Day 7 (28-Dec-12) Adelaide Hills (125 km)

For a change we did not have to ‘up anchor’ and move to a new location. As such, there was no manic start to the day. Instead, following a quick cuppa, we packed a day pack only and then headed off to Waterfall Gully for hike up to Mount Lofty. This 4km route proved to be more arduous than expected, though we were passed by a number of super fit athletes that ran to the summit. By the time we arrived at the summit the clouds that had appeared so threatening when we first awoke had all but disappeared, and we were rewarded with crystal clear views of the city.

Following a rapid descent back to the car we grabbed a quick cuppa before then heading off in the car for a scenic drive through the Adelaide Hills. The clockwise circuit took us up Gorge Road to Castambul and then along Torrens Valley Road to Birdwood. After stopping for quick lunch we continued through Mount Torrens along Mount Torrens Road to Hahndorf. Hahndorf has an interesting history. The town was settled by Lutheran migrants largely from in and around a small village then named Kay in Prussia, many of whom were aboard the Zebra arriving on 28 December 1838. The town is named after the Danish captain of the Zebra, Dirk Meinhertz Hahn. There is still a strong German flavour in Hahndorf, most evident in the small-goods outlets and German bakeries that line the bustling main street. Several boutique cellar doors have recently opened in the main street, and trendy eateries serve the freshest and best local produce.

We then drove to Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary in Mylor, hoping to catch sight of a few Platypus. Alas, we were to be disappointed, though Astrid did catch sight of a Bandicoot, a very shy creature that is normally only seen at night. We also caught sight of a wild Koala, plus a variety of different wallabies. After an hour traipsing through the park we elected to head back to Adelaide, arriving back at the hotel at 16:15hrs.