Originally much of the region was covered in Stringybark forest and Battunga is the Aboriginal name meaning "tall trees and rolling hills" given to the region that includes Macclesfield, Echunga, Flaxley, Paris Creek Meadows, Prospect Hill, Kuitpo, and Jupiter Creek. Entry to all parklands and walks in the region detailed below is free at the time of publishing unless stated.
Macclesfield is home to the weekly local grower's market which takes place every Sunday morning in the Institute Building. Stalls contain items such as fresh produce, instruments, brick-a-brack, plants and jewelery. The Three Brothers Arms has legendary status in South Australia as one of SA's oldest pubs. It has an upmarket menu, wood oven pizzas and an enormous array of imported ales including Speckled Hen on tap. The Macclesfield Hotel accross the road keeps competition alive in the town and serves heary meals including a great snitzel. If you fancy a coffee, the Melting Pot Cafe will have you covered, and the IGA supermarket that adjoins caters for any other supplies you may need. Macclesfield has several great short walks that are almost unknown outside the town. Click on the map opposite to see how to find them.
Echunga boasts a great Bakery and the Hagen Arms Hotel. Perfect for a beer under the verandah or a tasty meal in the well appointed dining room.
Flaxley is easy to miss, but has some tennis courts a church and a hall.
Prospect Hill has a small museum, and is hosts a flag tree. In times gone by when a ship came into Port Adelaide people that could see the ship had come in would hoist a flag. Those that could see that flag would hoist theirs, and so on in semaphore fashion. Once people around Paris Creek could see the signal flag, they'd start the trek to the Port to get supplies.
Meadows is a place where you can pick up a curry to go, dine in at the Meadows hotel, or eat indoors or out at the Meadows Bakery and Tearooms.
Paris Creek is a district more than a town, but the drive from Meadows to Strathalbyn along Paris Creek Road is probably my favourite in all the Adelaide Hills. Rolling hills, massive gum trees, patches of stringy bark, overflowing dams, and then on top of the hill - views to the South Coast, and finally views over Strathalbyn as you decend to that town. You can literally see the difference in rainfall betweeen the two towns in the vegetation over only a few kilometres. The award winning Bio-dynamic dairy at Paris Creek holds group tours by appointment.
Jupiter Creek (signposted from Echunga) is a fantastic walk through the remains of an old gold mine. Take your torch (ask to borrow some of ours if you havn't got one with you) and walk through an old access tunnel. The bushland here is beautiful - but do take care and assess your risk on days of high fire danger. There are many signs thoughout the area explaining the history of the area.
Kuipto is a region with devoted mainly to plantation forestry, whilst the adjoining plains are grazed and dotted with magnificent redgums. The forests are open to the public, except on high fire danger days. Many areas have picnic sites, toilets, and camping available, and the forests are frequented by horse riders, mountain bikers, people out for a picnic and hikers.
Hahndorf is the most visited town in the Adelaide Hills. Originally a German settlement, it keeps true to its roots, and German beer, kransky and sauerkraut abound. Park the car, then walk the main street, containing shops selling everything from beautiful antiques to opals, digeredoos, leather goods, soaps and candles. Of course when you tire there are ample restaurants and cafes to chose from that will offer you rest for your legs and reward for your appetite...and yes...there will be sauerkraut. Hahndorf was also home to the celebrated artist Hans Heysen, and his 150 acre property is open to the public, with ticket sales going towards maintaining the property.
Strathalbyn has a great park in the town centre thorough which the Angas River flows. If flight takes your fancy you can jump in a helicopter or take a dawn hot air balloon ride. Strath isn't only about heights though - there are antique stores, the obligatory quality country bakery and you can even catch a steam train all the way to Victor Harbor. In times of high fire risk, old diesel engines give the steam engines a rest. Here are some more things to do in Strathalbyn
Tour Down Under: 15th to 22nd of January 2011
Macclesfield Local Growers Market - every Sunday in the Instutute
Willunga Farmers Market - held every Saturday morning. If you like fresh olives, and flavoured almonds like me, you'll be in heaven. 50+ stalls.
Adelaide Hills Farmers Market - held every Saturday morning in Mount Barker and also has 50+ stalls. It is located on Dumas Street.
Echunga Farmers Market - held the first Saturday of each Month in the Institute car park
Maximilians Restaurant and Cellar Door provides a fine dining experiance in Verdun, a 15 minute drive away.
The Three Brother's Arms is one of South Australia's oldest pubs, with an upmarket menu and delightful old world atmosphere, only a 400m stroll.
Nepenthe Cellar Door Balhannah open 7 days 10am -4pm (08) 8398 8899
Places to see, things to do in the Adelaide Hills
Riddlesdown Cottage
Regional Information
View Things to see and do near Macclesfield South Australia in a larger map
If you click on the "larger map" link below you'll be able to navigate around the Battunga region to look at the attractions of the area. Of course, not all activities are listed, and we are extending the number of items listed. If you have a business or a place you'd like to see on here, please let us know.
