Welcome to Strathalbyn, a gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula from the Eastern States. Allow yourself the time to wander around the quaint historic towns and villages that nestle amidst a tapestry of rolling hills and valleys, tall gums and bushland, wheat fields and vineyards.
Along the way you will find a rich assortment of hotels and motels, bed and breakfast accommodation, restaurants and caravan parks all waiting to welcome you.
The beautiful town was founded by Scottish settlers in 1839 and is truly one of South Australia's prettiest towns. Straddling the Angas River, the centrepiece of Strathalbyn is the Soldier's Memorial Garden. Here, on the lawned sloping banks amidst the terraced flower beds, generations of picnickers have watched the world go by and share their meal with the swans, ducks, swamp hens and gulls. The buildings of Strathalbyn reflect the diversity of its heritage, ranging from humble cottages to stately pioneer homesteads.
Visitors Centre
Strathalbyn & Lakes Tourist Association 'Railway Building'
South Terrace
(08) 85363212
Attractions
Strathalbyn is known for its heritage listed buildings, including the Strathalbyn Old Court House National Trust Museum (1867) and the town of Langhorne Creek, one of the first wine growing districts in Australia. Of the many wineries in Langhorne Creek, one of them is the second oldest family-owned and operated businesses in Australia. A feature of this complex is a giant red gum wine press. If fine food is more to your taste, enjoy a meal at the Bremerton Lodge or follow the signs to Australia's most famous horseradish farm.
Fifteen minutes south of Langhorne Creek is Milang. In the middle reaches of Lake Alexandrina, the largest freshwater lake in Australia, this was once the State's biggest river port - a bustling mix of paddle streamers, bullock draws and steam trains. One magnificent relic of that era is the paddle steamer, 'Oscar W', which now steams into port with a cargo of tourists. The town's rail history can be admired in the Historic Railway Museum.
Along the shoreline of Lake Alexandrina is the picturesque area of Clayton. Once a staging point for travelers en route to Melbourne, Clayton is named after a carpenter who journeyed down the River Murray in 1829 with the explorer, Charles Sturt. Surrounded on three sides by water, Clayton has something for everybody - fishing, sailing, skiing, bird-watching and magnificent sunsets.
Straddling the Finniss River, Ashbourne nestles in the picturesque valley and is famous for its fresh produce. Cox Scrub Conservation Park is located nearby, where you can wander through the unspoilt scrubland. Ashbourne is home to one of Australia's few privately owned golf courses. It is open every day and visitors are welcome.
The drive to STRATHALBYN is one of the most beautiful in the Fleurieu Peninsula, with its archways of stately gums, breathtaking views of crags and deep valleys, sweeping plains and woodlands.
Facilities
With two main shopping areas, Strathalbyn offers a wide range of shops, including 2 supermarkets, a shoe shop, variety store, newsagent, men's wear, children’s and women's apparel, lolly shop, craft and gift shops and numerous antique stores.
Transport
Strathalbyn has a reliable bus service which runs to Mount Barker and Adelaide.
Taxi and Limousine Service For all your travelling needs in and out of Strathalbyn and to the bright lights of Adelaide, contact 0407 575 572.
Community
Area health services are available through:
Strathalbyn & District Soldiers' Memorial Hospital & Health Services
(08) 85362333
Pre-Schools
The local pre-school facilities include:
Strathalbyn Kindergarten
Strathalbyn Children's Centre
Primary Schools
Facilities for primary education include:
Strathalbyn Christian School
Eastern Fleurieu School Strathalbyn R-6 Campus
Langhorne Creek Campus
Ashbourne Campus
Milang Campus
Murraylands Christian School
Waldorf School for Rudolf Steiner Education
Secondary Schools
High schools operating in the region include:
Murraylands Christian College
Eastern Fleurieu School Strathalbyn 7-12 Campus
Mt Barker High School
Waldorf School for Rudolf Steiner Education
Cornerstone College
Tertiary Schools
Local tertiary students attend facilities such as:
Victor Harbor TAFE campus
Sport
The Strathalbyn district has an excellent variety of sporting clubs to please everyone's sporting interests. There is archery to suit the junior or senior archer, various equestrian events including tent pegging, show jumping, dressage, pony club etc, football, cricket, basketball, golf, lawn bowls, sky diving and paintball for the daring.
Strathalbyn is renowned for its beautiful scenic gardens, which have picnic and BBQ facilities and playgrounds. A perfect way to spend a perfect day.