Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Hahndorf

Hahndorf Main Street

Hahndorf is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. The original Lutheran pioneers came to South Australia to escape religious persecution in Prussia. Many were passengers on the “Zebra” which reached Adelaide on 28th December 1838. The township was named Hahndorf (Hahn’s Town) after the master of the ship, who helped them find farming land and settle together. Some of the older buildings exhibit traditional characteristics such as ‘fachwerk’ with timber framing and wattle and daub infill panels and deeply pitched roofs. The world famous artist Sir Hans Heysen lived and worked in the township for more than 60 years and his historic property, home garden and studios are open daily to the public, and remain one of the township’s unique cultural experiences. The Hahndorf Academy (regional art gallery) hosts the Annual Heysen Prize. Hahndorf today is a thriving tourism town with restaurants, motels, galleries, craft shops, handcrafts, special events and festivals, catering to the large number of visitors.

places of interest

The Cedars Sir Hans Heysen’s famous historic home Garden and Studio. Nora Heysen Gallery Open to the public daily.

Hahndorf Academy Regional Gallery, German Migration Museum, Artist’s Working Studios.

Beerenberg Strawberry Farm Pick your own strawberries!

Historic Walk Take a stroll down the historic main street of Hahndorf.

Tara-Illa Bike Park (Fairview Road - access via Blueberry Hill Lookout) - has a number of mountain bike trails and walking trails of varying difficulty. Users are recommended to please adhere to the reserve rules.

Yantaringa Reserve (corner of Von Doussa Road and Storey Road) - This approximate 8 hectare reserve was historically used as a quarry. It currently contains precious stands of mixed Eucalypt open woodland and grassed areas. Yantaringa Reserve became a Bush for Life (BFL) site in 1996 and BFL have actively managed and improved the reserve which has 11 plant species of state and regional conservation significance. There are a number of informal walking trails that traverse the reserve. Please respect and protect this valuable conservation area. Cycling through this reserve is restricted for safety and environmental management.

recreation areas

Hahndorf Recreation Grounds
Echunga Road, Hahndorf (Continuation of Pine Avenue)

  • Oval
  • Tennis/netball courts
  • Soccer pitch
  • Practice cricket pitch

Council endorsed a Township Plan for Hahndorf at its meeting on 5 March 2018 (minutes / agenda) to establish a program of improvements, guide future development and infrastructure, and protect community values. The Plan is underpinned by 5 key strategies:

1. Reinforce township boundaries
2. Protect and enhance heritage and character
3. Renew the Main Street and public realm
4. Add diversity to open space and recreation areas
5. Increase car parking efficiency and develop strategies to manage supply.

Hahndorf Township Plan

Implementation Progress

To see the progress on the implementation of the Hahndorf Township Plan, please view the document below:

Project Contact

For further information please contact Planning Policy and Strategy on 8391 7200 or email council@mountbarker.sa.gov.au.

Background

A significant upgrade of Hahndorf’s historic Main Street was identified as a key priority in 2018 when Council endorsed the Hahndorf Township Plan after extensive community consultation. The need for the upgrade is driven by a number of factors:

  • Ageing, and in places, failing infrastructure including seating, footpaths, kerb and landscaping; and
  • Ever-increasing tourism activity, creating pressure for continued investment to ensure the public realm keeps pace with private investment occurring in the street.

Design and scope of work

Following broad community consultation in late 2019, detailed concept plans have been prepared and endorsed by Council (2 November 2020). To view a copy of the detailed concept report see Hahndorf Mainstreet  Revitalisation.  To view a copy of the masterplan see Hahndorf Masterplan.

Community feedback has been essential to shape the design plans for the Main Street’s revitalisation.

The scope of the project includes:

  • Upgraded footpaths
  • New pedestrian lighting
  • New streetscape furniture (including seats, banner signs, public art and bins)
  • Additional landscaping
  • Provision for smart technology (e.g. sensors, WiFi, CCTV and similar).

Heritage considerations

Council is working closely with State Heritage on the design concept as much of the Main Street is State Heritage Listed. Council and State Heritage are committed to ensuring that the revitalisation of the Main Street complements and enhances Hahndorf’s heritage assets. The installation of interpretive signage to better tell the story of Hahndorf’s rich history along the Main Street is also under consideration.

Traffic and parking

Council is currently working with the SA Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) on the design and potential inclusion of Council's Main Street Revitalisation project within the State and Federally funded Hahndorf Traffic Improvements Project. Traffic and car parking are a core components of the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade Project and Council staff are working collaboratively with DIT to achieve a desirable outcome.

To find out more about the DIT traffic study and project and to sign up for updates and community consultation visit: https://dpti.sa.gov.au/infrastructure/road_projects/hahndorf_township_strategic_traffic_planning_study

Funding and next steps

Council requires external funding in order to start work on the Main Street. Following further detailed concept work preliminary cost estimates are in the order of $8m.

Council has submitted a number of funding applications to the State and Federal Governments, however, at this stage the project remains unfunded. Council will continue to pursue funding opportunities through the State and Federal Governments as well as through private investment to enable construction of the project.

Keep up-to-date and subscribe to the mailing list

Stay in touch with the project by joining our mailing list to receive notification of project updates and community consultation opportunities. To register, please complete your details below.

Subscribe here

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (the Department) will be undertaking site investigation works as part of the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade Project.

Site investigation works will be undertaken:

  • along Mount Barker Road between Silver Road near Verdun Interchange and Windsor Avenue, Hahndorf; and
  • in the vicinity of the Mount Barker Interchange.

Works will involve services potholing and pavement coring to better understand the underground services and existing pavement and inform the project’s detailed design.

These works are scheduled to commence from Wednesday 19 April 2023 and expected to be completed late-May 2023, weather permitting. The majority of works will be undertaken during the day between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

To minimise disruption to road users and businesses, works undertaken along the Hahndorf Main Street (Mount Barker Road) and in the vicinity of the Mount Barker Interchange will be undertaken at night between 7pm and 6am, Monday to Friday. There will be no works on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Some noise disturbance can be expected at times during these works, however the works will be managed to minimise disturbance to nearby residents and businesses, as much as practically possible.

To safely facilitate these works, speed and lane restrictions will be in place during the investigation works. Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time and take extra care when workers are on site. Observe speed limits, lane restrictions and traffic controllers when travelling through the area.

Access to properties and businesses in the area will be maintained at all times during works.

The Department appreciates your patience while these important works are undertaken.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the project team, please:

Kind regards,

Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade Project Team

What we’re doing

Upgrade of Hahndorf Recreation Grounds Public Toilets.

How much it is going to cost

$250,000

Timeframes

2022/23

The Progress

In progress.

Background

The existing public toilet block is to be demolished due to severe cracking in the flooring and walls that is not able to be repaired.  Consultation with the Hahndorf Recreation Grounds Committee will determine usage, site location for the new public toilet block.

The existing toilet block has been demolished and temporary port-a-loos are in place.

January 2023

The scope of the replacement toilets has been confirmed and tendered.

Additional items including re-shaping of surrounding ground, footpath replacement, minor kerbing and service diversions.

Works are expected to commence the week of 6 February 2023 and be complete by June 2023.

February 2023

Works have commenced with the following underway with footings having been poured.

The next steps are currently scheduled as follows:

  • Structure and roof construction   17 February
  • Underfloor plumbing  20 February
  • Laying concrete slab   21-23 February
  • Remainder of fixings 23-28 February

Based on this information provided by the contractor, the current target completion date is approximately 28th February, subject to weather etc.

April 2023

The new toilet facility at the Hahndorf Oval is now ready for use!