Hahndorf, Mount Barker & Surrounds

Historic Hahndorf

Hahndorf has come a long way since Captain Dirk Hahn helped to settle the region's first European inhabitants here back in 1839.  These German settlers were fleeing religious persecution in Prussia, primarily from an area now part of Poland. A little over 175 years later Hahndorf is a State listed Heritage Town, and has retained its strong German heritage and feel.

Hahndorf is located just 30 minutes from Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway, with the Hahndorf exit clearly marked.

Highlights of Hahndorf's charming main street and surrounding area include:

• German architecture featuring many Fachwerk buildings

• German pubs, butchers and bakeries, and artisan cheesemaker

• excellent range of shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes

• boutique winery cellar doors, craft breweries and distilleries nearby and in the main street itself

• diverse range of accommodation options

• stunning backdrop of 100 year old elm and plane trees, particularly in autumn

• a guided walking tour to soak up Hahndorf’s history and character with Hahndorf Walking Tours

• a passionate artistic and cultural community, centred around The Cedars (the home and studio of Australia's most famous landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen) and the Hahndorf Academy

• great family activities such as farmyard fun at Hahndorf Farm Barn and strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm (October to April).

Hahndorf can be reached from Adelaide by public bus including routes 864, T843, 841F, 860F at the Adelaide Metro website.

Mount Barker

39 kilometres from Adelaide and just a ten minute drive from Hahndorf is Mount Barker, a thriving residential, commercial and service centre of excellence for the Adelaide Hills. Here you will find a state of the art cinema complex, caravan park, linear trails, recreation parks, sporting complexes, swimming pool, restaurants, pubs, cafes, playground and skate park, golf course and all the services that you may need while touring the region.

• The Mount Barker Linear Trail which runs around Laratinga Wetlands and beyond is popular with walkers and cyclists. Several trails and boardwalks wind around the peaceful wetlands near Mount Barker, through a broad range of native vegetation. Trails such as the ‘Chestnut Teal’, ‘Rosella’ and ‘Sacred Ibis’ are named after some of the local bird life. There are also several bird-watching ‘hides’, a picnic and barbecue area, and an environmentally friendly toilet facility. The trails in the wetlands are also linked to the Mount Barker Linear Trail, an award winning seven kilometre shared trail from Laratinga Wetlands to Keith Stephenson Park, following the local creek line.

• Mount Barker Summit offers panoramic views of the district.

• Adelaide Hills Farmers Market is open every Saturday morning (8:30am-12:30pm) in Mount Barker with stallholders offering fresh, seasonal and local products. Reduce your food miles and get to know what the Adelaide Hills has to offer with a great range of produce and tasty treats to choose from.

• SteamRanger Heritage Railway, which runs at selected times throughout the year between Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills and Strathalbyn, Goolwa and Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula. A must for families and train buffs.

• Historic Wallis Auchendarroch House a local landmark and has excellent facilities for corporate events, weddings and other social functions. Within the complex is the Wallis Tavern and Wallis Mt Barker Cinema, a state-of-the-art cinema complex.

• Historic Gawler Street in Mount Barker offers an abundance of dining options from pubs, bakeries, cafes and restaurants - all interspersed with great little shops including homewares and clothing.

• A handful of wineries in and around Mount Barker including Ngeringa and By Jingo! Wines.

• Keith Stephenson Park with playground, picnic facilities and a skate park.

Mount Barker can be reached from Adelaide by public bus - see routes 864, T843, 860F, 840X and T840 at the Adelaide Metro website. There is also a loop that runs between Hahndorf and Mount Barker (HL1 and HL2).

Littlehampton

Littlehampton has a pub, restaurant, café, bakery and Littlewood Agapanthus Farm and nursery. Four Oaks Farm offers horse related activities in a sensational setting, including Ponies Love Parties, horse riding school, trail rides for all levels of riding skill, and children’s farm visits.

Hay Valley

Hay Valley is home to the Lot. 100 craft beverage collective and restaurant including the Mismatch brewery and Adelaide Hills Distillery. In strawberry season (October to May) call in at Green Valley Strawberries for farm gate sales and a cafe with plenty of strawberry treats on the menu.

Nairne

Historic buildings line the Heritage-protected main street which has a handful of shops, cafés and dining. Highlights include:

• Pallet Cafe for great coffee and food

• Rise Artisan Bakery for delicious pastries and baked goodies.

• Little Ms Waste-Not for vintage and retro fashion finds

• Byethorne Park on Woodside Road with a playground and popular lakeside picnic location

• Colourful murals that depict the history of Nairne, and its contribution to the wealth and progress of South Australia

• Nearby wineries including Howard Vineyard, with a family-friendly cellar door and Clover + Stone Restaurant

Totness

On your way from Hahndorf to Mount Barker or Littlehampton you'll drive through Totness, home to Prancing Pony Brewery - an immersive craft brewery experience with restaurant, regular live entertainment and brewery tours.