Historic hotspots

Bridgewater Mill
Flour mills were built throughout the Adelaide Hills during the nineteenth century, and historic examples can still be found at Birdwood, Mount Barker, Nairne and Bridgewater, where the giant waterwheel (known as The Old Rumbler) still turns.

Callington
Situated on the Bremer River, Callington is a well-preserved microcosm of a mid-nineteenth century Australian mining community. The whole township is included in the Register of the National Estate and the Bremer Mine site, together with individual significant buildings within the township, are also listed on both the Register of the National Estate and the State Heritage Register.

Hahndorf Historic Village
Settled by German immigrants in the 1840s, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. Many of the original buildings are still intact, including the Hahndorf Academy housing several galleries and a German heritage museum.

Hans Heysen's The Cedars, Hahndorf
The historic home and studio of famous Australian artist Sir Hans Heysen. Visitors can take a guided tour of Heysen's house and studio, which includes many original artworks. The famous Heysen Trail also traverses the extensive property.

Johnston's Oakbank Brewery
Established in 1843 by the Scottish Johnston brothers, who settled Oakbank and Woodside. Open to visitors.

Jupiter Creek, Echunga
Take the self-guided Jupiter Greek Heritage Trail, which offers an insight into the gold rush era that swept through the Adelaide Hills in the mid 1800s. Don't forget your torch for the 80-metre Phoenix Tunnel underground walk.

Marble Hill Ruins, Ashton
Built in 1878 as the summer residence of South Australian state governor's. In 1912, this grand home was threatened by bushfire, but saved due to the efforts of the English cricket team who were visiting at the time. A second fire, in 1955, destroyed the mansion. Its ruins are open to the public every second Sunday of the month.

Mount Lofty House
Built between 1852 and 1858 by prominent politician, lawyer and businessman, Arthur Hardy, as the family's summer home. All but destroyed by the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983, it's now been restored to former glory and boasts a grand boutique hotel and restaurant overlooking the beautiful Piccadilly Valley.

Mount Torrens
Officially declared a State Heritage Town, Mount Torrens is one of the Hills' most well-preserved historic towns.

National Costume Museum, Lobethal
A fascinating collection of original gowns, suits, handbags, buttons, hats and much more from 1812 to 2000. This great showcase of fashion evolution is on display in the old finishing room of the former Onkaparinga Woollen Mill at Lobethal.

National Motor Museum, Birdwood
Originally the site of the historic Birdwood Mill, built in the mid 1800s. It's now home to the National Motor Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Australia's motoring history.

Prospect Hill Museum
This pioneer museum has a large range of exhibits housed in period buildings, primarily displaying the dairy industry of the area. It opens to the public 2pm - 5pm Sundays.