What are the best things to do in Strathalbyn, South Australia?

The best things to do in Strathalbyn, South Australia, include taking in the heritage buildings and riding the Strathlink train. But, despite these attractions, the town is best used as a gateway to the Langhorne Creek wine region.

Strathalbyn, South Australia, is a classic Not Quite town. It’s not quite in the McLaren Vale wine region – that’s to the west. It’s not quite on the Fleurieu Peninsula – that’s to the south-west. Strathalbyn’s not quite on the Coorong or Encounter Bay to the south. And it’s not quite in the Adelaide Hills to the north.

Where is Strathalbyn, South Australia?

It’s probably best lumped in with the Fleurieu Peninsula, although Strathalbyn is part of the Alexandrina Council region. And you’ll probably pass through going from somewhere like Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills to Goolwa or Port Elliot on Encounter Bay.

Strathalbyn is, however, a very pretty town. So pretty, in fact, that it’s registered as a Heritage Town. One of the best things to do in Strathalbyn is taking an amble around the heritage buildings. Highlights include the St Andrew’s Uniting Church, the Victoria Hotel, the Town Hall and the Robin Hood Hotel.

Things to do in Strathalbyn, SA: Museums and Strathlink Train

There are also a couple of half decent museums in Strathalbyn. The Strathalbyn and District Heritage Centre is inside the former police station and courthouse, and covers local history. Gilberts Motor Museum is all about vintage cars and bikes. Neither is worth going to Strathalbyn for, but they might fill an hour while you’re there on a rainy day.

If heritage transport is to your tastes, however, one of the best things to do in Strathalbyn is taking the Strathlink train. This heritage train runs on select days in the school holidays, and teams up with the Cockle Train running from Victor Harbor along Encounter Bay. One way fares from Victor Harbor cost $35, and from Goolwa it’s $25. The Strathlink is run by the Steam Ranger Heritage Railway.

Things to do in Strathalbyn, SA: Langhorne Creek wineries

Perhaps most importantly, however, Strathalbyn is the gateway to the small but high quality Langhorne Creek wine region. There are several Langhorne Creek wineries open to visitors just to the south-west of Strathalbyn. These include the Belvidere Winery, Angas Plains Wines, Bremer River Vineyards and Bremerton Wines. Also worth a look are Lake Breeze Wines, Talinga Grove, Kimbolton Wines and Ben Potts Wines.

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