Carrick Hill
A historic 1930s estate with stunning gardens, art collections, and panoramic views of Adelaide.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms in full bloom
Carrick Hill
Best Time
Blossoms in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1930s estate with stunning gardens, art collections, and panoramic views of Adelaide.
"A beautiful historic treasure with spectacular gardens and breathtaking views of Adelaide."
🎟️ House Tour Booking
Book house tours in advance, especially on weekends, to guarantee entry and a guided experience.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sprawling lawns; the gardens are perfect for a leisurely lunch.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic House
Main Estate Building
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 1930s mansion, showcasing art and antiques.

Enchanting Gardens
Surrounding Estate Grounds
Wander through 100 acres of formal gardens, rose gardens, and a magical Storybook Trail.
Storybook Trail
Garden Area
A whimsical path through the gardens inspired by classic children's literature.
Adelaide City Views
Higher Points of the Estate
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of Adelaide's cityscape and coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Garden Access vs. House Tours
Best Time for Blooms & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ House Tour Booking
Book house tours in advance, especially on weekends, to guarantee entry and a guided experience.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sprawling lawns; the gardens are perfect for a leisurely lunch.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive gardens and grounds.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The estate and gardens offer stunning backdrops for photos, especially during spring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ House Tour Booking
Book house tours in advance, especially on weekends, to guarantee entry and a guided experience.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sprawling lawns; the gardens are perfect for a leisurely lunch.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive gardens and grounds.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The estate and gardens offer stunning backdrops for photos, especially during spring.
☕ Cafe Rozelle
Enjoy brunch or coffee with a view at Rozelle's cafe, located on the estate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carrick Hill for its stunning, well-maintained gardens and the opportunity to explore a beautifully preserved historic house. The panoramic views of Adelaide are a significant draw, and many find it a peaceful escape close to the city. Some note that house tours are essential for the full experience and recommend booking in advance.
"Carrick Hill House was the home of Sir Edward Hayward and his wife Ursula. The estate was built in 1930s. It was bequeathed to the State Government of SA after Sir Edward's death in 1983.
During my visit on 27 July 2025, the house was still closed for conservation, until 1 August 2025. However, the garden is still open for the public as usual.
I think both the house and the garden are worth visiting, but a small ticket is required for visiting the house with a guided tour (booking is required).
With such beautiful garden and generous approach by Sir Edward's donation of his beautiful house to allow public accessibility to enjoy walking in his garden and visiting his house to see the historical furnitures, decoration and construction, paying a small ticket ($20 per adult or $3 per child upto 15 yrs old) to ensure sustainable management and long term running of this beautiful historical building is totally acceptable.
The garden was spectacular, even I visited during winter. I think I will visit in again in Summer or Autumn to see any even more beautiful garden together with a guided tour for visiting the house."
Pat Chung
"Beautiful building that has been loved and cared for by the team so we can enjoy it. The gardens are beautiful too. Fantastic way to spend a few hours or half a day so close to the city centre."
Cheridan Riley
"What a surprise I got today visiting this great SA treasure. I had never heard of this place and ca.e across it by accident.
The locals are doing a great job keeping this gem a secret. $20 entry. Well spent.
Great works of art are displayed and breathtaking antiques."
Lynne Irving
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carrick Hill is conveniently located just 8km from Adelaide's CBD. You can drive there in about 15-20 minutes. Public transport options include bus routes that stop nearby, followed by a short walk.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Carrick Hill, making it easy to access by car.
While it's a bit of a distance from the CBD, if you're in the surrounding Springfield area, walking is an option, but it's best accessed by car or public transport for most visitors.
Opening hours vary for the house and gardens. The grounds are generally open daily, while the house has specific opening days and times, often requiring pre-booked tours. Always check the official website for the most current information.
The gardens offer accessible paths, but some areas may be uneven. The historic house has stairs, and accessibility within the house may be limited. It's advisable to contact Carrick Hill directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the gardens and grounds of Carrick Hill is free. However, a ticket is required to enter the historic house and participate in guided tours.
Ticket prices for the house tour are typically around $20 for adults and a smaller fee for children. Prices can vary, so check the official Carrick Hill website for current admission fees.
While you might be able to purchase tickets on arrival, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for guided tours, as they can sell out.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or family groups. It's best to check the Carrick Hill website or inquire directly about any concession rates.
A house tour ticket typically includes access to the historic house with a guided exploration of its rooms, art collection, and furnishings, offering insights into the lives of Sir Edward and Ursula Hayward.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in the gardens and grounds for personal use. However, photography inside the historic house may be restricted to protect the artworks and furnishings. Check for signage or ask staff for guidance.
The formal gardens, the rose gardens, the Storybook Trail, and the panoramic views of Adelaide are all fantastic spots for photography. The house exterior also offers beautiful architectural shots.
Absolutely! Carrick Hill's elegant architecture and beautiful gardens make it a highly sought-after location for engagement and wedding photography.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at heritage sites like Carrick Hill to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. Always check the official regulations before flying a drone.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer beautiful soft light for photography. Spring and autumn also provide vibrant colors for stunning shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Carrick Hill features Rozelle's Cafe, offering brunch, light meals, and refreshments with lovely views of the estate and Adelaide.
Picnics are very welcome at Carrick Hill! You can bring your own food and enjoy it on the designated lawn areas within the beautiful gardens.
Rozelle's Cafe typically serves a range of cafe-style fare, including brunch options, sandwiches, salads, and coffee, often with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
While Carrick Hill has its own cafe, the surrounding Adelaide Hills region offers numerous charming cafes and restaurants if you're looking for more extensive dining choices.
Carrick Hill is a popular venue for weddings and other events, with The Pavilion offering dedicated spaces for ceremonies and receptions.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can explore the extensive gardens, walk the Storybook Trail, enjoy the panoramic views of Adelaide, have a picnic, or visit Rozelle's Cafe.
Yes, the Storybook Trail is specifically designed for children, featuring characters and scenes from beloved books like The Hobbit and Charlotte's Web, making it a magical experience for families.
You can spend anywhere from a couple of hours to half a day at Carrick Hill, depending on whether you tour the house, explore the gardens thoroughly, and enjoy a meal or picnic.
While guided tours are primarily for the house, the gardens are designed for self-exploration. Information boards may be available to learn about the flora.
Carrick Hill houses a significant art collection, including works by Australian artists and European masters, as well as historical furnishings and decorative arts within the house.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Art & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and History of Carrick Hill
The grounds themselves are a testament to the Haywards' vision. The 100-acre estate features formal gardens, extensive rose gardens, and natural bushland. A particular highlight is the Storybook Trail, a whimsical path winding through the gardens, bringing to life characters from classic children's literature such as 'The Hobbit' and 'Charlotte's Web'. This thoughtful addition makes Carrick Hill an engaging destination for families, blending historical significance with imaginative play. The estate also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Adelaide, making it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of the surrounding landscape.
Exploring the Gardens and Grounds
For families, the Storybook Trail is an absolute must-do. This enchanting trail brings beloved literary characters to life, sparking the imagination of younger visitors and adding a layer of magic to the garden exploration. The estate's elevated position also provides stunning panoramic views of Adelaide and its coastline, offering a perfect backdrop for photos or simply a moment of quiet contemplation. Many visitors choose to bring a picnic to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed half-day outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit