Touring

Scenic Drives in and Around the Adelaide Hills

With its winding roads, beautiful scenery and diverse attractions, the Adelaide Hills is perfect for exploring by car. To make the most of your time in the region, why not explore one of the scenic drives described on this page – or use the Adelaide Hills as a base for exploring other areas of South Australia, like the Barossa or Murray River. 
 

Onkaparinga River Scenic Drive (Verdun to Birdwood)

Distance: 45kms (Approximately)

Starts at the Verdun interchange, just off the Hahndorf exit of the South Eastern Freeway. Follows the beautiful Onkaparinga Valley road pass vineyards, farmland and historic towns like Balhannah, Oakbank and Woodside, where there are some good antique shops. It then travels to the historic town of Mount Torrens, before arriving in Birdwood, home to the National Motor Museum.

 

Angas River Scenic Drive (Stirling to Strathalbyn)

Distance: 40kms (approximately)

Starts in Stirling and winds its way along tree-lined Mount Barker Road to Aldgate, past the Aldgate Pump Hotel. Through farmland and European-inspired scenery, the drives heads for Mylor, home to the Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary. Next stop is Echunga – which boomed during the gold rush era – and then the historic town of Macclesfield. It’s then a short drive to Strathalbyn, passing through lush farmland and towering gums.
 

Torrens Valley Scenic Drive (Houghton to Birdwood)

Distance: 28kms (approximately)

Starts in Adelaide’s northeastern suburbs and winds its way pass Houghton, Inglewood and the Chain of Ponds reservoirs. Vineyards, pine forests and bushland line the drive, as do picturesque towns like Gumeracha – home to the Giant Rocking Horse. Continue on to Birdwood, one of the most historic townships in the Hills.
 

Gorge Scenic Drive, (Castambul to Birdwood)

Distance: 27kms (approximately)

Take Gorge Rd (off Lower North East Road) and head toward Castambul past the Gorge Wildlife Park and on to Cudlee Creek. It then joins the Torrens Valley Drive, continuing on to Gumeracha and Birdwood.
 

Linger Longer

Located just 20 minutes from Adelaide and bordered by the Murraylands, Barossa and Fleurieu Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills is the ideal base for your next South Australian holiday.
 

Barossa

Follow the Onkaparinga Valley Drive or Torrens Valley Drive to Birdwood, and continue on to Mount Pleasant, Springton and Eden Valley. From here, it's a 20 minute drive to the heart of the Barossa.
 

Murraylands

Take the Torrens Valley Scenic Drive to Birdwood, then continue on to Tungkillo, Palmer and Mannum, on the banks of the Murray River. To drive back to the Hills, head to Murray Bridge and then take the South Eastern Freeway to Hahndorf or Stirling. 
 

Fleurieu Peninsula

Take the Angas River Scenic Drive to Strathalbyn, and continue on to the south coast towns of Goolwa, Port Elliot and Victor Harbor. From here, head inland to Mount Compass, Willunga and the McLaren Vale wine region. Travel back to the Hills via Meadows and Echunga.