Hahndorf Things to Do

Went to a cute little bookshop in Hahndorf called Thistle Thicket Books (try saying that ten times fast). This bookshop was crammed with books for the kids. It was all we could do to get them out. Our whole family loves books and it was wonderful. The lady behind the counter knew her product and even told us they run story time for the kids every week. We weren't going to be there but I know it would have been fun. If you are into books you have to go there. One of the best atmosphere shops I have visited in a long time.

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Hahndorf was named after Captain Hahn, who was the Captain of the Ship Zebra which brought the German migrants to South Australia and to the Adelaide Hills.

It is AUSTRALIA'S OLDEST GERMAN TOWN and is situated 28kms from Adelaide.

Its best to park your car, and walk the lovely Elm tree lined main street. Pick up a map from the Information Centre which is on the main road.
There are heaps of very old German buildings here, German food, German music, Souvenir shops, Horse & carriage rides, an Antique clock museum which has the WOLRLD'S BIGGEST CUCKOO CLOCK, and so much more.

Hahndorf is a MUST VISIT if you are in Adelaide.
It has become very touristy, but its still a pretty town, with old buildings and lots of interesting shops, selling anything from Opals to Chocolates.

Nearby, is Beerenberg, A strawberry farm where you can pick your own. They also grow Cherries and Plums and have their own range of jams for sale. Open from 9-5 every day.

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The Lane Vineyard has to sit in the the most impressive location of any winery I have ever been to. It is just amazing. You drive up the little road not quite knowing where you are going to end up, and you come over the hill and BANG it hits you in the face. Rolling hills, vines all around you, old gum trees, lakes, its just magic.

And the owners of this place have to be credited for creating a winery that takes full advantage of their location by designing a cellar door and restaurant overlooking it all, with huge grass windows, decking and outdoor areas.

Food is very modern and well presented. Wines are really great. Sometimes you wonder about places like this, if all their money has gone into building the winery but no, the 'Off the Leash Finn No oak white' is particularly good. The Off the Leash range is inspired by the dogs they have there. So cute!

If you are going for lunch I would advise to book as it was very very busy when we were there.

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Mt. Barker is about 35ksm from Adelaide, reached by taking the South Eastern Freeway. If you go to Hahndorf 1st, then Mt. Barker is about 12ks further on. You will pass an old Windmill, built in 1842 on Windmill Hill, this is about halfway.
Mt. Barker, the town is named after the Mountain which it is situated by. From the summit, about 2kms east of the town, you get far views of the rolling hills and Mt. Lofty, and then the plains in the other direction.

A good lookout.

To reach the summit, you follow Springs road from the centre of town, or the Mt. Barker summit road from nearby Nairne.

Located in Heysen Road, just out of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, is "The Cedars" the home of Sir Hans Heysen. He was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1877, and arrived in Australia 6 years later. He started painting when he was a boy, and settled in Hahndorf in 1908. This is where he lived for the rest of his life. He passed away in 1968. Its here where he painted the beautiful Gum Trees located near his home.

You can visit his garden and shop for FREE
To see his Studio and House, you take a guided tour, which is $8 and departs at 11, 1 and 3pm in Summer, 11 and 2pm in Winter.
The Studio was built in 1913, and is just how he left it.

Original works done by him can be seen on the tour.

The Academy, is a 150 year old building in the main street of Hahndorf. Inside, there are 4 galleries. As well as Art, and reproductions of Hans Heysen paintings, there is silk, ceramics, handbags, jewellery, glassware, sketches and prints for sale, done by local and interstate artists. The standard of the wares for sale is of very high quality. The Academy is well worth a look around.

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You can pick your own strawberries in season here at the farm, but even if you don't want to do that, you can buy them inside (and other strawberry products like their range of jams) at their beautiful shop.

Beerenberg's products are well known and sold interstate, possibly right around Australia as they're also stocked by major supermarket chains from time to time.

This place is a little farm - full of baby animals. Sheep, goats, alpacas, guinea pigs, rabbits, cows, ponies, deer, ducks, peacocks, wallabies, all sorts!! I am such a sucker for animals so it was funny when my husband and I rocked up, they were looking behind us as if to say "where are your children?" But it was just us! They must have taken pitty on my and let me hand feed one of the baby sheep! I see farm animals all the time but I just love them!