The Hills are a paradise for kids - climb a giant rocking horse, hand-feed kangaroos, watch chocolate being made and ride a heritage steam train, all within a short drive.
With wildlife, sweets and a famous Big Thing all close together, the Adelaide Hills is one of South Australia's great family-day destinations. Here's how to fill a day the kids will remember.
Climb the Big Rocking Horse
Start at Gumeracha, where the 18-metre Big Rocking Horse towers over a toy factory and free-roaming wildlife park. Kids can climb to the top for a certificate, then feed kangaroos, deer and emus in the surrounding bush park.
Meet the wildlife
For a closer encounter, Cleland Wildlife Park on the slopes of Mount Lofty lets you walk among free-roaming kangaroos and - by booking - hold a koala. Up the road, Mount Lofty Summit rewards even small legs with a huge view over the city.
Chocolate, cheese and trains
Swing through Woodside for Melba's Chocolate Factory, where you can watch chocolate made the old-fashioned way through viewing windows, then taste cheese next door at Udder Delights.
Finish with a ride on the SteamRanger Heritage Railway from Mount Barker on a running day, or hand-pick strawberries (in season) at Beerenberg Farm near Hahndorf. Pack a picnic, leave plenty of time, and let the day unwind.