Hamming it up in Hahndorf

Today is the first day of bad weather we’ve encountered. Not bad exactly, but just very wet. It has been raining since about 5.30am and has been going ever since. It is beautiful actually but a bit too wet for us to easily walk around.


We started off this morning in Woodside at ‘Melba’s Chocolate Factory’. Melba’s has been around for years and is basically a supersized ‘Taffy's’ in Bunbury. There were endless rows of every lolly you could think of and them some! There were also some very quirky non-chocolate items. We enjoyed being able to have a taste of lots of items and having a chat with the chocolatiers. They had a 50% off Easter items sale so we all chose some yummy things to buy.

Next was a visit to ‘Woodside Cheesewrights’ which was an absolute delight. The girl offering tastings was very generous, and there were all sorts of good things to look at and try. We tasted lots of different goats cheeses and all really liked them!
On our way to Hahndorf we went past an ‘Alpaca Open Day’ so stopped off for a look. We met lots of alpaca breeders and Harry got the chance to hold an alpaca by himself! We also watched a lady spin alpaca fleece into yarn.

Max outside 'Oscar's of Hahndorf' - we thought of Max's friend Oscar and missed him!

We made it to Hahndorf and it was raining heavily. We had a quick visit to ‘Beerenberg Strawberry Farm’ where we saw lots of sauces, jams, pickles, sauces … all now famous as they are offered on Qantas flights and are available at Coles and Woolworths. Once again we got to taste some delicious things.


The main street of Hahndorf was so very long! It seemed to go on forever. It reminded me a lot of Margaret River, where among the traditional Hahndorf traders, Subway is in the middle of it. We found some gorgeous places though. For example, ‘Hahndorf Candlemakers’ where the most intricate carving is done to create exquisite wooden pieces especially for Christmas. And a $950 very tall candle that was like a tree trunk in size! It was a very worthwhile place to visit.


There were lots of bakeries and German-pantry style shops. I thought of my friend Kerstin who I went to primary school with and my German next door neighbours and some of the wonderful things that came from their kitchen.

I think this is one of the best photos ever! Harry and Hahndorf - a wonderful combination!!