Adelaide & South Australia - Australia 2004 - page 507

WHERE TO STAY
The Hahndorf Resort This large resort has a variety of accommodations
available, as well as approximately 80 trailer and tent sites. Here, too, are fully
self-contained, air-conditioned cabins, and motel-style rooms with queen-size
beds (some have an extra single) and a shower. The chalets look like they're
straight out of Bavaria; each can accommodate from two to five people in either
one or two bedrooms. Each has a full kitchen and an attached bathroom with
shower. Some of them overlook a small lake. The larger spa chalets come with
Jacuzzis. An on-site animal sanctuary has a few emus, kangaroos, and horses.
145A Main St., Hahndorf, SA 5245. & 08/8388 7921. Fax [phone]. www.hahndorfresort.com.au.
60 units. A$61 (US$40) cabin; A$87 (US$57) motel room; $A98-A$165 (US$64-US$107) chalet. A$11
(US$7.15) extra adult, A$5.50 (US$3.60) extra child. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; heated outdoor
pool; 2 putting greens; half-size tennis court; small gym; bike rental; limited room service; coin-op laundry.
Inroom:A/C, TV, kitchenette, minibar, coffeemaker, iron.
WHERE TO DINE
If you want a treat head to the Bridgewater Mill, Mt Barker Road, Bridgewa-
ter ( & 08/8339 3422 ). Set in an impressive 1860s stone building with a terrace
near a waterwheel, this places serves some of the best-regarded food in the coun-
try. Try the duck with braised cherries. Main courses cost A$31 (US$20) and a
three-course menu serviced Sunday only is A$68 (US$44). It's open for lunch
Thursday to Monday.
OAKBANK: A DAY AT THE RACES
The Easter Oakbank Racing Carnival is part of the Australia-wide “picnic
races” that take place in small towns throughout the nation. The Oakbank horse
races attract crowds in excess of 110,000 a day over the long Easter weekend.
General admission is A$10 (US$6.50), plus another A$5 (US$3.25) for admis-
sion to the grandstand. The Oakbank Racing Club ( & 08/8212 6279 ) is just
off the main road; you can't miss it.
WHERE TO STAY
Adelaide Hills Country Cottages These three cottages have won several
tourism awards, including the 1998 Australian Tourist Commission award for
hosted accommodations in Australia—which is quite a big deal. They are 1km
( 1 ⁄ 2 mile) apart and surrounded by 60 hectares (150 acres) of scenic countryside.
The Apple Tree cottage, from around 1860, sleeps up to five, has a Jacuzzi and
antiques, and overlooks an orchard and a lake; the Gum Tree Cottage sleeps four
and has wonderful country views; and the Lavender Fields Cottage sleeps up to
four and overlooks a lily-fringed duck pond. All of the cottages have open fire-
places and full kitchens. This is a great place to relax and a good base for explor-
ing the area. You'll get a couple of free drinks and a fruit basket upon arrival.
P.O. Box 100, Oakbank, SA 5243. & 08/8388 4193. Fax [phone]. www.ahcc.com.au. 5 cottages.
A$205-A$260 (US$133-US$169). Extra person A$70 (US$46). Rates include provisions for breakfast. A
1-night rate will include a surcharge of A$30 (US$20). Ask about lower weekly rates. AE, DC, MC, V. Oakbank
is 30 min. from Adelaide, 7 min. from Hahndorf, and less than 1 hr. from the Barossa Valley. Amenities:
Jacuzzi; tour desk; coin-op laundry; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV/VCR, kitchen, coffeemaker, hair dryer,
iron.
MT. LOFTY: VIEWS & 'ROOS
Visitors make the pilgrimage to the top of the 690m (2,263-ft.) Mt. Lofty,
16km (10 miles) southeast of Adelaide, for the panoramic views over Adelaide,
the Adelaide plains, and the Mt. Lofty Ranges. There are several nice bushwalks
from the top.