Famous Towns Of Adelaide Region

Penola

Population: 3,400.
Information Center: Arthur St (08) 8737 2855.

One of the oldest towns in the Southeast, Penola is the commercial centre of the Coonawarra wine region. The region's first winery was built in 1893. There are now some 20 wineries, most of which are open for sales and tastings. Penola itself is a quiet town which takes great pride in its history. A heritage walk takes visitors past most of its early buildings, including the restored Sharam's Cottage, which was built in 1850 as the first dwelling in Penola.

Environs: Situated 27 km (17 miles) north of Penola, Bool Lagoon (designated a wetland of international significance by UNESCO), is an important refuge for an assortment of native wildlife including more than 150 species of birds. With boardwalks and hides, the park provides an opportunity to observe at close quarters many of these local and migratory birds.

Hahndorf

Population: 750.
Bus Routes: from Adelaide.
Information Center: 41 Main St (08) 8388 1185.

Hahndorf is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. The first settlers arrived in 1838 aboard the Zebra under the command of Captain Dirk Hahn. Escaping religious persecution in their homeland, they settled in the Adelaide Hills and established Hahndorf (Hahn's Village), a German-style town.

The tree-lined main street has many examples of classic German architecture, such as houses with fachwerk timber framing filled in with wattle and daub, or brick. Visitors can enjoy the town's historic atmosphere by taking a horsedrawn carriage tour.

Just outside Hahndorf is 'The Cedars', the former home of South Australia's best-known landscape artist, the late Sir Hans Heysen. Both his home and his studio are open to the public. South of the town is Nixon's Mill, a stone mill built in 1842.

Birdwood

Population: 600.
Information Center: National Motor Museum, Shannon St (08) 8568 5577.

Nestled in the Adelaide Hills is the quiet little town of Birdwood. In the 1850s, wheat was milled in the town and the old wheat mill now houses Birdwood's most famous asset: the country's largest collection of vintage, veteran and classic motor cars, trucks and motorbikes. The National Motor Museum has more than 300 on display and is considered to be one of the best collections of its kind in the world.

Strathalbyn

Population: 2,700
Bus and Routes: Railway Station
Information Center: South Terrace (08) 8536 3212.

The designated heritage town of Strathalbyn was originally settled by Scottish immigrants in 1839. Links with its Scottish ancestry can still be seen today in much of the town's architecture, which is reminiscent of small highland towns in Scotland.

Situated on the banks of the Angas River, Strathalbyn is dominated by St Andrew's Church with its sturdy tower. A number of original buildings have been preserved. The police station, built in 1858, and the 1865 courthouse together house the National Trust Museum. The prominent two-storey London House, built as a general store in 1867, has, like a number of buildings in or near the High Street, found a new use as an antiques store. As in many country towns in Australia, the hotels and banks are also architectural reminders of the past. About 16 km (10 miles) southeast of Strathalbyn, on the banks of the Bremer River, is Langhorne Creek, renowned as one of the earliest winegrowing regions in Australia.