Strathalbyn Things to Do

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As we drove around Strathalbyn, we came across some very different buildings.
One of them, was the style and stone the Bank of South Australia was built in. It was built in 1848, and is one of the nicest buildings you will see in Strathalbyn.
The School is another, built in the style of many South Australian School's around this era.
The Cottages were delightful too! Many shapes and sizes, and quite a few have been done up and now are B&B's, so you can stay in a heritage listed building.
I saw a huge double story house, which is now a shop, with only windows at the front. One side had no windows, and the other, only one, how dark and dreary it must have been living here without electricity!

As I walked, I found historic buildings everywhere, no wonder Strathalbyn, the town itself, is classified as a heritage town!

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There is no shortage in Strathalbyn, of finding a Pub to enjoy a nice cold Beer and a meal!

A Hotel was much more important than a Church!

The first Hotel, was the Strathalbyn Hotel, built in 1840, and was the 1st building in Strathalbyn. The Terminus Hotel now stands here, which was the site of a feast in honour of Prince Alfred, the When a tramway was constructed between Goolwa and Strathalbyn, the tramway terminus was at the Terminus Hotel where refreshments were provided for passengers.
It is located in Rankine Street, Strathalbyn

Strathalbyn's second pub was the Robin Hood Hotel, which opened in 1855 and is still standing today.

The Victoria Hotel, is built out of bluestone, and was established in 1865, as was the Commercial Hotel in High street, Strathalbyn.

All are quite different and on the National heritage list.

A tip about Toilets!
This one at the Soldier's Memorial Park has been painted beautifully, and made to look like the painted tree is part of the dead tree on the other side of the block. The scene is of the local area, and to give it a 3D effect, ceramics have been used too!
It looks great, and the Toilets are FREE!

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St. Andrew's Church is the most photographed in Strathalbyn, however, on a drive around town, I found a couple of others that were very nice.
The "Church of the Good Shepherd," is a Roman Catholic Church worth seeing. It has a grotto/shrine in the front. The Church was built in 1913, and is located in Chapel street, Strathalbyn.

Across the road, is another Church built out of stone.

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ST ANDREW’S UNITING CHURCH, STRATHALBYN

Most of the first European settlers who arrived in Strathalbyn in 1840 were very staunch Scottish Presbyterians. For quite a while, they had to worship in private homes. Eventually, in 1844, the first church-school, claimed to be the second Presbyterian place of worship built in the colony of South Australia, was built on the site of the present building. This served several denominations for over 3 years.

By 1848 the original church was too small, and the new one built, the one I saw today. The Church bell was cast in Sheffield, England, and weighed 1 tonne. When it arrived in Strathalbyn, church officials realized at once that it was too heavy for the spire, so they had to build a Bell Tower.

Then, in 1895, it was suggested the tower needed a clock! The clock faces came from England and the clock was installed by Wendt’s, a prominent Jeweller of Adelaide.

St Andrew’s, is on the National Trust Heritage List.

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This is located in the Old courthouse, built in 1867 and the adjoining Old Police station, built in 1858.
There is indoors and outdoors, with the latter containing an extensive collection of farm machinery from the past, including a furphy, a blacksmith's shop, horse drawn vehicles and other exhibits

Inside, the rooms are set out in the style of the Victorian era. Outside, the courtyard is surrounded
by very high stone walls. It is from here, we could access the three jail cells.

OPEN... Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays & School Holidays
1.30pm - 4.00pm

ADMISSION IN 2012.....
Adult $6.00, Concession $4.00 ...Student 16 & over $4.00 ...Children 6-15 $2.00
Children 5 & under free

This fair is held annually on the 3rd weekend of August every year.
A free shuttle will take you around the town, so you don't have to walk. Usually, Antique apprasials are given for a small fee.
If you are interested in antiques, collectables or crafts, then you should visit this fair. There are also displays of different crafts, and a trash and treasure market.

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Many a picnic I have enjoyed at the Soldier's Memorial Park located right in the heart of Strathalbyn. This park is always beautifully maintained, has plenty of lawned area, the River Angus running through the centre, and a weir.
There is a good playground for the children.
A Bakery and shops are nearby, so it's easy to buy food then have it in the park. We have a BBQ usually, and then feed the Ducks with the left over bread. Children love it here!
The pretty bridge over the River Angus is the "Children's Bridge" and was built in 1919.

In November each year, the Strathalbyn Rotary Club holds its annual corporate duck race. Proceeds raised go to community projects.

The Park is the address of many events, including where the Xmas Pageant ends.