ANZAC Day in the Hills, a Café Ride, and stories that stay with you

Good morning, Hills lovers!

This week, we’re up with the dawn and soaking up the best of what autumn in the Hills has to offer. One of our readers shared how they spend ANZAC Day, and it was so thoughtful, we turned it into a full-day itinerary filled with bushwalks, pub lunches, fire pits, and the kind of quiet beauty only the Hills can deliver.

We’re also rolling out from Verté Kitchen for our April Café Ride. A relaxed, no-drop, Sunday ride with great company and good coffee at the finish line. Brendan’s leading the way, and all riders are welcome.

Plus, we’ve got your invites to apple picking in Lenswood, a powerful new Hahndorf documentary, and a hands-on history experience you won’t want to miss.

Let’s get stuck in.

ANZAC DAY IN THE HILLS
How to make a day of it.

If you’re up early for a dawn service (and to be fair, there’s nothing quite like that stillness in the Hills at 6am), why not turn the whole day into something special?

One of our readers shared how they spend ANZAC Day – and we loved it so much, we turned it into a full itinerary. Think: early morning reflection, crisp bushwalks, wine by a firepit, a pub lunch, apple picking, and the sweetest finish in Summertown.

It’s a day full of flavour, local charm and fresh air – exactly what the Hills do best.

📍 We’ve mapped it all out in this post.

Lest we forget.

HILLS DOCUMENTARY
Hahndorf: Echoes of the Past

On Thursday 15 May, a remarkable chapter of South Australian history comes to life on the big screen at Mercury Cinema. Hahndorf: Echoes of the Past invites you into a story of resilience, identity, and enduring community spirit.

In 1838, a group of Prussian Lutherans, facing religious persecution, made the courageous decision to leave their homeland in search of spiritual freedom. After a long and perilous sea voyage aboard the Zebra, they arrived at the shores of Glenelg, weary but determined. From there, they journeyed inland by foot and bullock-drawn cart, pushing through marshy ground and thick scrub in search of a place to begin again.

With the help of their ship’s captain, Dirk Hahn, they found fertile ground in the Adelaide Hills. There, they built a new settlement among the gums, naming it Hahndorf in his honour. It means “Hahn’s village”.

This powerful documentary brings their story to life through original diaries, family records, and interviews with descendants. Hosted by local storyteller Sharon Pippos and South Australian historian Keith Conlon, the evening includes the screening at Mercury Cinema, a Q&A, community supper and local door prizes.

Proceeds will support the restoration of a historic barn in Alec Johnston Park, preserving Hahndorf’s legacy for generations to come.

👉 Click here to find out more and book your ticket.

HILLS HISTORY
A hands-on experience.

Before you see Hahndorf: Echoes of the Past on the big screen, why not walk in the footsteps of the very people whose stories it tells?

Just a week before the documentary premiere, as part of South Australia's History Festival, you’re invited to experience daily life in Hahndorf as it was in the early 1840s. The Schmidt-Rodert Hof, the oldest surviving Prussian farm complex in the village, is opening its doors and its oven for a truly sensory journey into the past.

Built in 1841, this remarkable farmstead tells the story of the settlers not just through words, but through wood, stone and hands-on tradition. Wander through original buildings, hear tales of the families who lived and farmed here, and take part in the quiet rituals of life on the land. Feel the rhythm of baking day, taste bread pulled warm from a 19th-century corbelled oven, and try your hand at butter churning, just as they did almost two centuries ago.

Presented by the National Trust (Hahndorf Branch), this is history you can smell, touch and taste. It is a rare chance to connect with the everyday resilience that built the village we now call Hahndorf.

👉 Click here to register your interest in attending

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
An opportunity to spread the word…

Want to spread the word about your business or a project, or share an announcement with thousands of people who love the Hills? Reach out and say hi!

Stirling Woodyard has moved to 76 Longwood Road, Heathfield, SA, 5153 and is open just in time for winter. You can now order your sustainable, seasoned firewood online for easy pickup or delivery at stirlingwoodyard.com.au/shop

Spark Flow Free Gentle Yoga Pop-up - Join a free gentle yoga and meditation session on the Stirling Library lawns to reconnect with yourself and the community. No experience needed, just bring a mat and enjoy the calm before exploring the Stirling Market. INFO

The Fire Danger Season for the Mount Lofty Ranges has been extended to 14th May. A big thank you to everyone who reached out to let me know when the extension came through. Love that community spirit! Check CFS update here.

ANZAC Day services are being held in most towns across the Hills. You can check which towns here.

Want a Featured Event with a poster?

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Comida Hahndorf with a Spanish-inspired feast featuring lamb paella, patatas bravas, charred corn salad, and their signature Spanish tiramisu, plus a kids’ menu so the whole family can enjoy. Call 8388 1725 to book. INFO

🍎 Apple Picking at Lenswood Cider Co – This Saturday!
For one day only, the orchard gates are open for apple picking in partnership with @pomogolgy_tarrawood. Come for the apples, stay for the pizza, cider, music, and sweeping autumn views. Bring your crew and make a day of it! INFO

WHAT’S ON

🥾 Belair Waterfall Hike
| OUTDOOR ADVENTURE | Belair National Park
📅 Saturday, April 26 | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Trek 11km through stunning scenery, waterfalls, and the Echo Tunnel on this moderately challenging Grade 4 hike. Expect rocky tracks, a few steep sections, and plenty of nature to take in along the way. INFO

🎶 Holly 'Cookie' Baker @ Sinclairs Gully
| LIVE MUSIC | 288 Colonial Drive, Norton Summit
📅 Sunday, April 27 | 1 PM
Experience Holly ‘Cookie’ Baker’s poetic vocals and magnetic stage presence in an enchanting outdoor concert beneath towering candlebark gums. Bring a picnic, grab a glass of local wine, and settle in for a soul-stirring afternoon in the Adelaide Hills. INFO

🍂 Autumn Colours at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
| GARDENS | 16 Lampert Rd, Crafers
📅 April 26–27 | 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Take in the breathtaking reds, golds, and oranges of peak autumn foliage in one of the Hills’ most magical settings. With crisp air and vibrant views, it’s the perfect weekend escape into nature. INFO

🍷 Pinot in Private
| WINE EXPERIENCE | 126 Tregarthen Road, Ashton
📅 April 29 – May 1 | By Appointment Only
Indulge in a guided tasting with Ashton Hills winemaker Liam Van Pelt, featuring current releases, back vintages, and a barrel tasting of premium pinot noir. This intimate experience ends with a shared platter and stunning views of the Piccadilly Valley. INFO

🚗 Cars and Coffee Mount Barker April Meet
| CAR MEET | Mt Barker Homemaker Centre
📅 Sunday, April 27 | From 6:30 AM
Cruise into the Adelaide Hills for a relaxed morning of classic cars, fresh coffee, and autumn vibes with fellow enthusiasts. INFO

🌱 Uraidla Community Forum
| COMMUNITY EVENT | Uraidla Football Club
📅 Tuesday, April 29 | From 6 PM

Join the conversation on building a more sustainable future with locals, Council staff, and Elected Members. Discover current projects and share your ideas in a friendly, community-focused setting. INFO

🧘 Spark Flow Free Gentle Yoga Pop-up
| WELLNESS | Stirling Library, Stirling
📅 Sunday, April 27 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Join a free gentle yoga and meditation session on the Stirling Library lawns to reconnect with yourself and the community. No experience needed, just bring a mat and enjoy the calm before exploring the Stirling Market. INFO

🎯 Spark Mateship
| COMMUNITY | Bridgewater Sports and Social Club
📅 Thursday, May 1 | 4 PM – 6 PM
Hang out with good mates over pool, darts, cards, and a classic sausage sizzle in a relaxed, welcoming space. No pressure, just real conversations and great company for all men. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

📚 Red Door Book Club – The Antidote by Karen Russell
| BOOK CLUB | Matilda Bookshop, Stirling
📅 Wednesday, May 14
Join fellow readers for a thoughtful mid-autumn discussion of The Antidote, a magical realist novel set in the Dust Bowl era of America. INFO

🔬 Mount Barker Science Fair
| FAMILY EVENT | Cornerstone College, Mount Barker
📅 Sunday, May 4 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Enjoy a fun-filled morning of science shows, hands-on activities, native animals, robotics, and Star Wars-themed surprises for the whole family. Dress up for “May the 4th” and dive into a world of discovery and imagination. INFO

🍷 The Humble X Ngeringa Tasting Adelaide Hills Lunch
| FOOD & WINE | 107 Williams Road, Mount Barker Springs
📅 Saturday, May 3
Savour a luxurious long lunch featuring biodynamic Ngeringa wines and a produce-driven menu by chef Stacey Conner, all set in a picturesque Adelaide Hills estate. Begin with a vineyard tour and welcome drinks, then settle in for a relaxed afternoon of exceptional food and wine. INFO

🎼 Echunga in Concert
| LIVE MUSIC | Echunga Memorial Institute
📅 Saturday, May 10 | Doors 1:30 PM – Music from 2:00 PM
Enjoy an uplifting afternoon of live music, special guests, and a classic country tea, all in support of the Echunga Memorial Institute. INFO

MARKETS

🎨 Stirling Laneways
| STREET FESTIVAL | Stirling, SA
📅 Sunday, April 27 | 9 AM – 3 PM
Wander through Stirling’s lively laneways filled with artisan stalls, vintage finds, and small-batch produce. With live music, street theatre, and a buzzing community vibe, this beloved market event brings the town to life.

🛍️ Stirling Market | Druid Avenue, Stirling
📅 Sunday, April 27 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wander the vibrant Stirling Market for fresh produce, handmade goods, live music, and a full day of local Hills charm.

🥕 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market | Melrose St, Mount Pleasant
📅 Every Saturday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Your one-stop destination for fresh, local goodness! Stroll through the market and discover farm-fresh fruits, crisp vegetables, artisan cheeses, baked treats, and more.

🛍 Adelaide Hills Farmers Market | 23 Mann St, Mount Barker
 📅 Every Saturday | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Experience the heart and soul of the Adelaide Hills under the historic elm trees for a vibrant market experience featuring seasonal fruits, vegetables, artisanal breads, cheeses, free-range eggs, and more.

APRIL CAFE RIDE
Love cycling? Love coffee?

Join us for the April Adelaide Hills Pantry Café Ride – a relaxed, social roll through the stunning Hills countryside, starting and finishing at a bike-friendly café.

This month, we’re kicking things off from Verté Kitchen in Mylor at 8am on Sunday, 27 April. Expect good coffee and great company. Your ride leader will be the always-welcoming Brendan.

This is a no-drop ride! Click for details and the route.

🎙️PODCAST…COMING SOON
A place you always come back to

This is the final week to send in your audio clip!
We’ve received so many beautiful contributions already, and we can’t wait to share them. If you’ve been meaning to submit something, consider this your friendly nudge to hit record and send it in.

Just record a voice memo and text it to 0423 440 258 or email us by 30 April. You can remain anonymous. No need for perfection. Just be yourself.

New here? Here’s what it’s all about…

We’re creating a podcast filled with real voices and stories from the Hills. Check out this post for more info.

_{Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry. I hope it added a moment of enjoyment to your day.}