The Barossa

Less than an hours drive from Adelaide, the beautiful Barossa Valley is Australia's premier and most famous wine producing region. In 1838, the areas potential was first envisaged by a group of German Lutheran families, who had recently immigrated to escape the religious persecution of their homeland. Several years of glowing reports and promising crops encouraged waves of other Germans (as well as some middle class English folk) to settle in the valley, and the rest is history. Today the Barossa boasts over 50 world-class wineries, most of which are open daily for tastings, tours, and cellar door sales. Some even tempt the public into extended visits with their grassy picnic grounds and classy restaurants. (For more information see Wineries under Things To Do)

Although the vineyards are the Barossa's primary and most promoted drawcard, first-time visitors are often surprised when they discover that merlot, shiraz, and chardonnay is only part of the overall attraction. The districts distinct German heritage is just as prevalent today as it was 160 years ago, and the valley's picturesque villages have an charm and historical flavour as well-defined as the wine. The communities rarely let a month go by without hosting a least one colourful festival or special event celebrating their heritage, and each town is brimming with lovely old buildings, quaint galleries, interesting museums, quality restaurants, al fresco cafes, and many gorgeous places to stay.

Keeping in mind that the Barossa Valley Police are very serious when it comes to drink driving, one of the best ways to experience the vineyards is via a winery tour. There's a good variety of locally run tours available which usually include lunch, and a visit to between four and six different wineries. Alternatively, the many day tour companies operating out of Adelaide are just as popular, and are perfect for travellers with limited time and transport. (See Tours & Trips under Things To Do for a listing)

On the Barrier Highway (Main North Road) 44 kilometres north-east of Adelaide City, the historic township of Gawler is South Australia's second oldest rural settlement, though it's better known on the tourist trail as the gateway to the Barossa Valley. From here, the Barossa Valley Way begins it's looping journey through the heart of the vineyards, and the town's range of accommodation can make the perfect alternative amid busier periods. While in town, the several heritage sites worth a look can be found via the Gawler Walking Tours leaflet, available from the visitors centre on Lyndock Street.

Following the Barossa Valley Way 14 kilometres east of Gawler, Lyndoch is the first of the southern Barossa towns, scenically set on the foothills of the Barossa Range. The township offers a good range of friendly places to stay and the bakery's German pastries are sheer heaven. Another 13 kilometres up the road, the central Barossa town of Tanunda was the focal point of early German settlement, and today it still can claim the richest Germanic character of all the Barossa townships. The town maintains this authentic atmosphere not only through it's handsome old buildings and fine 19th century Lutheran Churches which grace the streets, but by hosting annual celebrations like the Essenfest and Oompah Festival. Most of the buildings can be found along Tanunda's fabulous main street (Murray Street), scattered in between a popular dining precinct, several art and craft galleries, an interesting museum, and a number of antique stores. Also on Murray Street is the excellent Barossa Wine and Visitors Centre, which is the perfect introduction for laypeople about to embark on wine tours and tastings.

Travelling beyond Tanunda on the Barossa Valley Way, it's less than ten kilometres to the Barossa's commercial centre of Nuriootpa. Besides the numerous wineries along the way, an interesting detour is the award-winning Kev Rohrlack Technology and Heritage Centre, which showcases an incredible collection of memorabilia from pioneering relics to aerospace rockets. Nuriootpa itself boasts the valley's greatest array of accommodation, and it's setting on banks of scenic Para River only adds to it's deep rural appeal.

Hidden away in the trees and hills seven kilometres east of Nuriootpa, Angaston is without a doubt one of the most enchanting Barossa villages. It's setting is nothing short of delightful, and the historic pubs, stone buildings, and original residences seem to blend perfectly with the undulating landscape. Bethany Arts and Crafts, Angas Park Fruit Company, the Alphorn Swiss Restaurant, and the interesting A & H Doddridge Blacksmith Shop name just a few of the establishments worth a visit along Angaston's main street. On the outskirts of town, the major attraction (apart from the various vineyards) is the striking Collingrove Homestead which was once the dwelling of the area's first settlers son. Now owned by the National Trust, the homestead's gardens and unique collection of original antiques are open to the public daily. Also on the outskirts of Angaston, the must see Mengler Hill Scenic Drive takes in the most extensive views over the Barossa Valley without hiring a hot-air balloon.

Just outside the fringes of the northern most wineries, the historic town of Kapunda makes a great detour on any excursion to the Barossa. Less than 25 kilometres from Nuriootpa, Kapunda's peaceful atmosphere is a glaring contrast compared to its bustling early years. The town became Australia's first mining settlement when a large copper deposit was discovered nearby in 1842. By 1861, the tiny settlement has grown into the state's largest centre outside Adelaide, and before the inevitable slump boasted 16 hotels and a population of over 5000! Today, Kapunda's main attraction is that it's pretty much the same as it was more than a century ago. The only noticeable difference is that the town's multitude of magnificent old buildings now house a colourful array of museums, galleries, eateries, and cosy accommodation.