A 20-30 minute drive up the freeway and you are there – in one of the loveliest parts of the state. (Double that if you are taking the bus.) Go in Autumn if you can.  The cooler climate means this area grows European (deciduous) trees, that put on a stunning display.  But it’s lovely all year round.  Take a jumper; it’s often considerably cooler up there than it is down on the plains.

• Visit the wineries – of course. Cooler climate also means this is a good area for whites. Ask some locals for an itinerary but include a stop off at Shaw and Smith (lovely winery, lovely sauvignon blanc).
• In Stirling have coffee at the Organic Café.  And for lunch or dinner try The Locavore. (Where possible they use ingredients sourced within 100miles of the restaurant.)
• Pop in at Aptos Cruz Gallery in Stirling for some stunning design and furniture.
• And if you are there on the 4th Saturday of any month, check out the Stirling Market.  You can’t miss it.
• Visit Hahndorf. It’s a bit touristy but there are still some good reasons to go
  • Eat at The White House (lunch or dinner). Fabulous farmhouse food.
  • Sample the local cheese at Udder Delights Cheese Factory (in the main street). They also run cheese making classes. Bookings essential.
  • Buy some Beerenberg  product from the farm shop. In season you can pick your own strawberries
  • Go to The Cedars,  the modest but gracious former home of the notable artist Hans Heysen. You can see his work, and his studio – and the work and studio of his talented (and increasingly recognised) daughter Nora Heysen. It’s a few kilometres out of the town – but signposted as you drive in.
  • Have lunch at the nearby The Lane Vineyard – award winning food, wonderful views. Book.
  •  Visit Hahndorf Hill Wines and try their gourmet wine and chocolate tasting – a very happy pairing.
• For car lovers, visit the National Motor Museum in Birdwood. Kids (especially boys) LOVE it – but actually it’s fun even for the non car enthusiast.
• Fossick in the Woodside bric a brac shops.
• Stop at the Lobethal Bierhaus – a boutique brewery with a local food focus. Book on weekends.
• On the way stop off at the little Cuddly Creek Café. Simple, locally sourced food. Not much to look at from the front, but make sure you go out the back and follow the path down the hill to the ‘balcony’ with its stunning view of the gorge.
• Do a cooking class at the Sticky Rice Cooking School. They also run some wonderful food based tours.