Things to do this Easter in the Adelaide Hills

What is Easter without chocolate? Chocolate lovers can embark on a trip across the Hills to sample the region’s best sweet treats, whether it be in dark, milk or white form.

An obvious choice is Melba’s Chocolates and Confectionery at Woodside.

Not only can you stock up on Easter eggs, chocolate blocks and other sweet treats such as lollies and liquorice, but you can take a tour of the factory to see how the sweet stuff is made.

Melba’s has six different rooms where visitors can watch the manufacturing processes including chocolate coating, toffee making and gift wrapping.

In Stirling is Red Cacao, an artisan chocolatier producing indulgent truffles and ganaches that are works of art.

The chocolate shop is also a cafe where visitors can enjoy coffee from local specialty roasters, hot chocolates, delicious waffles and gateaux cakes.

Savoury brunch dishes are also on the menu.

The Hills is home to a number of cute and cosy bed and breakfast venues, quirky camping stays and luxurious hotel hideaways.

For the ultimate splurge, check out Sequoia Lodge at Mt Lofty House, an exclusive adults-only luxury retreat featuring 14 contemporary and sustainably designed suites with stunning views over Piccadilly Valley.

Each suite has its own private balcony, lounge and fireplace, bath and king-size bed, while the fine dining restaurant Hardy’s Verandah is only 100 metres away.

The eco-conscious traveller can unplug from the world for the weekend in a CABN, an off-grid luxury eco-cabin at Hahndorf.

The two and four-person purpose-built retreats are a four-minute stroll from the town’s main street, and a quick drive from local wineries, restaurants and wildlife spots.

In Basket Range is the 1935 venue The Manor, a castle-like estate featuring 12 guestrooms each with its own private balcony or patio.

This romantic, secluded retreat, popular for weddings and special events, is perfect for couples after a relaxing weekend away.

A much-loved annual instalment, the Meadows Easter Fair is the quintessential country event.

More than 100 market stalls sell everything from locally made arts and crafts to gourmet foods and preserves, handmade wares, plants and more.

Live music will play across the weekend, while food trucks will keep tummies full.

A travelling farm with animals for kids and a medieval combat demonstration are just some of the family-friendly activities to keep visitors entertained.

This year the event will be bigger, expanding from the Memorial Hall grounds into Battunga Park and each day across the long weekend will also be themed – something organisers hope to introduce each year going forward.

Check out the Meadows Easter Fair Facebook page for all the details and regular updates on stalls, attractions and special activities.

The highlight of the Oakbank Racing Club’s calendar is the Easter Racing Carnival staged on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday.

The event is known for its family-friendly picnic atmosphere as visitors can bring their own food, drinks and barbecues into the course and pick the perfect spot to enjoy the event’s historic charm.

A variety of food trucks, bars, live music and carnival rides are also set up trackside.

The Fashions on the Field competition is the place for stylish racegoers to check out autumn trends, with relaxed and weather appropriate attire popular choices among entrants.

Rain has been known to hit the event in the past – but has never dampened the spirits of punters, of course!

Pack the picnic rug, a selection of local cheeses and snacks and head to one of the Hills’ many great picnic spots for an afternoon. Hopefully the weather plays nice so you can relax and enjoy some time in nature, whether it be on a patch of grass off the winding paths and trails at the Mt Lofty Botanic Garden or a spot taking in the birdlife at Mt Barker’s Laratinga Wetlands.

Steamroller Park at Stirling is perfect for families as there is a playground, rotunda, seating and barbecue facilities.

Children can play and climb on the centrepiece, an old steamroller.

The park is on Stirling’s main street and near plenty of coffee spots if adults need to make a quick dash to fuel up on caffeine.

Sip and nibble your way through the long weekend by sitting back and enjoying a glass of pinot noir and a cheese board or fancy degustation at one of the region’s premier dining venues.

Many cellar doors and restaurants across the Adelaide Hills offer long lunch experiences with multiple dishes that showcase local produce paired with their best drops.

Other venues offer more casual and relaxed vibes with cheese boards, pizzas and picnic snacks to be enjoyed on sprawling lawns or overlooking grand views.

Make a day of it by visiting a local cellar door or two and enjoy a wine tasting before picking a restaurant and treating yourself to a meal or working through a selection of dishes.

Check out adelaidehillswine.com.au for lists of cellar doors, restaurants, tasting experiences and events.