Kangaroo Island
21 May - 4 June 2025

29 May 2025: Day 9

Mt Lofty, Hahndorf and the road to Robe

Introduction

We had finished our time in Adelaide, so after an early breakfast I walk the few blocks to find the rental car. That part was easy, but the car was on Level 8 of a parking building, so after descending I had lost all sense of direction. With one-way streets and bus-only lanes it took a while to find my way back to the hotel. Bags loaded we headed east out of Adelaide into the hills - first stop was Mt Lofty for the view over Adelaide, except the city was scrouded in cloud. Then on to the touristy village of Hahndorf, playing up to its early German immigrant roots. From Hahndork we folloed the road south, ending up in the small port village of Robe for the night. We had decided to book a room at the old Robe Hotel, right on the waterfront. The room was dated and rather odd in appearance, but the food at the hotel was great.

Mt Lofty

Mt Lofty is the high peak a few km east of Adelaide. On a clear day you can see the cityand the coastline, but on our visit it was wreathed in cloud.

Our car in Adelaide

Getting out of the city...

and into the hills.

The road climbs Mt Lofty

Signs at the car park

At the top is Flinders Column

That's Adelaide down there - somewhere.

Hahndorf

Hahndorf is a rural town settled by German Lutheran immigrants in 1839. Today it bases its wealth on the tourist trade, making the most of its germanic roots. Like most tourist places its reputation far exceeds the on-ground experience. We found it crowded, somewhat expensive and in some cases not particularly genuine.

Back down Mt Lofty