Seasons come and go, but memories last a lifetime – that’s why picking the right holiday spot is a big deal. Some travellers seek out snow-capped mountains and cosy winter campfires, while others are drawn to the warm waters and glowing sunsets of summer. But if you’re looking for a foolproof destination that shines in all four seasons, I’ve found the perfect place in Australia.
The Adelaide Hills might just be one of the country’s most underrated gems. Located just 20 minutes by car from Adelaide CBD, this cool-climate region is full of charming villages, world-class wineries, lush forests and five-star stays. And the best part? Every season justifies another visit.
I visited the Adelaide Hills for the first time in early autumn and was surprised to get a taste of all four seasons in the one trip. After landing in Adelaide, I headed straight to Beerenberg – a sixth-generation strawberry farm that proudly produces Australia’s number one jam. How's that for an accolade? While summer is prime time for picking juicy berries (along with fresh cherries and figs at nearby orchards), I lucked out with one of the final picking days of the season – and trust me, there were still some big-boy berries waiting to be plucked. They were oh-so sweet and they paired delightfully with cream-laden scones.
Next, I drove down the road to Jurlique Farm for a tour of their dreamy biodynamic garden. It felt like I’d stepped into a springtime fairytale as I wandered around the fragrant fields, plucked delicate petals and stopped to smell all the roses.
After soaking up the fresh air and lush scenery (or greenery), I headed into heritage-listed Hahndorf, which stands as Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and my new favourite tiny town. The streets here were lined with fiery red- and honey-hued leaves, reminiscent of a picture-perfect autumn postcard. All the shops are Deutschland-themed too, selling everything from cuckoo clocks and candlesticks to traditional sweets, cheeses and craft beers. And no matter the season, I think a golden Vienna schnitzel and a warm pretzel always go down a treat.
If you’re more into a glass of wine than a frothy pint, autumn is prime time to visit to experience the region’s grape harvest firsthand. Bordered by the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills is one of the closest wine regions to a capital city in Australia. The cool-climate gem is home to almost 4,000 hectares of vineyards and more than 50 big-name and boutique cellar doors, including my favourites: The Lane Vineyard and Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard.
Winter is also a dreamy time to explore the Hills’ wineries, where you can hop between cellar doors or cosy up by the fire with a glass of red in hand. I was lucky to stay a night at the five-star, adult-only Sequoia Lodge, where I found warmth in the artesian hot springs, by the toasty fireplace and in the large, sunken bathtub. I also spent a night tucked away in an off-grid pod at Cabn Hahndorf – another cute winter escape complete with a tiny indoor fireplace, solar-powered heating and communal fire pit (don’t forget the marshmallows).
Despite visiting the Adelaide Hills in autumn, I woke up to a brisk 10 degrees – cold enough to appreciate the magic of winter’s misty mornings. I seized the day with an unexpectedly steep 7.8-kilometre hike from Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty, which was ideal in the crisp autumn air. There are plenty more walking paths and mountain bike routes scattered throughout the region, including at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Here, the cool-climate plants put on a fiery display in autumn, while a trail of beautiful rhododendron bursts to life come spring.
To cut to the chase, there’s never an off-season to visit the Adelaide Hills. I strongly suggest you go experience the magic for yourself, and then return three more times to see it in every season.