardens

Beautiful gardens provide the backdrop to numerous cellar doors across the region including:

• Golding Wines in Lobethal

• Barratt Wines in Summertown

• Deviation Road Winery in Longwood

• Cobb’s Hill Estate in Oakbank

• Bird in Hand and Barristers Block in Woodside

• Sinclair’s Gully in Norton Summit for spring wildflower walks