Hahndorf Named In Australia’s Top 10 Regional Travel Destinations

South Australia’s Hahndorf has been named the third most popular regional tourist destination in Australia, in a poll by leading travel experience provider Experience Oz.

Hahndorf was the only regional South Australian town to feature in the top 10, as it gains popularity for its blend of traditional German history and culture, delicious food, picturesque streetscape and one-of-a-kind products and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

This is Hahndorf’s third accolade in almost as many months, after it was named second-best trending domestic destination for Aussie travellers by booking.com in December, and featured in the top 50 Small Towns in Australia by DiscountMyFlights in September.

Hahndorf Business and Tourism Association Chair Jason Duffield says the town are thrilled to receive national recognition for what they believe to be one of the world’s most unique villages.

“Where else in Australia can you find an old German
village filled with the best wine, cheese, chocolate,
smoked meats, seafood, handmade leather products,
shoes, jewellery, art, butchers, bakers and
candlestick makers?” Mr Duffield says.  

“Hahndorf truly has it all and it’s located in such a central spot to explore other regions, including the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Coorong, and along the Murray River.”

Mr Duffield also noted how exciting it has been to see visitors choosing to stay in Hahndorf and experience the charm of the town over the hustle and bustle of the city.

“We are seeing an increase in visitors choosing to stay in Hahndorf instead of the CBD.

“Hahndorf is a shining light in tourism and hospitality both in South Australia and nationally, and it’s fantastic to receive this exciting news.”

Australia’s Top 10 Destinations to Experience is a major international and domestic poll of more than 10,000 public votes to identify hidden holiday gems. Poll participants were asked to consider, among other factors, unique natural highlights, the area’s cultural, historic and architectural features, the variety of activities on offer and if the town was simply considered objectively beautiful.

Experience Oz Marketing Manager Matt Hobbs said Hahndorf’s history as the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia makes it a major drawcard for locals, travelling Aussies and international visitors alike.

“Hahndorf may be small, but there are few places like it, and it serves as a great little flagship for the Adelaide Hills region,” Mr Hobbs says.

“If you’re wanting a slice of European culture with some great boutique food, it’s easy to recommend and very close to Adelaide, so accessibility isn’t a problem either.”

Hahndorf was named behind first place Bendigo, Vic, and Esperance, WA in second place. The top 10 list was rounded out by Mornington Peninsula, Vic, Port Douglas, Qld, Albany, WA, Hunter Valley, NSW, Apollo Bay, Vic, Kununurra, WA and Port Stephens, NSW, from a shortlist of 50 iconic regional Australian destinations and big-city-getaway spots.