Escape the city and discover two of South Australia's most charming and rewarding destinations on the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour — a full-day guided coach journey through lush green hills, cool-climate villages, and the beloved streets of Hahndorf, Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. From panoramic views at Mt Lofty Summit and chocolate tastings at Haigh's to the iconic tree-lined main street of Hahndorf with its artisan produce, galleries, and traditional German beer, this is one of the most popular and consistently loved day trips from Adelaide.
Key Highlights
- Admire sweeping panoramic views from Mt Lofty Summit — the highest peak in the Mt Lofty Ranges at 710 metres, with spectacular vistas across Adelaide and out to sea
- Enjoy a guided tour and tastings at Haigh's Chocolates — one of Australia's most beloved chocolate makers, with a free factory tour and tasting experience (not available Sundays or SA public holidays)
- Visit Beerenberg Farm Shop — home to South Australia's most famous strawberry farm and artisan condiment range, with the story of Hahndorf's German heritage on display
- Explore the tree-lined main street of Hahndorf — art and craft galleries, leather shops, butchers, bakers, cafes, and traditional German pubs with cold beers and Schnitzel
- Enjoy afternoon tea or a traditional German beer tasting at the iconic Hahndorf Inn — the perfect way to round off a day in South Australia's most characterful village
About Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour
The Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour is the essential half-day or full-day Adelaide Hills experience, combining the region's greatest natural viewpoint, its most beloved food producer, and the extraordinary living heritage of Hahndorf — all in a single, relaxed, and expertly guided journey from the city.
Departing Adelaide, the coach climbs into the cool green hills of the Mt Lofty Ranges, passing the charming villages of Crafers, Stirling, and Aldgate and the historic Bridgewater Mill water wheel before arriving at Mt Lofty Summit — the highest point in the Mt Lofty Ranges at 710 metres, where a short walk to the lookout rewards visitors with some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in South Australia. On a clear day the view stretches across the entire Adelaide metropolitan area, from the city centre and the parklands to the coast and the shimmering waters of Gulf St Vincent.
From Mt Lofty, the tour continues to the famous Haigh's Chocolates — one of Australia's oldest and most celebrated chocolate makers, founded in Adelaide in 1915 and still family-owned today. A free guided factory tour and chocolate tasting is included, with the opportunity to browse the full range and take home something delicious. Note that the Haigh's factory tour and tasting does not operate on Sundays or South Australian public holidays — on these days, a visit to the National Wine Centre of Australia is substituted.
The afternoon is spent in Hahndorf — Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, established in 1839 by Lutheran migrants from Germany and still deeply faithful to its heritage in its architecture, food, beer, and community spirit. After a visit to the Beerenberg Farm Shop — home to South Australia's most famous strawberry farm and the handmade condiments and jams loved across the country — guests have generous free time to explore the magnificent tree-lined main street at their own pace. Afternoon tea or a traditional German beer tasting at the Hahndorf Inn provides the perfect convivial finale before the return journey to Adelaide. Book your Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour now on Thrillark and save up to 16%.
Departing Adelaide, the coach climbs into the cool green hills of the Mt Lofty Ranges, passing the charming villages of Crafers, Stirling, and Aldgate and the historic Bridgewater Mill water wheel before arriving at Mt Lofty Summit — the highest point in the Mt Lofty Ranges at 710 metres, where a short walk to the lookout rewards visitors with some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in South Australia. On a clear day the view stretches across the entire Adelaide metropolitan area, from the city centre and the parklands to the coast and the shimmering waters of Gulf St Vincent.
From Mt Lofty, the tour continues to the famous Haigh's Chocolates — one of Australia's oldest and most celebrated chocolate makers, founded in Adelaide in 1915 and still family-owned today. A free guided factory tour and chocolate tasting is included, with the opportunity to browse the full range and take home something delicious. Note that the Haigh's factory tour and tasting does not operate on Sundays or South Australian public holidays — on these days, a visit to the National Wine Centre of Australia is substituted.
The afternoon is spent in Hahndorf — Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, established in 1839 by Lutheran migrants from Germany and still deeply faithful to its heritage in its architecture, food, beer, and community spirit. After a visit to the Beerenberg Farm Shop — home to South Australia's most famous strawberry farm and the handmade condiments and jams loved across the country — guests have generous free time to explore the magnificent tree-lined main street at their own pace. Afternoon tea or a traditional German beer tasting at the Hahndorf Inn provides the perfect convivial finale before the return journey to Adelaide. Book your Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour now on Thrillark and save up to 16%.
Inclusions
- Full-day guided coach tour with expert local driver and guide commentary throughout
- Mt Lofty Summit visit and panoramic views
- Haigh's Chocolates guided factory tour and tasting
- Beerenberg Farm Shop guided tour and tasting
- Afternoon tea or German beer tasting at the Hahndorf Inn
- Morning pickup from selected Adelaide CBD hotels
- Return to Adelaide Central Bus Station and selected hotel drop-offs
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
Insiders' Tips
Head to the Haigh's chocolate tasting early and try the dark chocolate almond block — it is the best thing they make and sells out fastest. In Hahndorf, walk to the far end of the main street and back for the full village experience before settling in at the Hahndorf Inn for a cold German beer. Bring a light jacket as the Adelaide Hills are noticeably cooler than the city year-round.
Additional Information
Duration
- Approximately 4 hours
- 1:15 PM to 5:15 PM
- Children below 3 years old are free of charge but with no seats provided.
- 01:15 PM - Departs from Adelaide Central Bus Station or selected Adelaide CBD hotels
- 5:15PM - End of tour and drop-off at Adelaide Central Bus Station or selected Adelaide CBD hotels
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation at least 72 hrs before the travel date for full refund
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour?
The Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour is a full-day guided coach tour covering Mt Lofty Summit, a Haigh's Chocolates factory tour and tasting, the Beerenberg Farm Shop, and generous free time in the tree-lined main street of Hahndorf — Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. The tour departs from the Adelaide Central Bus Station at 9:15 AM and returns at approximately 5:15 PM, operating on Tuesdays and Fridays.
What is Hahndorf and why is it significant?
Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, established in 1839 by Lutheran migrants who gave the town its distinctive German character in architecture, food, beer, and culture that persists to this day. The main street is one of the most charming and photogenic heritage streetscapes in South Australia, lined with artisan galleries, craft shops, traditional German pubs, bakeries, and cafes that draw visitors from across the country.
What is included in the Haigh's Chocolates visit?
The Haigh's Chocolates stop includes a free guided factory tour showing how the chocolates are made and a chocolate tasting experience, with time to browse and purchase from the full range in the factory shop. The Haigh's visit does not operate on Sundays or South Australian public holidays — on these days the itinerary is replaced with a visit to the National Wine Centre of Australia.
What is Beerenberg Farm Shop and what can I do there?
Beerenberg Farm Shop is home to South Australia's most famous strawberry farm and the handmade jams, condiments, and preserves that have been produced here since 1971. The tour includes a guided introduction to how Beerenberg began and the history of its connection to Hahndorf, followed by time to explore and purchase from the full range of products in the farm shop.
What are the views like from Mt Lofty Summit?
Mt Lofty Summit is the highest point in the Mt Lofty Ranges at 710 metres above sea level, offering sweeping panoramic views across the entire Adelaide metropolitan area from the city centre and the foothills all the way to the Gulf St Vincent coastline. On clear days the views are genuinely spectacular and extend for over 50 kilometres, making it one of the best elevated lookouts in South Australia.
What can I do during free time in Hahndorf?
During the generous free time in Hahndorf, you can explore the full length of the tree-lined main street with its art galleries, craft shops, leather and fabric stores, German butchers and bakeries, souvenir shops, and traditional pubs. Most visitors enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the main street cafes or German restaurants before browsing the shops, and the afternoon tea or German beer tasting at the Hahndorf Inn is included as the tour's convivial finale.
Is the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families with children — children aged 3 to 14 travel at a child ticket rate and infants aged 0 to 2 travel free of charge. Parents should note that child restraints are not provided on the coach for infants under 2, so this must be discussed with the operator before booking.
What happens on Sundays and public holidays on the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour?
On Sundays and South Australian public holidays, the Haigh's Chocolates factory tour and tasting is replaced with a visit to the National Wine Centre of Australia, as the Haigh's factory does not operate on these days. The National Wine Centre is itself closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, on which days the itinerary is adjusted to spend additional time exploring the hills, villages and Hahndorf.
When does the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour operate?
The full-day version of the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour including the Haigh's Chocolates visit operates on Tuesdays and Fridays, departing from the Adelaide Central Bus Station at 9:15 AM. A half-day afternoon version is also available on selected days — check availability at the time of booking for the option that best suits your itinerary.
Do I need to book the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Tour in advance?
Advance booking is recommended as the tour is subject to minimum passenger numbers and popular dates during South Australian school holidays and peak summer season can fill quickly. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 16% on the standard rate with instant confirmation, and always reconfirm your pickup location with the operator at least 48 hours before your tour departure.
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