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Carrick Hill

4.6
·2k reviews·Springfield, Australia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoms in full bloom

CrowdMedium
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Carrick Hill - Image 1

Carrick Hill

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoms in full bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A beautiful historic treasure with spectacular gardens and breathtaking views of Adelaide."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic House

The Historic House

Main Estate Building

Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 1930s mansion, showcasing art and antiques.

Enchanting Gardens

Enchanting Gardens

Surrounding Estate Grounds

Wander through 100 acres of formal gardens, rose gardens, and a magical Storybook Trail.

Storybook Trail

Storybook Trail

Garden Area

A whimsical path through the gardens inspired by classic children's literature.

Adelaide City Views

Adelaide City Views

Higher Points of the Estate

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of Adelaide's cityscape and coastline.

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Planning Your Visit

Garden Access vs. House Tours

While the stunning gardens at Carrick Hill are free to explore, accessing the historic house requires a ticket and often a guided tour. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you don't miss out on this glimpse into the past. Reddit

Best Time for Blooms & Views

Carrick Hill's gardens are spectacular year-round, but spring offers an explosion of cherry blossoms and flowers. TikTokInstagram For panoramic views of Adelaide, consider visiting on a clear day. The estate is also a popular spot for events, so check their schedule. Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blossoms in full bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Beautiful garden colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

it’s called carrick hill #adelaide
@stitfm2u
6.1K likes • 61.4K views

🎟️ House Tour Booking

Book house tours in advance, especially on weekends, to guarantee entry and a guided experience. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sprawling lawns; the gardens are perfect for a leisurely lunch. Reddit

Carrick hill filled with rich history, art and nature❤️. #carrickhill #carrickhilladelaide #hiddentreasure #hiddentreasureofadelaide #placestovisitadelaide #adelaide #southaustralia #visitadelaide #travel #explor
@adoringme0
2.7K likes • 59.5K views
Carrick Hill, Adelaide 🇦🇺 #adelaide #visitsouthaustralia #visitadelaide #adelaidethingstodo #seesouthaustralia #southaustralia #myadelaide #adelaidethings #carrickhill
henry.nguyen15
137 likes • 3.9K views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive gardens and grounds. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The estate and gardens offer stunning backdrops for photos, especially during spring. Instagram+1

🌸 Carrick Hill is blooming! 🌸 Early blossoms are already here, and the gardens will be at their best in the coming weeks. The perfect spot for a spring stroll, picnic, or dreamy photo backdrop. ✨ Are you ready for spring in Adelaide? 🌿☀️ #CarrickHill #Adelaide #SpringVibes #BlossomSeason #SouthAustralia #NatureLovers #AdelaideLife
dearlittlemango
120 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ House Tour Booking

Book house tours in advance, especially on weekends, to guarantee entry and a guided experience. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sprawling lawns; the gardens are perfect for a leisurely lunch. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive gardens and grounds. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The estate and gardens offer stunning backdrops for photos, especially during spring. Instagram+1

☕ Cafe Rozelle

Enjoy brunch or coffee with a view at Rozelle's cafe, located on the estate. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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

Beautiful gardens
Historic house preservation
Panoramic city views

What People Dislike

House tour booking required

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. TikTok

Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Carrick Hill, making it easy to access by car. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Carrick Hill's elegant architecture and beautiful gardens make it a highly sought-after location for engagement and wedding photography. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer beautiful soft light for photography. Spring and autumn also provide vibrant colors for stunning shots. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Carrick Hill features Rozelle's Cafe, offering brunch, light meals, and refreshments with lovely views of the estate and Adelaide. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Carrick Hill is a popular venue for weddings and other events, with The Pavilion offering dedicated spaces for ceremonies and receptions. Instagram

🎫 🌳 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Carrick Hill is a fantastic destination for families. The Storybook Trail is a major highlight, bringing classic children's literature to life within the beautiful gardens. Instagram Kids will love exploring the whimsical path and discovering characters from stories like 'The Hobbit' and 'Charlotte's Web'. The expansive gardens also provide plenty of space for children to run around and enjoy a picnic. Reddit While the house tour offers historical insights, the free-to-access gardens and the engaging Storybook Trail ensure there's plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. Instagram+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Carrick Hill to be a treasure trove of visual opportunities. The historic house architecture provides a grand subject, while the diverse gardens offer endless possibilities, from close-ups of flowers in spring Instagram to sweeping landscapes. The panoramic views of Adelaide are particularly striking, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Instagram The estate is also a popular spot for event photography, including weddings and engagements, due to its picturesque settings. Instagram Remember to check photography guidelines, especially for interior shots. Instagram

Art & History Buffs

For those with a passion for art and history, Carrick Hill offers a deeply rewarding experience. The historic house itself is a beautifully preserved example of 1930s architecture, offering a tangible connection to the past. Instagram Inside, you can explore a significant art collection featuring Australian and European works, alongside antique furnishings that paint a vivid picture of the Hayward family's life. Reddit The guided tours provide in-depth historical context, making it an immersive journey into South Australia's heritage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art and History of Carrick Hill

Carrick Hill is more than just a beautiful estate; it's a living museum reflecting the lives and tastes of Sir Edward Hayward and his wife Ursula Barr. Built between 1937 and 1939, the house was inspired by 17th-century English manor homes and was bequeathed to the State Government of South Australia upon Sir Edward's death in 1983. Instagram The estate is renowned for its impressive art collection, which includes significant works by Australian artists like Russell Drysdale and Sidney Nolan, alongside European masterpieces. Reddit Visitors can explore these collections within the meticulously preserved rooms of the house, offering a unique glimpse into the couple's passion for art and their sophisticated lifestyle. Reddit

The grounds themselves are a testament to the Haywards' vision. The 100-acre estate features formal gardens, extensive rose gardens, and natural bushland. Instagram 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'. Instagram 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. Instagram+1

Exploring the Gardens and Grounds

The gardens of Carrick Hill are a major drawcard, offering a diverse and beautiful landscape to explore. Spanning 100 acres, these grounds provide a tranquil escape with a variety of settings, from manicured lawns and vibrant rose gardens to natural bushland. InstagramReddit Even outside the peak spring bloom, the gardens are spectacular, with different sections offering visual interest throughout the year. Reddit Visitors are encouraged to wander freely, with many finding the gardens alone to be a worthwhile experience. Reddit

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. Instagram 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. Instagram+1 Many visitors choose to bring a picnic to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed half-day outing. Reddit

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