Regale the city of churches. If there is a more charming capital city in Australia we are yet to discover it. Often referred to as a large country town, the state’s capital Adelaide, is well known for her collection of beautiful churches. Today you will find out allot more about Adelaide than just her religious antiquities. Discover the Torrens River and surrounding countryside. Visit the National Wine Centre and travel to the historic Hahndorf on the outskirts of the city.
After your guide collects you from your hotel, we start our tour at Victoria Square. Eight acres in extent, it was laid out as the principal square of Colonel Light’s plan of Adelaide in March 1837. He refers to it on his first map as ‘the great square’. The centre of attraction in VS is the General Post Office, an impressive building with an elaborate main hall and a clock tower. This is a great way to start to orientate yourself. From here we head North West and towards Parliament House. This classical building with its majestic marble columns is a beautiful example of nineteenth century architecture. We make the short journey to Morphett St Bridge, then stroll north up the hill, walking away from the city for some amazing photos of the Adelaide sky line, and also views of the grandstands of the Adelaide Oval.
Afterwards we head out of the city, into the Adelaide Hills and enter the town of Hahndorf. Settled in 1839 by Prussian and East German immigrants, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. The young German women of the town packed eggs, butter and vegetables and walked 25 kilometres through the night to sell their wares in Adelaide. There are two places we will concentrate our time on here.
Firstly, The Cedars, Hahndorf home for 56 years to the renowned artist Sir Hans Heysen. We will wander the historic house, studio and gardens and view the extensive collection of the artist’s work still owned by the Heysen family.
To finish your day, we stop at the historic Beerenberg Farm which dates back to the 1830’s when the Paech family along with many other German immigrants, settled the village of Hahndorf. The Beerenberg Farm boasts traditional crops which are grown on the farm and include strawberries, sweet corn and mixed vegetables, but more recently Beerenberg has established an international reputation for its interesting and varied jams, home style pickles, chutneys and sauces. Beerenberg jams are now served on major airlines within Australia, and on overseas routes, and in many leading hotels. Arriving back in Adelaide your guide will drop you back to your hotel or a restaurant for lunch.