Best Adelaide Hills scenic drives

Today’s drive starts with the thrill of chasing icy paddocks and below zero temperatures as we head through Battunga Country in the southern Adelaide Hills. 

Meadows, Macclesfield, Echunga, Flaxley, Prospect Hill, Paris Creek, Kuitpo and Jupiter Creek are some of the places that make up Battunga Country which is steeped in gold rush era history and rich agricultural land.

Heading south from Adelaide through Flagstaff Hill we decide on the picturesque route through Coromandel Valley.

Coromandel Valley @adelaideloves via Instagram 

As soon as we’re on Chandlers Hill Road, we’re in absolute awe at the spectacular countryside - I don’t think we’ll ever tire of the changing beauty of the rolling lush green hills, winding roads and incredible scenery of these drives. 

On Grants Gully Road, we’re on route through the town of Clarendon passing local residents tirelessly scraping ice off their car windscreens on a wide street boasting old buildings and stonemasonry from a bygone era. A stop at the Clarendon bakery we’ve heard so much about is a must do - especially on a cold winter morning! 

Next stop is the Meadows Country Market 16km away which takes place on the second Sunday of every month at the Meadows Memorial Hall. It’s everything you’d expect from a country market with the charm of fresh local produce, jams and preserves, antiques and handmade wares.

The Meadows main street makes for a nice stroll lined with old buildings, quirky shops and cafes. 

We’ve worked up quite a thirst, so it’s time for a visit to the Karrawatta Wines cellar door a few minutes up the road. While the architecturally designed cellar door at their Sophie’s Hill Vineyard is relatively new, winemaking has been in the Gilbert family since 1874 and it doesn’t fail to impress.

Image and credit: Karrawatta Vineyard 

The fire pit is going and we’re greeted by the cutest resident wine dog named Bailey before a leisurely tasting. The Karrawatta team also offers bespoke tastings, vineyard tours and Adelaide Hills Wine events like Winter Reds and Crush. 

Image and credit: Karrawatta Vineyard

We do a quick detour to check out the Macclesfield township 10 minutes away (you’ll pass Three Brothers Arms which we’ve heard is fantastic) with a quick stop at Longview Vineyard’s cellar door. 

Instagram @longviewvineyard 

Their recently completed tasting room is an experience in itself featuring recycled materials from the Macclesfield area in a modern, welcoming space with seasonal Italian fare from their Tasting Room Cucina. 

Longview Vineyard Homestead. Instagram @longviewvineyard

The homestead on the property also offers private accommodation - perfect for small groups looking to indulge in an Adelaide Hills stay. 

Last stop on today’s drive is Kuipto Forest thanks to impressive drone photographs on Instagram that have piqued our interest. We choose the scenic route through Paris Creek to get there and it’s a tranquil end to a busy day. 

Morning light through the trees at Kuipto Forest. Instagram @row_an_james 

While we didn’t have time to get there today, other wineries in close proximity are K1 by Geoff Hardy and Top Note; and nearby, the Farm Gate Services Farm Shop in Echunga, Jupiter Creek Gold Diggings, Callington and Prospect Hill Museum are worth a look for mining history and quirky wares. 

Quirky wares at the Farm Gate Services Farm Shop, Echunga. Instagram @farmgateservices