Your Ultimate Guide to the Barossa Valley 

The Barossa Valley in a nutshell

Drive one hour north of Adelaide and you will find yourself in the Barossa Valley; a world renowned wine-making region bursting with food, drink and countless hidden gems. Only 70 kilometres from the city, the patchwork of little European villages, endless wineries and panoramic green landscapes that make up the Barossa Valley will have you busy for days.

German and English influences are laced throughout the towns of the 25km long Barossa Valley, and old colonial buildings add a wonderfully rich character to the region. A sense of community is also very apparent in the Barossa Valley, and farmers markets, shops selling local produce, bakeries, restaurants and intimate family wineries take you back to simpler times.

Of course the star of the show in the Barossa Valley is the wine. Producing over 20% of the country’s wine, there’s no wonder visitors can’t get enough of the gorgeous green valley. Endless wineries, big, small, modern and classic are littered across the region. You could spend two weeks here and still visit all of the wineries on offer.

Visiting some cellar doors and sipping on some crisp whites and warm reds, is an absolute must-do in the Barossa Valley, with many wineries offering $5-10 tastings and a great deal providing totally free tasing ones.

Yet whilst a trip to the wine region caters for all, there are a lot of options when it comes to things to do in the Barossa Valley. This Ultimate Guide to the Barossa Valley will help you with just these questions. Get planning your perfect weekend escape, tailored to your own requirements (and tastebuds).yo

At the end of this guide, you’ll find the best accommodations in the Barossa Valley to ensure your stay is as relaxing and memorable as the region itself. From luxury vineyard retreats with sweeping views to charming stone cottages and elegant heritage lodges, there’s a perfect spot for every traveler. Plus, don’t miss the great-value offers waiting for you at the bottom of the page, designed to make your Barossa Valley escape even more unforgettable!

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Things to do in the Barossa Valley

Here’s your shortcut to the Barossa’s good stuff, from iconic sips to unexpected little gems.

Visit some Barossa Valley wineries

The Barossa Valley truly is one of the best place in Australia – and even the world – to plan a wine tasting day. Roaming around and indulging in the extensive selection of outstanding wines is a must.

With more than 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries, it’s difficult to know where to start. From boutiques to bestsellers, each winery deserves a visit and offers its own unique experience.

Big names

If you’re into wines, it likely you’ve heard of Penfolds. Built in 1911, the Penfolds Barossa Valley Cellar Door sits in the heart of the wine region and shows off the true philosophy and spirit behind some of Australia’s finest wines.

Similarly, a visit to Jacob’s Creek offers a first-rate cellar door experience, as well as stunning views of sweeping countryside hills, coated with bright green vines. Opt for a trip to Wolf Blass and soak up a unique tasting experience in an ultra-modern, state of the art facility.

Drop by the iconic Yalumba, built in 1849, to wander around the charming historic, landscaped grounds and witness their wide range of wines, or choose Seppeltsfield to immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most historic wineries, comprised of multiple heritage buildings.

Henschke Cellar Door is said to be one of the most interesting and captivating experiences in the Barossa. Charming and intimate, the winery provides guests with a real sense of the Henschke family’s fantastic skill in creating internationally known wines.

Intimate, boutique wineries

Whilst not the smallest wine producer by any means, Peter Lehmann cellar door – in the heart of Barossa Valley – sits in a stunning garden setting, with sweeping lawns and cosy, homely vibes. Set in a historic, stone building, the winery offers a range of different tasting experiences.

Also on the smaller, more intimate side, Charles Melton wines provides guests with a truly unique cellar door experience as well as some internationally recognised premium red table wines.

If you have time to experience something a little different, pay a visit to Rockford. The winery – committed to keeping the best of traditional Australian wine trade alive – is bound to teach you a little about wine making, and the very rustic little tasting room is a sight to see in itself.

Beer, cider and spirits

For those whose order isn’t wine, you’re also catered for in the Barossa Valley. Craft brewery fans will enjoy a trip to Rehn Beer in Tanunda, to taste one of their impressive range of international style beers.

Serious beer fans and those partial to a German beer will love Greenock Brewery, where you can find traditionally fermented beers, made using the German Beer Purity Law of 1516.

Finally, if you prefer a classy cocktail or a refreshing gin and tonic, The Distillery won’t disappoint. Inside the tasting room get involved in a guided tasting and sip on craft spirits. Alternatively, head to the bar for a contemporary cocktail or pick out your favourite spirit from the well-stocked bar. Tasty bar bites and ember wood-fired oven pizzas, also on offer, will be much needed after a couple of rounds.

Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop

An iconic South Australian experience, and so much more than a shop, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is a place you can spend more than an hour.

The farm shop lets you taste your way through Maggie’s range of sauces, chutneys, jams, oils, biscuits and more. Then, the lakeside setting with outdoor seating is ideal for a slow afternoon sampling local favourites and ordering a coffee and tasty cake.

Barossa Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning, the Barossa Farmers Market fills a heritage shed in Angaston with the region’s best growers, bakers and small producers. The stalls change seasonally, but you’ll usually find just-picked fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, small-batch dairy, fresh breads, handmade pastries, cured meats, honey, chutneys, sweets and local drinks you won’t see in supermarkets.

The atmosphere is relaxed and chatty, with stallholders happy to talk about what’s in season or how something’s made. Most people wander in with a coffee, taste their way around the tables and finish at the breakfast bar for something warm before heading out for a day of winery visits.

Drop into an art gallery

The Barossa, comprised of romantic green valleys and undulating hills has naturally been the muse for a number of artists. Sculptors, photographers and painters showcase their work in the Barossa in a handful of galleries. Visit Corroboree Dream Art in Tanunda to catch a glimpse of indigenous and contemporary art, or drop by JamFactory at Seppeltsfield to take a look at some contemporary works in wood, metal and glass.

The Barossa Regional Gallery in Tanunda is also a great place to go if you enjoy all things creative. The gallery has regularly changing exhibitions and displays work from local artists, whilst it occasionally hosts travelling exhibitions from other states.

Barossa Valley Cheese Co.

Barossa Heritage Trail

Drive the Barossa Heritage Trail and explore the scenic wine-region by car along a 38 kilometre trail. The tour is self-guided and takes you through all the main Barossa Valley towns. You can stop off and explore in more depth at any point.

Visit Tanunda and discover the local, underlying German heritage or learn about Kapunda’s copper mining history. In Lyndoch, visit a lavender farm and taste lavender infused gourmet treats.

Afterwards, stroll around the gorgeous gardens bursting with birds and butterflies. An elegant French chateau close by offers high-tea and 22 hectares of rose gardens to walk amongst.

Explore a conservation park

Beautiful bushland and local wildlife surround the Barossa Valley’s vine-covered hills and so a beautiful hike is only a short drive away. Three national parks surround the valley.

Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park, closest to Tanunda, has a short 2 kilometre track that weaves its way around a thick forest. A longer 9-kilometre hike takes you past unique rock formations and to scenic lookouts.

At Sandy Creek Conservation Park, take your pick from a number of trails and stroll amongst native pines and pink gums. In spring, visit the park to see copious amounts of wildflowers.

Finally, Hale Conservation Park, close to Williamstown, offers a few challenging trails including river crossings and trails through steep rocky ridges.

Take a bike trip in the Barossa

Immerse yourself in the stunning Barossa countryside and choose to travel by bike. A couple of places, including the Barossa Weintal Hotel, offer bike hire. The Barossa Trail – a super bike-friendly trail – takes cyclists on long journey, meandering around the region and linking the main towns and tourists sites.

Zip down countryside paths and roll past vineyards at your own pace, stopping at cellar doors, shops, cafes and restaurants on the way. You’ll never be far from the next town or winery. Trails stretch for 40 kilometres, but you don’t need to be an athlete. Feel free to take your pick from a number of shorter trails comprising only a part of the total route.

Follow the Angaston Heritage Walk

The settlement most English in heritage, is Angaston. Explore the history of the village by walking the self-guided heritage walk. You’ll find charming, quaint architecture and plenty of rich history.

Take the kids bowling

Located in Tanunda, Barossa Bowland is a wonderful family owned business offering the biggest and best Dinosaur themed Mini Golf in Australia.

Wind your way around beautiful gardens and find dinosaurs around every corner. Inside, there’s a 12-lane ten-pin bowling centre, ideal for days when the weather doesn’t lend itself to outdoor activities.

Take ahold hotel air balloon flight

A hot air balloon flight over the Barossa is one of the region’s most iconic experiences. The ride usually begins at dawn, when the valley is still quiet and wrapped in soft light.

As the balloon rises, the view expands into a patchwork of vineyards, farmland, winding roads and distant hills. It’s a peaceful, slow-moving way to take in the scope of the region, and it has that rare “bucket list” feeling without any rush or noise.

Visit Casa Carboni Cooking School

Casa Carboni in Angaston is a welcoming Italian cooking school that blends Barossa produce with northern Italian techniques. And with the Barossa’s incredible produce and care for great food and wine, there’s no better place to learn to cook a new dish.

Classes are intimate, hands-on and approachable, with guests guided through fresh pasta, handmade sauces and seasonal dishes. You cook alongside a chef, taste as you go and finish with a shared meal that feels relaxed rather than formal.

It’s a great choice if you want a food experience that teaches real skills you’ll actually use again at home.

Barossa Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours offer a faster, more exhilarating alternative to the balloon. Flights sweep over vineyards, cellar doors and the open countryside, giving you a sharp, aerial view of how huge the valley actually is. Yes, it’s a more luxury option, but it’s absolutely worth it if you’re celebrating something special.

The pilots tailor commentary to your interests; wine, history, geography or simply the scenery.  an easy add-on if you want a quick, memorable experience that still captures the scale and beauty of the region.

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Cafes in the Barossa Valley

Fleur Social

Located in Nuriootpa, Fleur Social combines great coffee with a welcoming atmosphere and floral arrangements, making it a cafe and flower shop in one. Their specialty coffee is sourced with care, and the café is known for fresh, seasonal produce.

It’s a charming spot to grab a bouquet while enjoying locally roasted coffee or freshly pressed juices.

Tanunda Bakery & Cafe

Tanunda Bakery & Cafe is a beloved spot in the Barossa Valley, offering an authentic taste of the region’s German heritage. Famous for its handcrafted pastries, fresh bread, and traditional treats like pretzels and bee-sting cakes, this café blends old-world charm with modern café culture.

Visitors can enjoy hearty pies, freshly made sandwiches, or a sweet pastry paired with a well-brewed coffee. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a great place to take a break and experience the rich flavors of the Barossa, right in the heart of Tanunda.

Black Bird Coffee House

Black Bird Coffee House is a cozy and rustic café tucked away in Tanunda. Known for its specialty coffee, the café uses beans roasted locally to create a range of delicious brews.

The simple yet welcoming décor makes it an excellent place for locals and tourists to relax with a cup of coffee or a freshly made pastry.

Darling’s Food with Passion Café

Located in Angaston, this café is a celebration of wholesome, hearty meals and quality coffee. Darling’s Food with Passion Café prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients in its menu, which includes all-day breakfast, delicious lunches, and house-made cakes.

The relaxed vibe is perfect for a leisurely meal or a quick coffee break.

Hive Barossa

Hive Barossa in Tanunda offers a farm-to-table experience with fresh, seasonal produce showcased in their delicious meals. Known for their commitment to sustainability, the café serves organic coffee and a variety of teas.

Their menu features health-conscious options, including gluten-free and vegan dishes, and the café’s creative design draws inspiration from the surrounding vineyards.

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Restaurants in the Barossa Valley

The Barossa is loaded with places to eat well, from relaxed daytime stops to standout dining rooms. Work your way through cellar-door cheeseboards during wine tastings, then head to one of these trusted favourites when you want something more substantial.

Salter’s Kitchen at Saltram Wines

Set inside the bluestone walls of Saltram Wines, Salter’s Kitchen focuses on hearty regional dishes made from seasonal Barossa produce. The dining room looks out over a rose garden, giving it a classic, warm Barossa feel. A strong option for a long lunch after a day of tastings.

El Estanco

This small, friendly venue brings a South American influence to local Barossa ingredients. Breakfasts are generous, lunches rotate often and everything arrives with a relaxed, community-driven charm. Perfect when you want something a little different from the typical winery restaurant.

FermentAsian (Tanunda)

A Barossa favourite rooted in Vietnamese heritage, offering fragrant Southeast Asian dishes built on Australian produce. The menu is full of thoughtful, aromatic plates that feel vibrant and deeply personal to the region.

Fino at Seppeltsfield

Set inside a former barrel and production space at Seppeltsfield Winery, Fino offers modern regional food in a space full of character. Rustic-chic design, local produce and views across the Seppeltsfield fountain make it an ideal spot for a long, considered lunch.

Hentley Farm Restaurant

Hentley is known for its creative, produce-driven menu shaped by the estate’s own microclimate and surrounding native plants. Guests are served a surprise multi-course experience, paired with exceptional local wines. Head here for inventive and generous food, and one of the Barossa’s most memorable dining experiences.

Angus and Co.

Finally, for a modern restaurant with steakhouse vibes, try Angus and Co. On the menu you’ll find seafood and burgers, and of course plenty of succulent steaks. It’s the ideal location for an indulgent treat and perfect for casual lunches as well as family meals.

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AUS Weekend Escape’s Top Hotel Pick

Mercure Barossa Valley

Tranquil landscapes, warm hospitality and an unbeatable Tanunda location make the Mercure Barossa Valley the ultimate Barossa Valley accommodation. Stroll out of your room into the town in search of a great coffee spot in the morning. Walk in the opposite direction to find yourself amongst the countryside and Barossa Valley vines.

The Mercure Barossa Valley is home to a modern steak restaurant, has an outdoor swimming pool and a good variety of rooms to choose from. Push the boat out and choose the Superior Spa Suite, which comes with a spa bath and terrace views over the gum trees and stunning gardens.

Click here to book a room at the Barossa Weintal.

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