Strathalbyn Historic Town

A Scottish town in the Adelaide Hills

Strathalbyn was settled by Scottish pioneers in 1839 and sits on both sides of the River Angas on the eastern edge of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The town is unusual in that its built fabric has remained largely intact - more than 30 buildings are listed on the State Heritage Register, and the whole town centre feels like a living 19th-century village.

What to see

The main attractions are concentrated around the Soldiers Memorial Gardens and along High Street:

• St Andrew's Uniting Church - often described as one of Australia's most photographed churches, with a commanding bluestone tower overlooking the gardens
• Soldiers Memorial Gardens - a generous riverside park with duck ponds, lawns, picnic tables and walking paths along the River Angas
• High Street - the main shopping strip, lined with restored 19th-century shopfronts now housing cafes, galleries and antique stores
• Old Railway Station - home to the Station Masters Art Gallery and the Strathalbyn Visitor Centre

Antiques capital

Strathalbyn is widely known as the antiques capital of South Australia. More than a dozen antique and collectables stores line High Street and the surrounding blocks - a day of browsing here is one of the classic Fleurieu side trips from Adelaide.

Getting there

Strathalbyn is about 60km south-east of Adelaide and 20 minutes drive inland from Goolwa. Free parking on all side streets.