Torrens Valley Heritage Drive

The plan

The north-eastern Hills, where the River Torrens winds through Gumeracha and Birdwood, is the region's quiet heart — green valleys, old stone villages and a slower pace than the busy Hahndorf–Stirling belt. This drive strings the highlights together into an easy, scenic day.

Start at Gumeracha, home to the Big Rocking Horse, then follow the valley to Birdwood, whose historic main street centres on the National Motor Museum — Australia's largest collection of vintage and classic vehicles, housed in an old flour mill. Wander the heritage shopfronts and grab lunch from the country bakery.

Nearby, Melba's Chocolate Factory lets you watch chocolate being made the old-fashioned way (and taste plenty of it). Round out the loop through the surrounding farmland and orchards, with the green Torrens Valley unfolding the whole way — proof there's far more to the Hills than its famous cellar doors.