9 Prettiest Downtown Strips In South Australia
The state of South Australia sits on the stunning shores of the Indian Ocean’s Great Australian Bight and stretches to the “Far North” encompassing some of the most breathtaking areas of the country’s vast Outback.
From its quaint coastal towns to otherworldly landscapes of the “Arid Lands” and the rolling hills of wine country to the bustling city life in Adelaide, South Australia has no shortage of destinations for casual day trips and overnight stays. However, this area of Australia also offers a wondrous selection of pretty village downtown strips sure to charm their way into your heart.
If your idea of a great town is all about picture-perfect curb appeal, here are nine of the prettiest downtown strips in South Australia that will not disappoint.
Hahndorf
As the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia, Hahndorf’s downtown strip is deeply influenced by its European ties. Traditional wooden beams or “fachwerk” add old-world charm to the town, including the Hahndorf Inn, the meeting place for the Strassendorf Walking Tour. The tour offers the chance to step inside St Paul’s Lutheran church, explore the town, and learn how it got its distinct Germanic look.
Another tour heading out from the inn, The Strudel and Stroll is the perfect combination of local discovery and foodie experiences. Learn how to make an authentic German apple strudel and get a glimpse at settler history at the oldest Germanic “farmlet” in the Southern Hemisphere.
The town is particularly lovely in the autumn when the stately elm and plane trees burst into fall colors. The cooler weather also helps you work up a healthy appetite to indulge in the heavier European menus available at many local eateries, including the Hanhndorf Inn, German Spoon, and The Haus Restaurant.
Tanunda
Considered the “red heart of the Barossa,” Tanunda is smack dab in the center of South Australia’s lush wine region. Tree-lined Murray Street and Barossa Way offer a mix of brick and stone heritage buildings in a town with ties to some of the country’s best wineries.
One of its prettiest landmarks, the Barossa Museum, is housed in the 1866 former Tanunda Post Office and Telegraph Station building. The rich golden stone façade, green trim, and balcony offer a pleasing contrast, while the entry’s arched transom window welcomes visitors to discover the intriguing story of the town’s past.
A gurgling stone fountain in the center of a shady park area creates the perfect spot to rest while exploring Main Street. Just steps away, fermentAsian is known for its tantalizing lunches and next-level Southeast Asian cuisine.
Shoppers, look for the sweet striped awning of The Stone Cottage to browse the contemporary selection from La Rochere glassware to fashionable knitwear and fresh-water pearl jewellery.
Visit local wineries, including the enchanting Château Tanunda. As Australia's first true winemaking Château, its distinct 1890 French-inspired buildings, striking red trim, and elegant palm trees complete the Tanunda experience.
Greenock
A tiny historic village on the very edge of the Barossa Valley, Greenock invites visitors to tour its most attractive historic buildings on foot. Its shady pepper trees are cooling in the heat of summer, while creating a gentle canopy of green that adds to the town’s sweet appeal.
From the original post office’s fairytale stone cottage complete with a picket fence to the former Commercial Bank building which now serves as a cozy home and the jolly corner tavern, The Greenock run by the same family since 1856 to the quaint Greenock Institute whose double doors once lead to the town’s library and reading room, the village of Greenock’s captivating architecture is an eye-pleasing adventure.
The town’s original wheat store is now the Greenock Brewery, offering the perfect stop to quench your thirst, sipping a selection of small-batch beer. If wine is more your speed, Kalleske Wine’s cellar door located in the original Nenke General Store is a picturesque building perfect for those who love quaint surroundings.
Mount Barker
Mount Barker’s pretty main street of shops and cafés offers steep competition to the town’s many attractions, from lovely Keith Stevenson Park to panoramic views from Mount Barker Summit and award-winning brews to wines produced at biodynamic wineries.
However, once you catch a glimpse of the shady sidewalks graced with lovely trees and the many local eateries like the colourful breakfast hot spot, Gawler Street Café, you will fall in love with the subtle prettiness of the largest town in the area.
Other notable buildings on the main strip include iconic Millie’s Bakery with its shady porch and rustic stone façade, lovely Harrowfield’s Cottage now Cloth and Bale, the original Tinsmith’s shop with its charming corner entrance, now a bank and the bungalow-style Old Police Station which is misleadingly sweet considering its original function.
When you start to feel peckish, grab a drink and some grub at the historic Gray’s Inn, built in 1855. Sitting on a prominent corner of the downtown strip, the classic wrought iron balcony makes the hotel worth a few pictures.
Burra
Venturing into the Outback, Burra is a historic mining town where the lush green of the Clare Valley makes a striking contrast against the iconic red dirt of the area. It's lovely town square features a red-roofed rotunda, a colorful rose garden, and a bronze statue of a “digger” on one of the country’s most expressive war memorials.
The Burra Town Hall is a prominent building on the main strip, made of reddish-hued local red stone. As the formal meeting place for Cornish and Welsh miners, it is now a fitting location to learn about the town’s history. The distinct Georgian features of one of South Australia's earliest offices for the National Bank of Australasia clearly reflect the building’s formal function.
The Burra Telegraph Station and Post Office building also strikes an imposing stance on the main strip, and history buffs might enjoy straying off the beaten path to visit the historic Redruth Gaol police lockup and stables.
If you plan to stay overnight, the lovely little Burra Railway Station has been carefully restored to serve as a local bed & breakfast. Its quaint stone cottage feel and well-appointed rooms featuring comfy beds and original character features such as stone arches and fireplaces invite you to settle in and restore yourself before the journey home.
Lyndoch
Many the wine lover has discovered that Lyndoch is not just an access point for what is rumored to be some of the best wineries in the world. There is a reason it is known as the “cool end of the district,” with a downtown strip lined with historical architectural gems.
The circa 1861 corrugated metal roof, cream picket fence, and inviting front porch of the Old Council Building sits under the shade of mature trees. That same charming aesthetic is shared by the Post Office built decades later in 1912.
The Post and Telegraph office has an almost ranch-like feel with a sandy stucco exterior complemented with brown trim, while the vintage art deco design of the Lyndoch Institute was a 1940s update from the original 1912 design.
The Lord Lyndoch Hotel, built in 1855, is recognizable not so much by its classic second-floor balcony but by its quirky life-size cow implanted by the new restaurant’s owners. The old-world charm of what is now The Lord Lyndoch Restaurant is a gathering spot with a laid-back atmosphere, welcoming staff, and casual meals paired with an impressive selection of wines.
The expansive views of the Valley at Gods Hill Wines & Ennia Cucina make the classic Italian menu and wine list sing. Wine tasting at the historic Hemera Estate in charming surroundings explores a collection that has won over 600 domestic and international awards.
An overnight stay at the Barossa Pavilions & Glasshouse is the ultimate luxury retreat set against a pastoral private hillside.
Auburn
Known as the southern gateway to the Clare Valley, Auburn’s charming stone buildings are the work of stonemason Joseph Muller. As a larger town than the rest on the list, there are a few streets that join the ranks of main strips in Auburn.
The good news is that Auburn is quite walkable with an assortment of self-guided tours offering excellent routes to take in the attractions and beauty of the town. In fact, walking makes it a lot easier for wine lovers to sample some of Australia’s finest wines. Neighboring cellar doors include Wines By KT, Velvet & Willow, , Mr. Nobody, Cellar Doorway, and Grosset Wines.
If you prefer to stroll the town wine-free, the Mosaic Walk hits all the town’s most endearing buildings, from the Courthouse and Police Station to the Apothecary featuring the original mounting stone used to help riders on and off their horses.
Whether you are looking for a place to stop in for coffee or access to the Riesling Trail, Cogwebs Hub Café is known for its treats and beverages and is a convenient local landmark at the southern foot of the trail.
After a long day of exploring on foot, there are plenty of cozy accommodations right on the main strip, including the Auburn Shiraz Motel and Adagio in Auburn B&B.
Quorn
Although it might appear a little dusty, Quorn’s idyllic location in the heart of the stunning Flinders Ranges is a town waiting to be discovered by people exploring the Southern tip of the mountains.
Restful porches shaded by second-story balconies, historic pubs adorned with wrought iron detailing, and quirky storefronts with faded painted exteriors await in lovely Quorn. You know it has to be photogenic as the location for a long list of Australian films, starting with 1949’s Bitter Springs and ending with the latest movie, The Water Diviner.
If planning a stop in this fetching town, book a reservation to experience an enchanting high tea at Teas on the Terrace. Imagine gobbling down sweets like Grandma used to make, and you will understand why it is the ideal reward after several days on the road.
Stroll the Heritage Walk at your own pace, snapping pictures of Quorn’s most eye-catching buildings, including Quorn Town Hall, and three historic hotels, the Transcontinental, Austral, and Criterion. When you hit First Street, be sure to pop in at the Quandong Café to sample their delightful Quandong pies, filled with Australia’s “native peach” and local delicacy, the quandong.
The Quorn Native Flora Reserve takes you on a loop through the bush overlooking the town where you can admire natural flora made even more impressive when the spring wildflowers are in bloom.
The charming Mill Quorn in the center of town is now home to the very affordable Flinders Ranges Motel, which is easy to spot with its cheerful red trim.
Tumby Bay
If you prefer coastal charm, Tumby Bay has long been a favored destination for beach lovers. However, its ever-expanding open-air art gallery has transformed the town into a world-renowned Street Art Trail. As a result, you get a two-for-one experience.
Located on the west side of the Eyre Peninsula, Tumby Bay is known for its jetty, and the silo art capturing a moment of pure joy as kids jump into the crystal-clear waters from the iconic landmark. The Street Art Trail allows you to explore the town’s charming buildings along the main strip, with opportunities to veer off the beaten path to view the large-scale paintings appearing at every turn.
Tumby Bay Hotel’s unmistakable red roof marks one of the town’s historic buildings, affectionately called “The Red Roof” by locals for over a century. The hotel has long contributed to the community, including building a band rotunda in 1910 to accommodate the town's brass band formed in 1908. The rotunda still stands, acting as an art gallery, sporting a nostalgic mural on its exterior.
For great food, drinks, and company The Seabreeze Hotel’s historic pub located on the foreshore not far from the foot of the main strip offers stunning views of the turquoise waters off the peninsula.
South Australia is more than coastal towns and the thriving downtown attractions of Adelaide. Instead, it is filled with pretty towns springing up from the red earth of the outback, nestled in the lushness of the Barossa and Clare Valleys, and kissing the turquoise shores of the pristine coastline.
With many destinations just a short drive from the city, the prettiest downtown strips in South Australia are sure to enchant wine lovers, history buffs, art lovers, and adventurers alike.
