South Australia is globally renowned for its exceptional wine production, with bottles from this region gracing shelves in supermarkets and specialty stores worldwide. For many visitors, wine tours and cellar door experiences are the primary draw. However, in the Adelaide Hills, just a thirty-minute drive from Adelaide's central business district, a vibrant community offers a wealth of attractions beyond the rolling vineyards and wineries that dot every corner.
A Journey into Biodynamic Beauty
Our exploration begins at Jurlique Farm near Mylor, a biodynamic establishment founded thirty-five years ago by Jurgen and Ulrike Klein. Now internationally famous for its skincare range, this 105-acre farm cultivates ninety-five percent of the ingredients used in Jurlique products. During a private ninety-minute immersion tour, farm manager Cherie Hutchinson guides visitors through the fields, explaining the properties of various plants.
One highlight is the specially developed Jurlique Rose, a key component in serums, creams, hydrating masks, and face oils. The farm offers both public and private tours, along with a "handpicked masterclass" where guests can gather their own botanicals, dry them in Jurlique's dedicated room, and create personalized blends.
German Heritage and Local Flavours
Next, we venture to nearby Verdun for lunch at Fourth Hill Providore before spending the afternoon in Hahndorf. Established in 1839, this town is Australia's oldest German settlement, proudly embracing its roots. The Bavarian-style Hahndorf Inn even offers Apfelstrudel-making classes, while traditional oompah music fills the main street from local cafes.
Visitors can browse numerous boutiques and independent shops before heading to Beerenberg Farm. Known across Australia for its jams, this family brand allows tourists to pick strawberries during summer months. The farm shop also sells an extensive range of sauces, chutneys, and other products, attracting busloads of daily visitors.
Secluded Sustainability in Nature
After stocking up on supplies, we retreat to our accommodation at CABN Hahndorff. This network of sites across South Australia emphasizes sustainability and seclusion. The location features nine cabins, each spaced approximately seventy metres apart to ensure privacy. Despite being off-grid, the cabins are fully equipped with modern amenities.
Our cabin includes heating, air conditioning, a kitchen, barbecue, pizza oven, bathroom with shower and freestanding bath, plus indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Before sunset, we enjoy the outdoor bath and sauna, which boasts a large window overlooking the countryside. As night falls, we light an outdoor fire to dine under the stars. Our cabin, named "Hans," nods to our next destination: The Cedars, home of artist Hans Heysen.
Artistic Legacy in the Wilderness
While less famous in Europe, Hans Heysen is one of Australia's most celebrated painters, often called "the portrait artist of the gum tree" for his extensive work depicting the native landscape. Curator Allan Campbell shares that Heysen entertained notable figures like actors Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh at his home.
The Cedars offers insight into Heysen's life and family, featuring his studio with remarkable charcoal works and an "artist's walk" that reveals the exact locations where he painted some of his most famous pieces. A new Heysen Gallery, costing nine million Australian dollars (approximately 4.7 million pounds), is currently under construction to showcase works by Heysen and his daughter Norah, also an accomplished artist.
Culinary Excellence at The Lane Vineyard
After two days avoiding wineries, we succumb to temptation at The Lane Vineyard for lunch. Their three-course "provenance" dining menu highlights regional produce, with partnerships allowing head chef Cameron Ahl to select the finest ingredients from Adelaide Hills farmers. We enjoy Murray River cod followed by Hahndorf venison, concluding with a sorbet made from Jurlique rose petals.
The restaurant offers temperance and drivers' options alongside alcoholic wine pairings, ensuring all guests can appreciate the culinary experience. As dusk settles, we watch kangaroos hopping through the twilight from our cabin's sauna, feeling immersed in wilderness despite being just thirty minutes from Adelaide's city centre.
Travel Information
Several major airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, operate flights from the United Kingdom to Adelaide, with journey times ranging from twenty-one to twenty-four hours. This trip was hosted by the South Australia Tourism Commission, showcasing the region's diverse attractions beyond its world-famous vineyards.
