The Adelaide Hills mix cool-climate wines, farm gates, and small towns with leafy lanes. It is close to the city but feels quiet and green. A campervan lets you linger at lookouts, move between cellar doors at an easy pace, and keep picnic supplies chilled.
Treat the van like a roaming pantry. Pick up cheeses, apples, and a loaf, then pull into a shady reserve for a simple lunch with valley views.
Area at a glance
The Hills sit east of Adelaide on winding roads through forests and vineyards. Towns like Hahndorf, Stirling, Aldgate, and Lobethal are close together. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and sparkling styles are common, with cider houses, distilleries, and farm stalls dotted along the routes.
Why a campervan helps here
- Carry a fridge for cheeses, berries, and cured meats
- Set up an unhurried picnic between tastings without booking a table
- Keep layers and rain jackets on hand for quick weather shifts
- Start early for empty roads and finish at sunset lookouts without the drive home
Best time to visit
Autumn brings colour and mild days. Winter is cool and cosy with fires. Spring has blossoms and new releases. Summer is warm with cooler evenings in the trees. Weekends can be busy in Hahndorf and popular cellar doors. Book ahead in school holidays.
Two simple plan ideas
Option A: Hahndorf loop
- Morning coffee in Stirling then a short walk in Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
- Late morning tastings near Hahndorf
- Van picnic at a shaded reserve beside vines
- Golden hour at Mount Lofty Summit, then back to town for dinner
Designate a driver or use a local shuttle on tasting days.
Option B: Forests, cider & small towns
- Morning forest drive through Piccadilly Valley
- Cider house visit and a simple shared lunch from the van
- Afternoon galleries and bakeries in Lobethal and Woodside
- Sunset at a lookout over patchwork hills
Keep an empty crate in the van so bottles and produce do not roll around.
Tasty stops to consider
- Cellar doors with lawn seating and cheese plates
- Farm gates for apples, cherries in season, and small goods
- Cider houses and small distilleries
- Country bakeries for pies, sourdough, and pastries
- Lookouts across Piccadilly and Summertown for photos
Cellar door etiquette
- Book tastings on weekends and harvest weeks
- Share tasting flights and drink water between venues
- Buy a bottle you enjoy to support producers
- Snacks are welcome outdoors at many spots, ask at the counter
What to bring
- Reusable wine sleeves and a small picnic set
- Ice packs, water jug, and a tea towel
- Layers and a light rain jacket
- Walking shoes for short trails and gardens
- Power bank and offline maps for back roads
Driving and overnight notes
- Roads are narrow and winding. Take it slow and watch for wildlife at dusk
- Holiday parks and select farm stays welcome self-contained vans. Book ahead on long weekends
- Do not park in vineyard rows or private driveways
Search Campervans — Live Availability
Make the Hills easy
A campervan turns winery days into calm days. Shop markets, taste slowly, and build your own picnic with space to chill everything you find.
Event Campers shows live availability from trusted rental brands so you can compare layouts and prices in one place. Choose what fits and enjoy the Hills.
