The best things to do in and around Hahndorf
Australia's oldest German town, beyond the bratwurst.
More than a main street
Founded by Prussian Lutheran refugees in 1839, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement — and it has leaned happily into the role, all bratwurst, beer steins and timber-framed shops. But spend a day here and you'll find there's far more to it than the famous main street: wineries on the surrounding hills, a beloved farm, chocolate and cheese, and easy access to the region's best wine country.
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1
HahndorfHahndorf Main Street
Stroll the heritage main street — German bakeries, beer halls, fudge, leather and constant photo stops.
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2
HahndorfThe Hahndorf Inn
Pork knuckle, sausage platters and a stein of beer in a classic German-style dining hall.
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3
HahndorfBeerenberg Farm
The famous farm shop for jams and sauces — and pick your own strawberries in season.
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4
HahndorfOtto's Bakery
Apple strudel, pretzels and proper coffee at a much-loved German-style bakery.
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5
HahndorfHahndorf Hill Winery
Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a clever chocolate-and-wine pairing on the hill above town.
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6
HahndorfThe Lane Vineyard
A sunset tasting and long view across the vines, a few minutes from the main street.
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7
OakbankShaw + Smith
A short drive to one of Australia's great cool-climate cellar doors at Balhannah.
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8
WoodsideMelba's Chocolate Factory
Watch chocolate being made the old-fashioned way at nearby Woodside, then taste your way around.
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9
GumerachaThe Big Rocking Horse
Detour to Gumeracha to climb the giant rocking horse and meet the resident wildlife.
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10
StirlingCleland Wildlife Park
Hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas in the bushland above Hahndorf at Crafers.
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Arrive early to beat the coaches, and build in a cellar door or two on the way out — the vines start almost where the main street ends.
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A Hahndorf food and drink day
Bratwurst and bakeries, a hilltop winery and a riverside cellar door — a deliciously indulgent day along and around Hahndorf Main Street.
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Family & Wildlife Day
Hand-feed kangaroos, climb a giant rocking horse, meet bilbies at dusk and burn off the rest at a waterfall playground. The Hills is one big natural playground.
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Torrens Valley Heritage Drive
Trace the Torrens River through the quietest, prettiest corner of the Hills — old stone main streets, vintage cars, a giant rocking horse and chocolate straight from the factory.
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Best Family Activities in the Adelaide Hills
Wildlife you can get close to, a famously enormous landmark and bushland with room to run — the Hills is one big natural playground for families.
The best cellar doors in the Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's great cool-climate wine regions. These ten cellar doors are where to taste it at its sharp, savoury best.
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Cider, Beer & Gin Trail
The Hills was orchard country before it was vine country — and it shows. Chase dry apple cider, native-botanical gin and fresh-poured ale through the central Hills, with a designated driver and an empty boot.