A beautiful green and manicured garden at a winery in the Barossa Valley
Kangaroo Barossa Valley | Australia holiday
A beautiful green and manicured garden at a winery in the Barossa Valley
Kangaroo Barossa Valley | Australia holiday
Australia's wine mecca

Barossa Valley

In the rolling hills, an hour and a half from Adelaide, a food and wine paradise awaits you. The Barossa Valley is known as Australia's wine mecca with some of the oldest vineyards in the country. In fact, 20% of all Australian wines are produced here. With picturesque backdrops everywhere you look, it’s no wonder that this valley is a prime holiday destination.

Where should you visit in the Barossa Valley?

Enjoy the outdoors in true Aussie style with a laid-back bbq
Indulge in pure luxury at one of the many multi award-winning wineries

Welcome to the Barossa Valley wine region

Approximately 65 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, you will reach the stunning wine region of Barossa Valley. This world-renowned gourmet destination was originally founded by German immigrants in 1842. Therefore, the German influence is evident throughout the wines found here. With over 150 wineries, this part of Australia is bursting with gastronomic delights.

Taste the local speciality

Sampling Shiraz, the local speciality of the Barossa is a must-do during your visit. Dine in one of the award-winning restaurants, go winery hopping and learn about the process of winemaking. Cycle around the fruitful vines or pop by the local farmer's market for some fresh locally grown produce.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit this stunning part of South Australia is during Autumn. This is between March and May and is also during harvest. The colours during this time are spectacular and well worth the visit. Temperatures during this period are generally mild and sunny with cool nights. Ideal for enjoying everything on offer in the beautiful Barossa.

Enjoy a picnic with just the two of you and perhaps a kangaroo or two
Kangaroo Barossa Valley | Australia holiday
Don't be surprised to spot a kangaroo hopping between the vineyards
© TravelEssence

The best wineries and cellar doors

Home to some of the most successful wine brands in Australia, the Barossa has over 150 vineyards and 80 cellar doors to discover. Here, you will find top-class names such as Jacob’s Creek, Wolf Blass, Henschke, Yalumba and Penfold.

Treat your senses to a winery tour

Château Tanunda is an internationally acclaimed winery and one of the most recognisable buildings in Australia. After construction in 1890, it was the biggest building in South Australia and the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Know as the icon of the Barossa, the winery and vineyards are a reminder of the colourful history and spirit of Australia’s most famous wine region.

Enjoy wine on the lawn at Jacobs Creek Winery
© Tourism Australia
Wander through massive barrels at Château Tanunda

Discover a historic winery estate

Take a drive along the palm-lines street of Seppeltsfield Road and you will find the bluestone winery of Seppeltsfield. Fino, the onsite restaurant offers progressive regional dining in South Australia and is sure to be an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy the outdoors and savour local ingredients paired with a glass of locally-produced wine on the European-inspired garden terrace.

Go winery hopping in the Barossa
Visit the Louise for a culinary experience
A beautiful green and manicured garden at a winery in the Barossa Valley

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Shiraz

The Barossa Valley is recognised worldwide for being one of the best regions for Shiraz than anywhere else. However, this beautiful region is also known for producing quality Cabernet and Grenache.

Variations vary but the Barossa Shiraz is usually recognised as being a full-bodied wine with beautifully ripe and dark fruit flavours. Finished off with wonderfully balanced acidity, it is truly the star of the Barossa. It is among the world’s most recognisable and celebrated Shiraz with richly textured and savoury notes of spice.

The world’s best Shiraz

Torbreck is one of Barossa's most celebrated wineries, which celebrates the Woodcutter's Shiraz. Filled with fresh and bright fruits, it brings opulence and class to the wine. At the London Wine Competition in 2019, the Wild Witch Shiraz from Kellermeister Wines’ 2015 vintage was awarded the World’s Best Shiraz.

Learn all about the famous Barossa wines from the friendly locals
Visit the Cheese Company for some great accompaniments to the local wines
© Barossa Cheese

Things to see and do

Undoubtedly, there is much more to the Barossa Valley than wine. Stop by the Barossa Reservoir Park and admire a man-made wonder, the Whispering Wall. If you try and whisper, see if it can be heard on the other side. If you're lucky, you may also encounter unique Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas and an assortment of birds.

Get a birds-eye view over the fruitful vines in a hot-air balloon. An experience of a lifetime as you watch the sunrise over the vast meadows and rolling hills. Enjoy the views from Mengler Hill Lookout and take a look around Barossa Sculpture Park. Uncover the history of the Herbig Family Tree, a large, hollow red gum tree.

A region full of Australian gastronomic delights

A visit to The Barossa Valley Chocolate Company is a must-do for all chocoholics. The famous Australian chef and icon, Maggie Beer also has a farm shop in the Barossa. Here, you can find a wide range of delicious products. Every Saturday morning, you can pop by the Barossa Farmers market. Based in the historic Yalumba Vintners shed, the market is oozing with a distinctly German vibe. Enjoy artisan bread, German deli-style meats, food and coffee and meet the producers behind the food.

Cycle through the vineyards of the Barossa Valley
© Tourism Australia
Fly over the vineyards and watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon
© TravelEssence

Towns of the Barossa

Lyndoch

Lyndoch is a town at the southern end of the Barossa Valley which exists primarily as an access point to the many surrounding vineyards. It is also part of Adelaide's increasing commuter belt. Lyndoch's main street is typical of a vineyard tourist destination with unusual shops, a traditional German bakery and cafes serving good coffee and local produce. The district is known as ‘The cool end of the Barossa’.

Tanunda

Tanunda lies at the heart of the Barossa Valley. It is a large, attractive and historic rural settlement with leafy streets, cafes, and restaurants. No matter which way you look there is a vineyard at the end of the street. There are plenty of fun activities for the family to do, including bowling and mini golf at Barossa Bowland, or a visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company.

Nuriootpa

The historic town of Nuriootpa is recognised as the business and commercial heart of the Barossa Valley. It is the tourist and service centre of the Barossa and home to the world-famous Wolf Blass and Penfold’s wineries.

Feel like a king in the grounds of the Barossa estates
Visit beautiful old buildings at the wineries

Angaston

Angaston is the perfect place to get a real taste of the Barossa. Brimming with vibrant markets, cafes and restaurants and bordered by some of the region’s best wineries, including Yalumba. Head to The Barossa Valley Cheese Company, the perfect accompaniment to wine. On Saturdays, this is where the popular Barossa Farmers Market takes place.

Marananga

As you approach the town, the sign ‘Marananga – Slow Down’ offers both an instruction and an invitation. Surrender to a slower pace, embrace the luxury of time and space and re-connect with each other over the simple pleasures of amazing wine and food.

The Louise

For an extraordinary regional dining experience, head to the Appellation at The Louise, recognised as world-class dining in South Australia. 85% of the menu comes from within the Barossa Valley, so it is all about fresh ingredients. Devour thoughtfully curated dishes paired with boutique local wines while you watch the sunset over the surrounding vineyard. To top it all off, stay overnight in the luxury lodge which has all the ingredients to leave you rejuvenated.

Tantalise your taste buds with fine dining at The Louise
© Tourism Australia
Barossa Valley luxury accommodation for friends
Experience the Barossa in pure luxury at The Louise

Where to stay?

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in the Barossa Valley and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

Australia holiday: The Barossa Valley
Enjoy an unforgettable exclusive stay at the famous Louise
Be the judge of some of the world's best wines
© Chelsea Pridham- Unsplash

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