Built upon the banks of the meandering Angas River, with the lushly green, rolling parklands of Soldiers Memorial Gardens at its heart, it is no surprise that charming Strathalbyn is regarded as one of South Australia’s prettiest towns.

Approximately 58 kilometres south of Adelaide, at the southern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges, the town embraces a proud Celtic heritage, deriving its name from two Gaelic words – ‘strath’ meaning ‘broad valley’ and ‘albion’ meaning ‘hilly land’.

Prior to settlement in 1939 by Scottish migrants William Rankine and Colonel James Dawson, Strathalbyn and the surrounding Angas River District was part of the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal lands; their descendants remaining traditional custodians of the area today.

A classified Heritage Town, Strathalbyn is dotted with superb architectural examples of its era, with more than 30 heritage listed buildings, typically crafted of either blue or sandstone. The Terminus Hotel (1840), in Rankine Street, was the region’s first building, and attractive St Andrews Church (1844), one of the most photographed in Australia, soon followed. ‘Albyn Terrace’ in the town’s southern section is of more recent significance; scenes from Peter Weir’s classic Australian film ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ were recorded here in 1975.
 

From a dairy farming heritage, reflected in its rich, gum-lined grazing land, to a contemporary rural centre spilling across undulating landscapes of valley and hill, little has changed of the regions inherent natural beauty.

History remains a significant part of everyday life in Strathalbyn. The exquisitely restored heritage buildings and centrepiece parklands have shaped a thriving tourism industry - invigorating local business and enriching community spirit.

A thriving arts society has emerged, working studio galleries sit alongside renowned antique emporiums, craft and gift boutiques, and a superb selection of cafes, restaurants, tea rooms and specialty stores.

Around 3000 fortunate locals are spoilt by a full range of community facilities including riverside gardens and walking trails, a public library, museum, swimming pool, sporting and service clubs, modern hospital and health service, police station, churches and schools.

Country race meetings are a regular occurrence, and each August, Strathalbyn hosts the Collectors, Hobbies and Antiques Fair, attracting exhibitors from all over the country as the local halls fill with an abundance of trinkets and treasures, craft, antiques and memorabilia.