Those cold, drizzly days are behind us for the most part, the birds are chirping and the skies are clearing to finally make way for some sunshine.
Spring time is upon us and what better opportunity to get out and explore some of the region’s best outdoor experiences, from sprawling gardens, to flower farms, bike tracks, picturesque hikes and wildlife encounters.
We’ve found some of the best ways to spend spring in the Hills, while most importantly, getting some fresh air and exercise. A win-win.
Connect with wildlife
Although some of us are lucky enough to spot koalas, kangaroos and other furry creatures in rural backyards from time to time, there’s nothing quite like seeing our native friends up close and personal, or even having a cuddle with them.
Cleland Wildlife Park, Gorge Wildlife Park and Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary are three places in the region that allow visitors unique opportunities to get snuggly with our beloved Aussie animals, learn more about their habitat and conservation efforts to keep the ecosystems thriving.
The parks are also home to a few species we don’t spot every day – dingoes, echidnas, and bilbies to name a few.
All three wildlife parks offer animal encounters allowing you to interact and hold cuddly (or scaly!) creatures.
Woodhouse Adventure Park
Piccadilly’s Woodhouse Adventure Park is a perfect one for families looking to burn some energy.
There are several adventure experiences on offer at the Scouts SA owned and operated facility.
Climb, crawl, swing and splash your way through more than 30 obstacles on Woody’s Challenge Hill and tackle the multidimensional climbing structure, Cameron’s Climb. The Labyrinth is a giant split level maze with a firefighter’s pole, a slide and two flights of stairs, while the tube slide is one of the park’s most popular attractions.
Thrill seekers can ride down the water-less slide in big rubber rings.
Orienteering courses, disc golf and hiking trails can also be explored for the ultimate day in the bush.
Fields of blooms
The Hills is home to a number of gorgeous flower farms where visitors can wander through fields of blooms and even pick their own bouquets.
Many of these flower farms are family-owned enterprises only operational during the spring and summer months, and sessions often book out in advance.
Charleston Farm offers a few different pick-your-own experiences including a ‘snip and sip’ evening with bubbles in hand, a ‘paint and pick’ session or your own private flower picking party.
The flower patch features a rotating selection including ranunculus, peonies, dahlias, sunflowers, hydrangeas and more.
Availability varies throughout the season, depending on the climate conditions.
Several other flower farms such as Atkins Farm at Meadows are only operational during the summer months, so be sure to check online for opening dates.
Adelaide Hills 4WD Park
Take the adventure off-road and hit the Adelaide Hills 4WD Park for some fun in the dirt.
The park located at St Ives near Callington has something for everyone of all driving experience levels as the tracks range between novice and extreme levels of difficulty. Recreational drivers can visit for the day or stay a few nights with camp sites or a two-person cottage available for hire.
There are creeks, picnic spots and playgrounds to explore, making it the ultimate family-friendly day trip or weekend getaway.
Fox Creek Bike Park
Thrill-seekers can explore more than 50km of bike trails catering to all skill levels at Fox Creek Bike Park at Cudlee Creek.
The 800ha park features a jumps park, skills area, downhill, gravity, cross country and all-terrain tracks to be tackled on two wheels.
The park has a vertical elevation of 180 metres so witnessing the skill and finesse of the experienced downhill riders who make the descent at epic speeds is entertainment in itself.
The park caters to riders of all experience with the green-rated trails excellent for kids and beginners.
Other levels include intermediate, difficult and extreme, the hardest of which features steep gradients, large drops and gaps, tight-twists and sharp corners.
Entry is free and the park is open from dusk to dawn, but closed on total fire ban days.
Take a hike
Pull on your sneakers and head out on one of the Hills’ walking trails, whether it be a short, leisurely stroll or a more challenging day-long hike.
If breathtaking views are what you’re after then tackle one of the classic climbs – Mt Lofty Summit.
The panoramic views of the city’s skyline are your reward for climbing to the peak or perhaps it’s a cold drink or snack at the Summit Cafe.
Serious bushwalkers can head off on the famous Heysen Trail.
The Mylor to Cleland section is the most popular stretch, winding through Bridgewater, Mt George Conservation Park and the Mt Lofty Botanic Garden before finishing at Cleland National Park.
After something more leisurely and with a spot of birdlife? Hit Mt Barker’s Laratinga Wetlands and explore one of the four trails whether it be one of the short loops or the much longer 7km walkway from the wetlands to Keith Stephenson Park.
If you’re lucky you might spot one of the common long neck turtles sunbathing on a log in the wetland.
