Autumn Leaves Trail
See our true colours.
There is no better time to explore the beautiful Adelaide Hills than in autumn. It's when the hills and gardens explode into vibrant colours before the leaves fall and winter comes. There is a multitude of things to see and it's all just a stone's throw away from Adelaide city. Here are just a few ways you could spend a day or two:
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
From the South-Eastern freeway, take the Crafers exit to Piccadilly Road and follow the signs to the lower car park. This spectacular hill garden is resplendent. Walk around the lake and among hundreds of deciduous trees to see them in their brilliant autumn finery.
Stirling
From the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, you drive to Stirling via Piccadilly Road, Old Mount Barker Road and Pomona Road. Stirling has a multitude of cafés and restaurants and boutique shops. It's a perfect place to have a bite, browse the shops and pick up something special. Or stroll down Mount Barker Road as far as the oval to appreciate the liquid amber and pinoak trees, ablaze in their stunning colour. On the way back, turn into Druid Avenue, a beautiful street flanked by majestic oaks.
Aldgate
From Stirling, head down Mount Barker Road, towards the village of Aldgate, surrounded by beautiful colour all the way. Drop into the Aldgate Pump Hotel for lunch or a drink. Opened in 1864, the hotel is named after the pump and horse trough that used to stand near the entrance. It was a stopping point for horse and bullock teams on their way to the Echunga Goldfields.
Mylor
From Aldgate take the Strathalbyn road and travel to the pretty village of Mylor. Take a walk down the main street amongst huge oaks and pinoaks. Established in 1891, the town was initially referred to as 'Warrakilla' until the name changed to Mylor after the Acting Governor's Cornish birthplace. Today you can visit the fully licensed café, boasting international cuisine or spend some time at nearby Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary and take a self-guided walk through native bushland.
Hahndorf
From Mylor, take River Road to Hahndorf - Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. The main street is lined with beautiful trees including white cedars and Canadian maples, enhancing its very northern hemisphere appeal. You'll find a wonderful array of local produce, art, hand-crafts, souvenirs, pubs and cafés. You'll also find where Sir Hans Heysen lived and worked at The Cedars. Still owned by his family, The Cedars offers an intimate insight to the artist and man.
Mount Barker
Take the Mount Barker Road through Hahndorf and you'll notice Beerenberg Strawberry Farm and the Hahndorf Farm Barn along the way, both of which are great places to visit. In Mount Barker, you'll find splendid English oaks lining Druids Avenue. These trees were planted by Charles Dumas, creator of local newspaper The Courier. Catch the latest movie at Wallis Cinema complex set within the grounds of historic Auchendarroch House. Try the adjoining tavern for lunch.
And if that wasn't enough reason, there are some fun events taking place over the next couple of months to check out:
Sunday 6 April - Autumn In Mylor Festival
Sunday 13 April - Stirling Autumn Garden Festival
Sunday 13 April - Rock and Roll Rendezvous, Birdwood
Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 May - Gumeracha Medieval Fair
Friday 16 - Sunday 18 May - Mount Barker Jazz & Heritage Festival
Sunday 18 May - Prospect Hill Rendezvous with the Past
Brochure and Discount Offers
Download a copy of the Autumn Leaves Trail Brochure [PDF 1.8mb] and take advantage of some great discount offers.
