Barossa Destination Guide
Barossa Holidays »
The Barossa Valley has a lot more to offer than some of the oldest and best shiraz vines on the planet. Yes, the wineries are the backbone of the local economy, but this region is also a haven for lovers of the freshest and best local produce and the two combined provide South Australia with a key destination for visitors.
Stay in a choice of beautiful country accommodation, including some superb winery resorts, visit historic towns and villages and their pubs, bakeries and restaurants, and sample some really fine beverages. Great reds are only part of the story.
Top Attractions »
Self-drive is the perfect way to take in the best the Barossa has to offer. The region is relatively compact with the wineries, towns, villages and heritage sites all within striking distance of one another. Unique tours have been tailored to suit.
For a food and wine experience, the Barossa Butcher, Baker, Winemaker trail is hard to beat. Pick up a guide at a visitor information centre. Apart from its gourmet offerings, the Barossa is also one of Australia’s most attractive pioneering regions and its proud German and English heritage is on display along the self-drive Heritage Trail.
Eat and Drink »
A region reliant on its reputation as a food and wine capital is not going to disappoint when it comes to a huge range of places to eat as well as sample some of the finest wines in the world – either as cellar door tastings or with a quiet glass or two at lunch or dinner.
You will find plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs in the traditional towns such as Nuriootpa, Angaston and the former copper mining town of Kapunda. Food specialities include German delicacies such as preserved meats and bakery favourites.
Winery restaurants give you the opportunity to sample their offerings while enjoying a meal. If wine is not your thing, try superb beers from a craft brewery.
Where to Stay »
The Barossa is a popular weekend escape for South Australians. This, combined with its popularity as a destination nationally and a growing awareness of the Barossa overseas, means lots of places to stay – from first-class resorts to country hotels and motels, as well as pubs, guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments to caravan and camp sites.
Winery accommodation ranges from luxury retreats to cottages and allows you to enjoy fine wining and dining on site or to self-cater. You will find multiple places to stay in and around the Barossa’s nine key towns and villages.
Shopping
How could you not take home some of Australia’s finest food and wine? Barossa artisans have an exceptional reputation for quality, and high-profile food producers such as Maggie Beer have elevated the Barossa to the world stage. Cheese, breads, pate, smoked meats, dried fruits, jams and pickles, handmade chocolates – just a sample of a mouth-watering spread backed by winery giants such as Penfolds, Henschke, Seppeltsfield and a host of smaller and boutique vineyards.
For gifts, souvenirs, antiques or more quirky items, you will find plenty of retail outlets in the Barossa towns. Nuriootpa is the Barossa’s commercial heart and, apart from more mainstream stores, has some interesting second-hand shops.
Barossa like a Local
If you can time your visit around one of the Barossa’s key festivals you will get the ultimate focus on the region’s best. The three-day Barossa Gourmet weekend showcases produce through a series of more than 30 food, wine and family entertainment-based events.
The Barossa Vintage Festival is the region’s biggest with around 90 events, but is held only every two years – the next in 2017. For insight into the best of Barossa produce week by week, look out for the Saturday farmers markets in Angaston and Mount Pleasant.
