Things to do in Hahndorf, South Australia
It is worth staying in Hahndorf, South Australia, if you want to combine wine-tasting with a distinct German feel. Things to do in Hahndorf include wineries, the Hahndorf Academy and the Cedars. It’s a short drive from Adelaide to Hahndorf.
26.5km south-west of central Adelaide, Hahndorf is one of the main settlements of South Australia‘s Adelaide Hills. It’s arguably the most interesting too. It’s worth taking the short drive from Adelaide to Hahndorf for the strong German heritage that’s difficult to find elsewhere in Australia.
Settled by Lutheran migrants from Germany in the 19th century, Hahndorf’s architecture has a strong German tinge. Pubs such as the Hahndorf Inn and the German Arms Hotel serve up hearty German favourites. Expect more than occasional appearances from oompah bands and lederhosen, too.
Things to do in Hahndorf, South Australia: Adelaide Hills wine
But while Hahndorf plays on being a beer town with hearty steins, it is part of the Adelaide Hills wine region. Several Adelaide Hills wineries can be visited within a short walk of the town centre, including Hahndorf Hill, the Lane Vineyard and Landhaus Wines. Other top wineries are a short drive away – Golding Wines has an award-winning cellar door experience, for example. The Applewood Distillery, which uses native ingredients in its gins and hosts Unico Zelo wines, is a little further north.
Wine tastings are also available at the Wolf Blass Gallery and Museum, which houses Wolf Blass’ private collection. It’s largely a celebration of the German immigrant winemaker’s achievements, though. Other things to do in Hahndorf include the German Migration Museum. This Hahndorf attraction tells the tales of Prussian migrants who fled war to set up a new life on the other side of the world.
What to do in Hahndorf, South Australia: Hahndorf Academy and the Cedars
The museum is inside the Hahndorf Academy, a former school which is now one of the biggest art galleries in South Australia.
Art is the strong third string to Hahndorf’s bow – there are plenty of arts and craftspeople who have taken up residence in and around this South Australian town. Most famous of all was German immigrant artist Hans Heysen, one of Australia’s most beloved artists. Heysen’s paintings of Australian landscapes, whether gum trees or the stark scenes of the Flinders Ranges, are a key part of Australian artistic heritage. The Cedars, Heysen’s home and studio, is open to visitors.
Kids, on the other hand, will probably enjoy bottle-feeding the lambs at the Hahndorf Farm Barn.
The art, heritage, wine and scenery make Hahndorf one of Australia’s most attractive small towns. It is definitely worth visiting, and can easily be tackled in a day or half day trip from Adelaide to Hahndorf.
Things to do in Hahndorf, South Australia: Overnight stays?
But the proximity to Adelaide is both a blessing and a curse. It is only worth staying in Hahndorf overnight if you’re consciously choosing to base yourself there instead of Adelaide. You’re hardly going to stay there if you’re on the way to somewhere else. Realistically, picking a night or two Hahndorf has to be a conscious choice over picking a night or two in Adelaide.
More days out from Adelaide
Bushwalking to Morialta Falls and koalas at Morialta Conservation Park.
Cruising and kayaking the Coorong.
More under-the-radar Australian towns
Foodie Timboon in the Great Ocean Road hinterland
Laid-back New South Wales beach town, Yamba
Queensland platypus-spotting hotspot, Yungaburra
Historic Murray River town Swan Hill
Undersea helmet walks in Busselton, Western Australia
The once-secret outback military town, Woomera