Hahndorf Adelaide Hills

Die Hahndorf Story

On 12 August 1838 “The Zebra” left Hamburg, Germany, for the long, sea voyage to South Australia. Its Master, Captain ‘Dirk Meinerts Hahn’ recorded in his diary that his passengers were religious refugees wanting to settle in a new country where they could work and worship freely.

The Zebra reached Holdfast Bay (Glenelg) on 28 December 1838. (exactly two years to the day after the first settlers arrived on board the ‘Buffalo’, under the command of Captain John Hindmarsh, from England.) Hahn recorded that the voyage was made difficult by sickness, ripped sails and eleven deaths.

After disembarking at Pt. Misery, now Pt. Adelaide, Captain Hahn began a search for suitable land. He was invited by W H Dutton and his two partners to view 4000 acres of land they had recently purchased near Mt. Barker. Hahn described it as the most beautiful place on earth, and was delighted when the 3 partners offered to settle his passengers in the area.

Hahns passengers signed a contract granting them 150 acres rent free for one year, 38 acres of which were to be for building allotments, and the rest for agriculture. Provisions would be supplied as well as six cows plus the use of cattle and pastures free. They were also offered help to build a church. Needless to say Hahns passengers were overjoyed. In gratitude they named the village HAHNDORF meaning Hahns Village.

The good captain left South Australia on 14 February 1839, never to return, even though Dutton had offered him 5 acres in the township, 2 cows and free passage to South Australia for him and his family.