With the most gorgeous panoramic views of vines and the Gulf St Vincent you will be feeling instantly relaxed on arrival and ready to kick back for an afternoon of grazing, acoustic tunes, wine tasting, lawn games and most importantly DONKEY pats! Yes, meet Pedro and Pinto! You can likely even score a carrot to feed them and the best news? Their donkey run has recently been extended so as they are now closer to the cellar door!

The beautiful knowledgeable staff will have you sorted in no time at all, and this is the perfect spot for families looking to enjoy a day out.

The wines are small batch and distinctive. Made with a whole lot of gentle love and nurturing by award winning winemaker Michael Sexton. They are vibrant and bright and celebrate the authentic naturally occurring characters of each variety and vintage.

The cellar door was undoubtedly designed with families in mind, offering a quality, creative and delicious kids’ lunch option that will keep little people happy. You can’t go wrong with crispy real chicken bites and hand cut fries, served with a cute fun sized chocolate on the side, plus these meals come with a juice box and the serving is big enough for bigger kids too.

Now, don’t expect the kids to sit around for too long – ours couldn’t keep away from the friendly donkey’s, they also danced and played games on the lawns, took Uno out to one of the picnic rugs, enjoyed spotting ducks and also bombed around with other kids for some winery lawn community fun.

When it comes to outdoor space, Main and Cherry Cellar Door truly shines. There’s plenty of room for kids to burn around and be kids, out of the way and with in sight, making it easy for parents to relax with a glass of wine while their little ones play safely. The picturesque grounds are ideal for a laid-back afternoon. Adding to the welcoming vibe, Main and Cherry also hosts a great line-up of acoustic musicians, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for a family outing. Check their for details.

It was only upon departure that we realized they also offer craft beers, so we did the right thing and took a four-pack home to enjoy later!

Main anFor the beer lovers, there is a fun little beer collab of Main and Cherry x Prancing Pony ales. Sold!

Whether you’re there to enjoy the food, music, a guided tasting or simply the great atmosphere, this winery has everything you need for a beautiful quality, memorable day out. Even the coffee was brilliant!

PS They do well presented gift vouchers and we can’t imagine many people not loving this! Buy one

Location: 60 Grants Gully Road, Chandlers Hill, 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, South Australia
Opening Times: Thursday to Mondays
Phone: 0474 015 349
Find them on  or 

This stunning playground is just about everything we love about a day out in our beautiful 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills. Coffee, stunning scenery and a fab playground for all ages. Located just below the Bridgewater Mill, the playground is fenced along the road and edges but NOT on the creek bed, which in my opinion is great because it allows kids to take there shoes off and go for a good explore in the creek bed. When we were there it was only about ankle deep with some deeper sections under the bridge, so you’ll need to use your discretion based on your kids abilities and what’s happening in the creek the day you visit. During winter and after a big rain, the creek can get quite deep and fast, so it will change during the year.

We had a great time crossing the stone path, splashing in the water and saying hello to the resident ducks.

The playground itself is not shaded, but there are lots of little nooks and crannies to sit under the shade of either the trees that surround the park or the undercover area. There is also a BBQ area that overlooks the playground with more shady spots to throw down a picnic rug.

Without doubt the #1 highlight of this park for us was the flying fox. Easy enough for my 4 year old to manage herself, we also saw older kids having a ball and younger kids having a try with the help of their parents. Pretty sure Winnie had close to one billion turns on it before she decided she’d like to check out the rest of the park.

Other playground equipment includes a substantial rope climbing frame, swings, rockers and a slide, plus a whole load of serenity.

PLEASE supervise your kids at this park, as I mentioned there is a small creek at the bottom of the play area that is very accessible. It’s a great splashy place to play but you need to keep your eyes on your kids.

What we loved about this park:

• The flying fox
• The equipment – diverse range for young and older kids
• The creek and natural play spaces – splashing, climbing, running, chasing butterflies, cartwheels on the grass – all that good stuff.
• BBQ Area – great spot for a kids birthday party
• Public Toilets
• The location – 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills = beautiful!
• The temperature in summer – on a hot day it’s always a few degrees cooler up here and lots of shady spots to sit on a picnic rug
• Parking easy to find
• Bridgewater shops over the road if you need a snack, drink, ice cream

For those wanting to enjoy some local food and drinks (including some lovely wines), consider a stop in at the Bridgewater Mill or Bridgewater Inn both within a few hundred meters walk.

Pick Your Own Apples at isn’t just pick and run type of thing – it really is a fun full day out you can have with the whole family in the beautiful 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills.

Lenswood is around 40 minutes drive from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. Not far from other 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills towns like Hahndorf and Woodside. Set on 23 beautiful acres @Lenswood is a 6th generation farm purchased by Emily and Chris Shipway and they have done a brilliant job turning it into a truly family friendly experience.

What’s new @Lenswood Pick Your Own in 2026

There’s even more to do at Lenswood Pick Your Own this season, making it a great day out for families:

• Five vintage tractors for kids to play on
• Thomas the Tank Engine for kids to play on
• A larger sandpit for kids to play in
• New Kid’s Pomology Trail (free!) – a fun scavenger-style trail where children can learn how apples are grown in the orchard. Families can also purchase a Kids Activity Pack for $12, which includes: Free entry on your next visit, Lenswood colouring-in book, Lollypop, Apple juice, Picking stick hire, Certificate of completion and take-home apple-themed crafts

Free Orchard Tours (Weekends)

On weekends, visitors can join one of two free guided orchard tours each day at approximately 10am and 2pm (Please note: tour times may vary slightly from day to day.) The tour covers how apples are grown, how they make their way from the orchard to the supermarket, the history of the farm and Lenswood and an explanation of the farm’s commercial apple trees.

And OH. MY. GOD the apples. If you’ve never crunched into an apple straight off the tree – it’s worth a trip just for that. Doesn’t your mouth just water looking at these photos!

Parking is easy with their large carpark, there are plenty of flat sections of orchard for prams and wheelchairs, there’s onsite facilities including the addition of a family toilet with two toilets in one cubicle and a baby change table, making visits easier for families with young children.

Oh and we haven’t even mentioned the cafe yet! Head in for coffee and treats! They will selling baked goods by the wonderful Lenswood General Store & Post Office. They will also be serving their very own Apple Juice and Paracombe Premium Perry’s sparkling apple juice. Plus, wait for it… they have teamed up with Hokey Pokey Ice Cream selling their newest collaboration – apple themed ice creams, sorbets and some of your other favourites! They will also have a variety of farm themed toys, locally produced items and souvenirs locally made by Busy B’s Embroidery & More! Grab something to eat or drink and sit on the picnic tables under the umbrellas.

2026 Pricing

Entry: Adults (13+ years): $8 | Children (3–12 years): $5 | Children 2 years and under: Free
Apples (pay by weight): 0–8 kg: $5 per kg | 8.1 kg and over: $4 per kg

Opening Days & Hours – 2026

Open 7 days a week, including all public holidays. 9am – 4pm daily (Strictly no entry after 3:30pm)
No bookings required and No time limit on how long you can stay
ANZAC Day, Lenswood Pick Your Own will donate $1 per kilogram of apples sold to the Lobethal RSL.

Find out more on their website

IG | Facebook:
122 Harris Road, Lenswood | P : 0436389578

Sessions run in small, intimate groups, creating a calm, unhurried environment to really enjoy these beautiful animals. In the two-hour Donkey Discovery experience, you’re immersed in a herd of loving donkeys, with an experience designed to create meaningful connections and provide moments you’ll treasure long after you leave. This would make an exceptional and special gift.

Unlike some animal encounters we have participated in where interaction is limited, this is a hands-on experience where the donkeys genuinely enjoy human company. You are encouraged to pat, brush and cuddle the donkeys (yep, like actual big around the neck hugs….just try and pry me off) all while learning about their care and wellbeing. Of course there are some rules like being mindful not to walk directly behind the animals, and like any animal encounter, kids need to be supervised and capable of maintaining a certain level of composure, so as not to startle them with running or quick/loud unexpected movements.

Animal welfare is at the heart of everything they do here, and it shows, these are deeply loved, well-cared-for, HAPPY donkeys who are relaxed, curious and comfortable around families. Hearing how Donkey Discovery has evolved, and learning about each donkey’s personality, adds a beautiful educational layer to the experience; and man do they ever have their own hilarious individual personalities. The kids loved hearing about these and witnessing it. They left feeling like they really knew the animals and had connected with them, it’s very special.

Some other highlights for all of us were walking with the donkeys, watching them play and interact with each other and also the opportunity to snap the cutest photos of them wearing headbands (yes, they genuinely seemed to love it!) Then there was Sunny, a three-week-old baby donkey, who completely stole our hearts. Fluffy, fuzzy and impossibly cute, Sunny was a huge hit and made this 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills animal experience feel even more unforgettable.

The two-hour session finishes with a delicious morning or afternoon tea, perfect for families. Expect warm scones, tea and coffee, and incredible homemade biscuits (a mix of ANZAC and Turkish apricot flavours) fittingly named Gallipoli biscuits.

The cost is: Adults $110, Kids (2–14 years) $55 and private family sessions and special event appearances can be arranged and are charged accordingly, on application and subject to availability. An investment well worth every cent.

To book this epic animal experience in South Australia, visit and don’t forget to wear enclosed footwear for walking alongside the donkeys

Email: donkeydiscovery@gmail.com
Mobile (text preferred due to nature of work): 0411 755 873

This content was created in partnership with Donkey Discovery

Missing the yellow cow from the main street of Hahndorf? You’ll find it here, with the cute little Udder Delights Cheese Cellar tucked into this venue, where you can also enjoy great food, craft beer, wine, gin flights and a fun kids menu that can all be enjoyed in this super high quality. family-friendly space. Think umbrellas outdoors, a creek, expansive lawn, a cubby, a slack line for the kids to balance on and just room to explore.

When its cool, there is a delightful fireplace doing a great job of keeping the space warm and cosy, surrounded by couches. The main dining area, ‘The Great Hall’, includes tables, booths, bar tables, and also offers the ‘Grünthal Greenhouse’ for private functions. When it’s sunny out, there are shady trees and umbrellas for days!

The at Grünthal is definitely a big step up from standard brewery fare! There are a great range of small plates, pizzas, and specials on offer. Udder Delights cheeses are well represented, with a delicious cheese fondue, a ‘Too Cheesy’ deep dish pizza, and even the humble toastie is made with Truffle Cheddar. The pizza is next level. The real star of the menu for the kids was the dessert (of course) – an extra special sundae topped with Persian fairy floss.

They haven’t forgotten to cater for dietary options including vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free and vegan either!

For the grown ups, there is an extensive drinks menu including tea, coffee and iced drinks, wines, three varieties of Grünthal Gin, cocktails and mocktails, and of course the extensive and delicious Grünthal beer range, including eBeer – with a new brewing technology that you’ll love hearing about.

Grünthal makes it super easy to cater for groups with a “Feed my Group�, “Feed my Party� and “Feed my Child� selection of items from the main menu.

The kids loved exploring the fantastic lawns on the bank of the Onkaparinga River. There is seating and shade on the raised terrace, and the lawns are accessible by both a ramp and stairs. We can’t think of a better place to lay down a picnic rug and enjoy a sunny afternoon watching the kids play while we had an uninterrupted adult catch up and all of the tasty things!

Before you depart, be sure to choose some gin, beer or wine to take home, and of course some of the many cheeses and trimmings on offer.

The indoor dining area is accessible with plenty of space to manoeuvre around tables and park prams. The female toilets allow enough room to leave a pram outside the cubicle door if required, and the accessible toilet is very roomy and has a full size change table, nappy disposal unit, and grab rails.

Ingenuity Baby Base seats are available to seat your little ones at the table – just another extra touch that makes this family day out so much easier.

Book it in, every one will be happy here!

Grünthal Brew
Location: 827 Mount Barker Rd Verdun
Opening Hours:
Mon to Thurs 10am – 4pm / Fri to Sat 10am – 10pm / Sun & Public Holidays 10am to 5pm
Phone: 08 8388 1588 
Find them on  or 

It’s a great place to spend a day walking the wheelchair accessible and pram friendly trails, riding bikes, having picnic, bird watching or just lazing about in the peaceful environment. We love the different trails available, all very easy and flat, ranging from 15 to 45 minute loops.

There is a designated picnic area with BBQs, tables, benches, shelters, toilets and plenty of seating.

Approximately 150 bird species have been spotted at Laratinga and Interpretive signs have been installed around the walking trails. Each sign along the trail indicates a type of bird species that you could spot at that location. You might even spot a turtle or a frog if you’re lucky. PLEASE don’t feed the ducks though. Bread is unhealthy for birds as it can cause poor nutrition and even make them sick. Feeding birds also encourages unnatural and aggressive behaviour, and favours non-native species.

Mt Barker offers plenty of fab coffee spots in the town centre (occasionally a coffee van will prop in the car park of the wetlands too), with our faves being Sazon and Lady Luck, both on Main Street. Check them out and then head for a walk!

But Beerenberg Café is so much more than its jaw-dropping shakes. The farm has a beautiful story. A rich family history spanning six generations that has woven much of the fabric of this great region’s development. To this day, it remains 100% family owned, with all products made on-site. In the warmer months, strawberry picking at Beerenberg in Hahndorf is a bit of a South Australian rite of passage and yet somehow, we’d never stopped in at the gorgeous cafe… until now. Wow. Fresh, seasonal produce, a thoughtfully crafted menu, and flavour-packed dishes make it a must-visit for anyone heading to the Hills.

Standouts for us included:

• The Farmhouse Vienna – hearty, flavoursome, and everything a brioche roll with two smoked Vienna sausages, Beerenberg New York Deli Relish, chipotle ranch sauce, and beetroot sauerkraut should be. Served with cheese, crispy chips, and Beerenberg Green Tomato & Jalapeno Relish, it’s pure comfort on a plate.
• Strawberry & Burrata Salad – almost too pretty to eat. With peaches, cherry tomatoes, basil, Beerenberg Orange Marmalade, toasted seeds, and pomegranate dressing, this salad is a masterpiece of freshness and colour.

The kids’ menu gets a big thumbs-up from us too. With four options, including a healthy snack that lets little grazers nibble on veggie sticks and fruit, it’s a winner for picky eaters. Nuggets are loved here, sure, but that little jar of Beerenberg tomato sauce with every dish? Chef’s kiss.

And then there’s dessert. Whatever you do, save room. Your tastebuds will thank you (even if your waistline doesn’t).

• The Summer Stack – toasted waffle topped with vanilla ice cream, smashed strawberry, mango & kiwi salsa, and strawberry coulis. Pure bliss.

And of course, no visit is complete without a trip to The Dairy, where ice cream and gelati made from freshly churned local milk are packed with flavour and farm-fresh goodness. Strawberry is a must, but you’ll struggle to choose just one flavour. Not feeling a full meal? Grab a coffee and a scone (thank me later).

Beyond the menu, everything at Beerenberg feels thoughtful and family-friendly. Pram and wheelchair access is seamless, the atmosphere is relaxed, and every dish showcases Beerenberg’s own jams, relishes, and sauces. Kids are well catered for too, with colouring-in activities and an interactive strawberry wall where they can press buttons and learn all about the farm. The staff are incredible, and you can genuinely feel the love oozing out of the café like the sweetest jam on toast.

Honestly, tell your friends, tell your family, tell interstate visitors. Beerenberg is an absolutely brilliant

³¢´Ç³¦²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýMount Barker Road, Hahndorf SA 5245
Opening Times: Daily 9am to 4pm | Closed Christmas Day Only
Phone: 08 8388 7272
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Despite the iconic street presence in the main street of Hahndorf, not every one knows about the magical spacious garden setting out the back, this area is absolutely perfect for to enjoy a relaxed meal while the kids explore and play, or to host your next celebration. Is there any thing better than room for them to stretch their legs away from the table and catch some fresh air in between arriving, maybe pop a cartwheel and then order and eat? We don’t think so. There are also indoor and deck / verandah areas for seating, but book under a tree or umbrella is our advice.

The menu is Spanish and vibrant, with some more familiar options for the kids like pizza, pasta and crumbed chicken and chips. Who can pass up paella and sangria on a sunny afternoon? Not us. ACtually this visit we opted in for the feed me style menu and it didn’t disappoint in value, variety and just general tasty awesomeness.

Comida is open from 9am daily (closed Tuesdays) and serves up Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All menus aim to use the freshest local and seasonal produce, which means the menu changes are quite frequent. The absolute stand outs for us were sharing tapas, the classic paella de comida and the paella de mariner. It goes without saying that we also inhaled several serves of sweet, warm churros. Always a winner.

The kids were delighted when I told them to look for resident bunny rabbits in the garden, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement as they spotted a couple of these adorable animals hopping about. It’s fair to say Comida is more than just a place to eat; it’s a family-friendly destination that delivers a fun, warm, welcoming environment for all ages.

The thoughtful design of the Spanish garden space, coupled with engaging activities like bunny spotting and indulging in churros, makes it an ideal choice for a memorable family outing. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual meal, Comida in Hahndorf ensures a really enjoyable experience for everyone.

Keep an eye on their social media (linked below) for regular events and entertainment, and don’t overlook this beautiful spot if you need a stylish venue for that 30th, 40th, 50th birthday party you owe to your self to celebrate! Image it as a wedding venue? Yes…..that’s an option here too!

Need more to fill in your day in the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ hills with kids, check it out here

Location: 100 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf SA 5245
Opening Hours: Mon 9am to 3pm | Tues Closed | Wed 9am to 3pm | Thurs, Fri + Sat 9am – 10pm | Sun 9am to 4pm
Find them on  or 

View more and book online

Cherry picking… not as you know it! There is a new 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills spot for pick your own cherries and we couldn’t be more thrilled! @Birdwood PYO Cherries is brought to you by the same family who run @Lenswood PYO Apples and just like they have shaken up the apple picking scene in South Australia, they are bringing their unique twist to cherry picking in December. Let’s go!

You’ll find @Birdwood PYO minutes away from The Big Rocking Horse and National Motor Museum in Birdwood on a flat and shady orchard in the majestic gum country of the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills. So you really can make a day of it! That is if you can tear yourself away from all the fun @Birdwood PYO has onsite – that’s right, it’s not just cherry picking! Just like their apple picking at @Lenswood PYO, when you go cherry picking there is no need to pick and run. Stay and play with the giant games for the kids (and big kids!!) and grab a coffee and ice cream from their onsite cafe. There are also toilets onsite and ample carparking, plus plenty of picturesque places to sit and relax making it a real destination for a family day out this December.

How does it work? There are no bookings required, it’s first come, best dressed at @Birdwood PYO. This means you don’t have to rush to be there on time for your booking, just turn up when it suits your family (cause who likes rushing with kids? NO ONE). They have a unique, pre-paid structure – so there won’t be any cherry picking regrets, you’ll be able to pre-pay for your cherries and not be hit with a nasty surprise at the end! Haven’t we all been there before? The kids just want to pick more and more and more and at end your fruit is weighed and you get a nasty surprise?? There is NONE of that at @Birdwood PYO Cherries – you pay your entry fee, get your punnet and pick away!

PRICING:
Adults 13+ $20
Children 3-12 $16
Entry fee per person includes: approx 700g bag of cherries to take home and eating cherries off the tree as you go!

NEED MORE CHERRIES ON TOP OF WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR ENTRY FEE?

The more you pick the cheaper it is per kg. At the gate, on the day, if you need more cherries on top of your 700g bag included with each person’s entry.. you can pre purchase our 1.5kg bags or an additional 700g bag. The more bags you purchase the cheaper it is per kg. See below:

• 700g bag (700g) – $13 ($18.50/kg)
• x1 1.5kg bag (1.5kg total ) – $25 each bag ($16.60/kg)
• x2 1.5kg bags (3kg total ) – $24 each bag ($16.00/kg)
• x3 1.5kg bags (4.5kg total ) – $23 each bag ($15.30/kg)
• x4 or more 1.5kg bags (6kg total) – $22 each bag ($14.60/kg)

There is no weighing at our orchard. No nasty surprises at the exit.. and the more you pick the cheaper it is per kg.

We all know how fickle cherry growing can be with fluctuations in weather – check the and for the most up to date opening dates and times.

@Birdwood PYO Cherries
111 Angas Creek Road, Birdwood

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Just be sure to check their socials for exact opening times.

Downstairs, kids can meet the guinea pigs who live in the most incredible miniature replica of Hahndorf village lovingly built by the owner himself. It is calm, cute and interactive making it an easy win for animal-loving kids while parents get a moment to relax and enjoy the space. Visiting the mini village and meeting the guinea pigs costs $5 per person. All funds are set aside for a future lift to make the café fully accessible for everyone.

Upstairs, you will find all the café favourites with a twist. Coffee, snacks and treats are served alongside one of the funniest, pun-filled menus you will ever see. Expect plenty of guinea pig wordplay that will have the kids reading and giggling and the adults chuckling too.

Sessions are hands-on and welcoming, with staff guiding children on how to gently hold and care for the animals. It is a sweet way for kids to learn about empathy and animal care. Even better, the café gives NDIS participants meaningful opportunities to get involved in café operations, food handling, customer service and animal care, making it a space that is all about community, inclusion and heart.

It is a family-run, feel-good spot where creativity, community and cuddly guinea pigs come together for a memorable day out in Hahndorf.

Location: 91A Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf SA 5245
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 11am to 2pm, Weekends: 10am to 3pm
Find them on