Hidden Gems of the The Northern Adelaide Hills
Our Northern Adelaide Hills are full of stunning contrasts - from winding backroads and wineries to classic country pubs, up-close wildlife encounters and quirky Aussie icons. As a little taster, we’ve pulled together some of its newest faces and oldest favourites to help you make the most of it.
eat & drink
Perched above the Torrens Gorge, Mt Bera Cellar Door & Restaurant is all about big views, estate-grown wines, and food to savour slowly. This family-run restaurant and cellar door is spread across three levels, with garden seats under shady trees, glorious balcony views, and a cosy underground dining room carved from stone. Seasonal share plates and wood-fired pizzas roll out from the kitchen, and the wine list is as local as it gets - grown, made and poured right on site.
Housed in a lovingly restored 1920s Cold Store, Union Bridge Distillery & Brewery blends heritage with good times. Pull up a stool for a traditional English-style ale, sip an in-house gin or vodka, or grab a cheeky glass of their famous alcoholic Sarsaparilla. The tapas-style menu keeps things casual - perfect for pairing with a tasting flight overlooking the Cudlee Creek Gorge. It’s warm, welcoming, and just the right amount of rustic.
Rising from the ashes of the devastating 2019 bushfires, Vinteloper sits reimagined from the ruins of a 1920's farmhouse - transformed into an architectural masterpiece that blends modern design with century-old charm and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Here, it’s about small-batch wines, seasonal shared plates, and a vibe that’s more “lunch with friends” than formal dining. Drop by for a flight, settle on their lawn or pull up a perch by the fireplace. Day sorted.
Bottle Schock flips the wine world on its head. The team behind Unico Zelo and Applewood Distillery have created a bar that’s equal parts fun, educational, and just a little cheeky. Expect 150+ wines by the glass, themed blind flights (think: “The Price is Right” and “Geoguessr Veteran”), and a mouth watering menu from Michelin-experienced chef Jeff Trotter (don’t miss their quarter-metre sausage roll). It’s wine tasting, but not as you know it – with prizes to be won, to boot!
A bona fide Hills classic since 1857, the Inglewood Inn nails that sweet spot between history and modern hospitality. Cosy up by their roaring fire in winter or hit the deck for sweeping views of the Para River in the warmer months. The menu here is fresh, farm-to-plate and proudly local, with 75% gluten-free (chef Natalie has you covered)! Just add their line-up of SA gins, craft beers and local wines, and you’ve got yourself the perfect long lunch stop.
things to see
With more than 400 vehicles under one roof - from antique jiggers and quirky Aussie oddities to muscle cars, motorbikes and even a few modern marvels - the National Motor Museum is a joyride through time. Whether you’re hopping into a 1928 Chevy for a retro photo op, geeking out over chrome-covered classics, or tracing the rise (and fall) of Australia’s own car industry, this place is never static, with a rolling calendar of special exhibits and events – as well as being the finish line for the legendary Bay to Birdwood rally.
Housed in the historic Onkaparinga Woollen Mill, FABRIK is a hub for textiles, art and heritage. Explore contemporary exhibitions, browse the curated store packed with SA-made wares, or dive into workshops that range from sustainable textile crafts to contemporary art practice. The site’s rich textile history is woven into the experience, from old blanket looms to cutting-edge design.
Keen for a different kind of horsepower? Saddle up at Templewood Horse Riding Centre, a family-run riding retreat in Inglewood that’s been teaching for over 50 years. Beginners, kids and seasoned riders are all welcome, with trails that wind through 200 acres of rolling Hills countryside. Keep an eye out for kangaroos hopping past as you trot along – this is the kind of place that’ll make you forget those city traffic snarls in no time.
Koalas, kangaroos, meerkats, monkeys - Gorge Wildlife Park has them all, and then some. Unlike your average zoo, this place is all about getting close: cuddle a koala, hand-feed a kangaroo, or book a behind-the-scenes encounter with capybaras or lemurs. Throw in reptile shows on weekends, shady picnic lawns and a kiosk for snack breaks, and you’ve got a full day of fun for every age.
It’s quirky, it’s iconic, and yes - you can climb it! At 18.3 metres tall, The Big Rocking Horse is the world’s largest, complete with three viewing platforms and a certificate for bragging rights. On site you’ll also find a souvenir shop (with quality handmade wooden toys), a seven-acre wildlife park, café and gift shop. It’s a place for big kids, little kids, and anyone who loves a bit of Aussie nostalgia.
where to stay
Dating back to 1849, Randells Mill has been reborn as two rustic, romantic loft apartments. Exposed beams, stone walls, spa baths and wood fires set the mood, while a courtyard strung with fairy lights is prime for an evening of good wine, good food and great company. It also happens to be within walking distance to cellar doors, cafés and pubs, making it a great base to set up and explore the area.
Set on 200 acres of rolling countryside, Templewood House is a stunning Federation-era retreat with four ensuite bedrooms, a farmhouse kitchen and a roaring double-sided fireplace. Wide verandas frame knockout views, where you’ll even spot the odd kangaroo hopping by. Hired exclusively, it’s perfect for groups, workshops or a weekend escape - with the horse riding next door if you’re keen on trading slippers for stirrups!
Right next door to the National Motor Museum, the Birdwood Motel is small but mighty - five spacious suites with king beds, spa baths, and decks overlooking the museum grounds. It’s modern, peaceful, and even has a Tesla charger if you’ve rolled up electric. The perfect pit stop for cruising the northern Adelaide Hills, whether you’re a rev-head or simply soaking in the scenes.
Smack-bang in the middle of Woodside, Aberdeen Lane makes it easy to drop your bags and get straight into Hills mode, with roomy King Suites and two-bedroom apartments all kitted out with kitchenettes, smart TVs, double vanities and private patios (perfect for that morning coffee). Step outside and you’re within a sweet-scented stroll of Melba’s Chocolate Factory, the local pub, cafés and shops. Bonus: these guys also run wine tours so you can leave your keys at home!
Tucked right beside Barristers Block Wines, the three-bedroom Vigneron Villa has loads of space to spread out with your crew, with two bathrooms, a big veranda made for lazy afternoons - and even the odd sheep or goose wandering past for added country flavour. The best bit? Simply stroll next door for pizza a grazing board and a glass (or three) of vino before ambling back at your leisure.
For a glorious group getaway, Simon Tolley Lodge ticks every box: five bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, two living rooms (one with its own bar), three bathrooms and a huge outdoor entertaining area. Set on 56 acres of rolling vineyard and native bushland, it’s both private and picturesque, with Simon Tolley Wines perched conveniently next door for tastings, platters, and vineyard tours.
Keen to know more? Check out our comprehensive guide to the Northern Adelaide Hills below.