Greenhill Road
17 km
distance
22 min
Contour time
8.2
avg score
Sealed
surface
Scenery
South Australia
Greenhill Road climbs through the inner Adelaide Hills - the forested ridge that forms the eastern backdrop to...
Road quality
8.2 RQS
Strong. Above average on most quality signals.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in Sports car. Peak season: Year-round.
7-day forecast
Well-surfaced sealed road with sustained corners through the Adelaide Hills. One of the most accessible technical drives in SA given its proximity to the city. Sports car handles this well. Can be busy on weekends - best on early weekday mornings.
Scored 8.2/10 by Contour's road quality algorithm across curviness, surface, elevation and traffic. Best suited for sports car drivers.
The road
Greenhill Road is the most direct route from Adelaide into the Hills and one of the best driving roads within 15 minutes of any Australian capital. The 17-kilometre climb from Burnside gains around 400 metres of elevation through continuous sweeping bends, the road following the natural ridgeline that separates Adelaide from the Hills wine country behind it. The lower section climbs through the inner suburbs and enters bush quickly. Once above the treeline the road opens out and the corners become more flowing - sustained second and third-gear bends that load the car consistently without sudden surprises. The surface quality is excellent throughout, maintained to commuter standard because this is one of Adelaide's main east-west routes. That dual purpose is part of its character: outside peak hours it is a driving road, during peak hours it is a commute. The best time to drive Greenhill Road is early on a weekday morning. The traffic has not built yet, the sun is low and side-lit through the eucalypt canopy, and the road has the feel of a private stage. The upper sections near Crafers can carry moisture and the occasional black ice in winter, but these are conditions rather than hazards for a careful driver. Crafers at the top connects to the freeway and the Hills wine country. Mount Lofty Summit is a short detour north with views across the Adelaide Plains to Gulf St Vincent. Cleland Wildlife Park sits on the ridge and is worth an hour if the timing suits. The road rewards repeat visits because the corners become more satisfying as you learn them.
Greenhill Road is the most direct route from Adelaide into the Hills and one of the best driving roads within 15 minutes of any Australian capital.
Why this road
The region
Greenhill Road climbs through the inner Adelaide Hills - the forested ridge that forms the eastern backdrop to Adelaide. The Hills were originally covered in scrub and mallee; European settlers planted orchards and vineyards that have since given way to suburbs and lifestyle properties. The road is one of Adelaide's main commuter routes but has genuine character away from peak hours.
Before you go
Fuel in Burnside or Crafers. Road is sealed throughout and open year-round. Busy during Adelaide peak hours. Best driven early morning or weekdays. The surface is in good condition. Black ice is rare but possible on the higher sections in winter.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Cleland Wildlife Park
Native wildlife park on the ridge at Crafers - koalas, wombats and kangaroos in a bushland setting, 30 minutes from the city.
Mount Lofty Summit
The highest accessible point on the Adelaide Hills ridge - café and lookout with 360-degree views over Adelaide and the Gulf.
Route
Start
Burnside
End
Crafers
Gallery
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