13 Things to Do in Barossa Valley, South Australia | 2024 Guide

The Barossa Valley, steeped in a wine history dating back to 1842, is widely known for being one of the premier wine regions in Australia. Thanks to its warm climate and old vines, the valley is best known for its fantastic bold reds, like the iconic Shiraz or Grenache. But there is more to Barossa Valley than that! 

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In addition to the traditional varieties, winemakers in the region are also producing beautiful alternatives, ranging from intriguing red blends, sparkling varieties, and even some whites. 

With over 150 wineries dotted all over the region, there is no shortage of cellar doors and opportunities for wine tasting. Plus, the region offers great food options, beautiful scenery, and many experiences to add to your itinerary. 

We first visited Barossa Valley back in 2014 but have recently returned for a visit with a more refined palate and an elevated appetite. Here is what we got up to during our visit and how we recommend you spend your time in one of Australia’s famous wine regions. 

Barossa Valley, South Australia
Barossa Valley, South Australia
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Get to Know The Area

Before we go on, it’s important to clarify what we mean when we talk about the Barossa Region. 

The region is divided into two subregions: Barossa Valley and Eden Valley 

Barossa Valley lies at a lower elevation in the Barossa Region and is famous for its warm climate and its traditional winemaking of the robust reds, particularly the bold Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.  

Eden Valley, on the other hand, is located in higher elevations and is considered to have a cooler climate. This makes it ideal for elegant whites, notably Riesling, known for its crisp acidity. Eden Valley also excels in cool-climate reds, offering a diverse range, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 

How to Get to/around Barossa Region

Barossa Region is located in South Australia, about 70 km north of Adelaide. The region spans an area of about 900 square km and connects the towns of NuriootpaTanundaAngaston and Lyndoch

By Car: The easiest way to get to the region is by car. The drive from Adelaide should take under an hour, making it easy to get away to Barossa for a weekend of even just a day. 

The towns are quite spread out, and the cellar doors and other attractions are dotted around the region, and unfortunately, public transportation is practically non-existent. So the best way to get around the region is by car. Pick a designated driver for the day if you plan to do a wine tasting at multiple cellar doors. 

Join a Tour: Alternatively, you can join one of the many Barossa Valley wine-tasting toursThese typically visit a handful of popular wineries and allow you to get the perfect introduction to the region. 

guide to van life
Driving down Barossa Valley Way

Best Time to Visit Barossa Valley

There is no bad time to visit the Barossa region. With plenty of cellar doors and 4 different towns to base yourself in, the region is rarely crowded. However, accommodation prices and availability may be impacted by special events in the area. 

Summer (December-February)

Summer in Barossa can be quite hot, but thanks to the relatively dry climate in South Australia, it is still an enjoyable time to visit. Be mindful of crowds around the holidays – visiting on weekdays can help. 

Autumn (March-May)

Late spring and early autumn offer a sweet spot with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Autumn coincides with the harvest season, which means there are lots of vintage celebrations! You surely don’t want to miss the Barossa Vintage Festival in April

Winter (June-August)

The weather might be cool and damp, but don’t let that put you off from visiting Barossa in the winter. The cool and wet weather can provide solitude and a cosy atmosphere for enjoying a glass of Shiraz by the fire.

Now, onto the fun stuff! Our suggested recommendations for the best things to do in Barossa Valley and the great Barossa region. 

Best Things to do in Barossa Valley

1. Visit Barossa Valley Wineries

Wine has been a part of the culture and everyday life in Barossa Valley since 1842. The region has grown exponentially over the last few decades. When we first visited Barossa in 2014, there were 70 wineries registered in the area. Today the Theregion is home to over 150 different wineries, with about 80 cellar doors where you can taste wine directly from the producers.  

Many of the wineries in Barossa are small and do not sell their wines outside of the cellar door and wine clubs, so a visit to their cellar door is the only way to get your hands on some of their best wines. 

With so many wineries to visit in Barossa, it can be easy to pack your days with back-to-back tastings. But we recommend taking it slow. Plan to spend 1-2 hours at each tasting and limit your itinerary to not more than 3 tastings per day. We found this to be the sweet spot. 

Here are some of the best wineries in Barossa to add to your itinerary: 

Best Barossa Valley Wineries

  • Yalumba: Australia’s First Families of Wine in Barossa Valley, try their Yalumba’s “The Signature” Cabernet Shiraz. You can also join a history tour to explore the wine tanks and Signature Cellar if you have the time.
  • Poonawatta: Estate-grown in the wild outback of the Barossa high-country with a focus on sustainable grape-growing, they produce elegant cool-climate Shiraz, Cabernet, red blends, and crisp Rieslings.
  • Greenock Creek Wines: This is a great spot for those of you who like bold, rich Shiraz and enjoy award-winning wines that received perfect 100-point rankings in the 1980s.
  • Seppeltsfield: Producing exceptional port-styled wines like Fino, Amontillado, sweet Muscat, and rich, aged Tawnies in Barossa Valley since the mid-1800s.
  • Langmeil Winery: Known for producing some of Australia’s best Shiraz, this is a historic winery in Rockford on the other side of Tununda.
  • Chateau Yaldara: Chateau Yaldara offers a collection of exquisite hand-crafted wines, famous for its First Pick Shiraz and Yaldara Estate Cellars TB Wine Selection.
  • Henschke: One of the most famous wineries in the region, Henschke is a must-visit. Don’t miss trying their flagship Hill of Grace Shiraz, grown in their 150-year-old ancestor Shiraz vines in Eden Valley.
  • Artisans of Barossa: A collective of six wineries united by a passion for small-batch, sub-regional winemaking. This is perfect for those of you who want a different tasting experience, where you can savour wines from different producers for a unique tasting adventure.

READ NEXT: 15 Amazing Wineries in Barossa Valley

Artisans of Barossa, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Artisans of Barossa, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Yellow Label Moscato, Wolf Blass Winery
Yellow Label Moscato, Wolf Blass Winery
Yalumba Winery, Barossa Valley
Yalumba Winery, Barossa Valley
View from Artisans of Barossa Winery, Barossa Valley
View from Artisans of Barossa Winery, Barossa Valley

2. Join a Wine Tour

If you don’t want to do the choosing yourself, consider joining one of the many wine tours in Barossa. 

Take a full-day boutique food and wine tour of the Barossa Valley. You’ll visit three of the most prestigious wineries in the Barossa Valley before stopping for lunch at the award-winning Salters Kitchen. Definitely one for the wine connoisseur!

Thisco-friendly Gourmet Food and Wine E-Bike Tour is another great alternative. The tour takes you behind the scenes of the historical Artisans of the Barossa and offers access to areas usually out of bounds to the general public to give you an exclusive look at Yalumba, one of the oldest wineries in the state.

3. Have Lunch At Maggie Beer’s Farm

Maggie Beer is a household name in Australia, and a visit to her farm is one of the best things to do in Barossa Valley that doesn’t revolve around wine! She’s a cook, a food author, a restaurant owner, and a member of the Order of Australia for the promotion of Australian produce and cuisine.

Her farm in Barossa Valley is the place to see where it all began. There are decades of history on the walls and inviting smells in the Farm Shop. Here, you can wander around and try just about every product made by Maggie Beer.

Foodies looking for unique things to do in the Barossa can join a cooking class demonstration every day at 2pm to learn how to incorporate some of Maggie’s delicious ingredients in your own recipes.

Once you’ve found your favourites, grab a few items for a picnic and enjoy your lunch on the patio. Alternatively, go to The Farm Eatery, located just across the deck and run by Maggie and Colin’s daughter, Elli. 

Peacock at the Maggie Beer Farm, Barossa Valley
Peacock at the Maggie Beer Farm, Barossa Valley
Sauce collection at Maggi Beer's Farm Shop, Barossa Valley
Sauce collection at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, Barossa Valley
Picnic Fare at Maggie Beer's Farm Shop, Barossa Valley
Lunch at Maggie Beer’s Farm

4. Craft Your Own Australian Gin

Head to Durand Distillery and immerse yourself in the art of craft gin-making with a unique experience at their Barossa Gin School on Maggie’s Beer ground floor. The Barossa Gin School offers a hands-on Australian native botanicals gin-crafting experience. You will get your own individual stations with handmade Italian copper stills, where you can experiment with a variety of popular botanicals, creating a personalised gin recipe. After crafting their gin, students enjoy a delightful 3-course lunch while the freshly made creation is extracted from the still. 

5. Cruise Down Seppeltsfield Road

Seppeltsfield Road is a road lined with hundreds of palm trees, leading to the Seppeltsfield winery. This 10 km stretch is one of the most beautiful parts of Barossa. 

Stop along the road to appreciate and admire the views around you. If you are lucky, you might even run into a few new friends along the way!

Seppeltsfields Road, Barossa Valley
Seppeltsfields Road, Barossa Valley
Up close and personal with a llama in Barossa Valley
Up close and personal with a llama in Barossa Valley
Sheep in Barossa Valley
Sheep in Barossa Valley

6. Admire the Views 

One of the most underrated yet necessary things to do in Barossa Valley is to just appreciate the area.

Heading south towards Eden Valley, you’ll find the Eden Valley Lookout on your left atop a hill. The Eden Valley Scenic Lookout provides stunning views from Keyneton to High Eden – it is no wonder the region was dubbed as “the garden of grapes and gums.” 

Make a quick stop at Keyneton Hills Lookout and Mengler’s Hill Lookout while travelling from Angaston to Swan Reach for a panoramic view of rolling hills down into the valley before the winding road to Keyneton.

You’ll be surrounded by lush vineyards sprawling under the bright rays of sun and clear blue skies. You can also take a hike at Sandy Creek Conservation Park near Lyndoch for fascinating sand dunes and native tree views. Slow down, appreciate the views, and take some photos to remember your trip to the Barossa Region.

7. Visit a Lavender Farm

Barossa is not just about wine; you can explore the charm of the region at the renowned Lyndoch Lavender Farm, South Australia’s largest lavender farm! 

Take a farm tour and then relax at the Lavender Kitchen Cafe amid the peaceful gardens, surrounded by the farm’s purple beauty. Try their local delights, desserts, beverages, and savoury treats, all featuring lavender-inspired delicacies!

8. Have Lunch at Harvest Kitchen

Located outside Tanunda, Harvest Kitchen is a hidden gem that provides a delightful dining experience with dishes featuring local ingredients and breathtaking vineyard views. 

You can savour the “Eat Like A Barossan” tasting menu that revolves around seasonal produce.

9. Try Barossa’s Cheese and Chocolate

Cheese enthusiasts, don’t miss a visit to the Barossa Valley Cheese Company on Murray Street in Angaston. Think of it as a cellar door but for cheese! 

For an extra fun experience, try the Barossa Gourmet Food & Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting. It includes a gourmet food tour with a stop at Barossa Cheese for a cheese tasting and the adventure of finding the perfect wine to complement your cheese.

To satisfy your inner child or your sweet tooth, try visiting the famous Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, offering something for everyone. You can watch chocolatiers create handmade chocolate, take chocolate-making classes, or enjoy specially curated chocolate and wine pairing experiences. Barossa Valley Chocolate Company provides a sweet adventure for all ages!

Amazing cheese platter at the Artisans of Barossa Winery, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Amazing cheese platter at the Artisans of Barossa Winery, Barossa Valley, South Australia

10. Have Dinner at Char Barossa

Inspired by the chargrill, Char Barossa provides a laid-back dining experience with straightforward, high-quality grilled dishes. The restaurant is particularly famous for its excellent steaks, offering a perfect match for Barossa Shiraz! They also cater to vegetarians, offering vegan and gluten-free options.

11. Walk The Barossa Heritage Trail

The Barossa Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking and cycling trail spanning over 100 km. 

This Barossa bike trail is perfect for those seeking an alternative Barossa experience or looking to burn off the effects of a few too many wines! 

You can download the Barossa Heritage Trails App for an immersive journey and learn about its famous wines through an engaging and entertaining commentary.

12. Shop at Barossa Farmers Market 

Visit the foodie paradise of the Barossa in Angaston every Saturday. The Barossa Farmers Market is the perfect spot to grab fresh fruits and local produce, all while supporting the region’s local growers.

13. Whisper at The Whispering Wall

No trip to the Barossa is complete without checking out the Whispering Wall in Williamstown. Originally constructed as the dam wall for the Barossa Reservoir, this Wall has gained fame for its amazing acoustic tricks. 

You can hear words spoken at one end clearly at the other, even over 100 metres away! It’s a bit eerie but surprisingly fun. Plus, there’s a fantastic picnic spot nearby.

Where to Stay: Best Barossa Valley Hotels

Light Pass House B&B

During our visit back in 2014, we stayed at the Light Pass House B&B. We really loved our stay at this beautiful Bed & Breakfast and were happy to see that it’s still operating some 10 years later. Built in the 1920s by an immigrant German family, this house retained a lot of the character, giving it a unique vintage feel.

This 2-bedroom home, which can comfortably sleep up to 5-6 people, has a lovely garden, a cosy living room, a spotless bathroom, along with a laundry room, and a fully stocked kitchen! It had everything we needed for a perfect weekend base to explore all the things to do in Barossa Valley. It was a charming place to come home to in the evening.

Light Pass House B&B, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Light Pass House B&B, Barossa Valley, South Australia

The Louise 

The Louise is a luxurious accommodation option in the Barossa. The hotel provides an eco-friendly and stylish retreat with 15 private villa-style suites, with a patio, spa bath, and outdoor shower. Plus, it features an infinity pool, spa, sauna, fitness centre, and is conveniently located within walking distance of various wineries. 

You can enjoy the world-class dining experience at their on-site restaurant, Appellation, offering regional contemporary dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

The Station Kapunda

The Station at Kapunda is another luxury group accommodation option for up to 14 guests in the former Kapunda Train Station. This air-conditioned villa features 7 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, a kitchen, a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi, and free private parking. They even provide in-house dining options like make-your-own woodfired pizza kits and group feasts.

You can enjoy unique experiences like Murder on the Kapunda Express and the Winemaker in Residence program, where you can learn all aspects of winemaking over a three-night stay. 

How Much Should You Budget?

Visiting a wine region like the Barossa can be a pricey getaway, but spending a few days in Barossa doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here is what we ended up spending during our time in Barossa – to give you an idea and help you budget for your trip. 

Barossa Valley, South Australia
Barossa Valley, South Australia

Transportation – $20-80/Day

Hiring a car is the most common transportation option for those visiting the region, and it will set you back by about $50-80/day. Ditch the vehicle once you arrive and opt to get around by bike instead. 

Not only will it be cheaper (bike rental will only cost $20, and many hotels even offer bikes for free), but it’s a much more eco-conscious way to get around.

If you do decide to rent a car try to choose one which is fuel-efficient to keep your carbon footprint as low as possible.

Vineyard, Barossa Valley
Vineyard in Barossa Valley

Accommodation – $100-$500/Night

There are dozens of hotel and B&B options in Barossa Valley, ranging in price from budget-friendly options at $100/night to some luxury stays on the higher end of the scale.

Food – $30-100/Meal

Most of the Barossa Valley wineries offer a small local food menu, ranging from cheese platters to little sandwiches and other snacks. They are great spots for lunch or early dinner. 

During our latest visit, we noticed that many restaurants in the Barossa are now offering a “Feed Me” preset dining menu for lunch and dinner. These range from $70-$150 or more and typically include 3-4 courses selected by the chef. 

Lunch at Nosh, Barossa Valley, South Australua
Lunch at Nosh, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Wine Tasting – $100+

When we first visited Barossa in 2014, wine tastings were often free in the region, but over the last few years, this has changed. Expect to pay anywhere between $10 for a basic tasting to $30 or more for a specialty or exclusive tasting. Some wineries credit the tasting fee against a purchase of a bottle of two; others only apply it to a case. 

All wineries are happy to ship wine across Australia, and some offer international shipping options as well.

Wolf Blass Winery, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Wolf Blass Winery, Barossa Valley, South Australia

The Bottom Line

Barossa Valley is truly amazing; with its beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and, of course, unique wines, it’s a destination that has it all. Beyond the wineries, you can wander through charming towns, savour gourmet food, and even take a hot air balloon ride over the scenic vineyards. There’s something for everyone in the Barossa, making it a must-visit. And for those eager for wine tasting, it’s important to keep in mind responsible alcohol consumption.

Have You Ever Visited Barossa Valley? What Are Some Of Your Favourite Things To Do In Barossa Valley?

 

READ NEXT: Best Wine Regions In Australia

 

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