The pretty village of Stirling, just 20 minutes from Adelaide, is considered a key gateway for the region. But before continuing on to explore further afield be sure to take the time to enjoy this well-loved Hills town and its neighbours Crafers, Piccadilly, Aldgate, Bridgewater and Mylor. Nearby attractions include wineries, Cleland Wildlife Park, Mount Lofty Summit, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, Woodhouse Adventure Park and Warrawong Wildlife Santuary.
Celebrate every glorious season and soak up the village charms in Stirling, nestled in Adelaide’s clean and green hinterland just 20 minutes from Adelaide. Stroll the picturesque main street, with its garden setting, tempting shops (homewares, books, fashion and gifts), cafes and restaurants. Discover a chocolaterie, historic pub, bushland walking trails, the beloved monthly market, a cooking school and more.
At 710 metres above sea level and less than half an hour from Adelaide city, Mount Lofty Summit is the ideal place to start your Adelaide Hills adventure. In addition to the best view over Adelaide the precinct boasts some of the region's most iconic experiences:
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, a 97-hectare cool-climate Eden set against the stunning backdrop of the Piccadilly Valley
Cleland Conservation Park including Cleland Wildlife Park and Waterfall Gully.
Mount Lofty House heritage boutique hotel including Gate Keeper's Day Spa and fine dining at Hardy's Verandah Restaurant.
Atelier Crafers - cafe, gallery and shop featuring the work of South Australian artists and producers
Dining options including Jimmies for wood oven pizza and the historic Crafers Hotel with luxuriously appointed upstairs accommodation
Home of historic Stangate House and Aldgate Pump Hotel, this pretty village has a handful of shops and cafés, including stylish FRED Eatery showcasing local produce and Yuki in the Hills for Japanese. Stay the night in some of the region's best bed and breakfast accommodation.
This picturesque town is best known for the historic Bridgewater Mill, which now houses a restaurant with tiered decking overlooking the working waterwheel. The Bridgewater Inn is a family-friendly pub with an excellent beer garden overlooking a creek and just downstream you’ll find a great playground for the kids and The Little Cog cafe.
Soak up the small village feel at Mylor’s country market held on the first Sunday morning of every month. Drop into the Verte Kitchen for highly rated coffee and meals. Keen gardeners will love Tupelo Grove Nursery and there are also wineries nearby including Between the Vines and Deviation Road Winery in Longwood. Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary is a thriving ecosystem where hundreds of Australian native animals flourish including the elusive platypus.
At Woodhouse Adventure Park kids can run wild enjoying the Challenge Hill obstacle course, disc golf, orienteering and tube slides, with overnight options including cabins and camping and popular school holiday 'Drop and Go' day camps. Within the same site is Mount Lofty Adventure Hub with a climbing wall, zipline, mega swing and ropes courses. Just up the road is Tapanappa winery cellar door, and the lower entrance to Mount Lofty Botanic Garden.