Barossa Valley

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Stunning aerial view capturing expansive farmland with lush greenery and distant hills.
Kindel Media, Pexels

Barossa Valley, a globally recognized wine region in South Australia, offers visitors a journey through its renowned vineyards, exceptional cellar doors, and a thriving gourmet food scene. Beyond wine, one can explore picturesque landscapes and engage in a variety of cultural and leisurely pursuits.

While not a traditional hub for large-scale backpacker socialising, Barossa Valley provides ample opportunities for visitors to connect through shared experiences at its numerous cellar doors, acclaimed restaurants, and vibrant local markets. Towns such as Tanunda and Nuriootpa serve as inviting centres for experiencing the region's culinary and wine offerings.

Top 6 Things to do in Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley offers a range of experiences, predominantly centered around its world-class wineries and gourmet food scene, complemented by scenic landscapes and cultural stops.

1. Wine Tasting at Cellar Doors

Engaging in wine tastings at various cellar doors is a cornerstone of the Barossa Valley experience. Visitors can explore a wide range of grape varietals, from the renowned Shiraz to Riesling and Chardonnay. Many wineries offer structured tasting flights, providing insight into the region's winemaking heritage and unique styles. It is recommended to choose a few wineries that align with personal preferences, such as historic estates or smaller, artisanal producers, to fully appreciate the diversity.

Cost: Tasting fees typically range from $10 to $25 per person, often redeemable against a wine purchase. Some premium experiences or masterclasses may cost more, from $50 to $100+. Self-guided visits allow for selection of preferred wineries, while tours often include multiple tastings in their package costs, usually starting from $119 per person for a full-day tour including tastings and sometimes lunch.

Transport: While public transport to the Barossa Valley from Adelaide is possible (train to Gawler, then bus to Tanunda, approximately $12.90 one way and 1 hour 45 minutes ), exploring the wineries within the valley is best done by car, as most visitors utilize self-drive vehicles. Alternatively, various tour operators offer shared or private tours with pick-up from Adelaide or within the Barossa, with prices starting from $119-$179 per person for a full-day tour. Hop-on hop-off bus services are also available from $89.95-$125 per person, allowing flexibility to visit multiple cellar doors.

2. Visit Maggie Beer's Farm Shop

Maggie Beer's Farm Shop, located near Nuriootpa, offers a delightful culinary stop. Visitors can sample a wide array of gourmet products, including pâtés, spreads, and vino cotto. The shop provides a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a coffee overlooking the dam, where turtles are often spotted. For those interested in a more extensive meal, the Eatery offers a dining experience, though booking in advance is often necessary due to its popularity.

Cost: Entry and product sampling are generally free. Food and drinks at the cafe or Eatery will vary based on order. Products for purchase also vary in price.

Transport: The Farm Shop is located in Nuriootpa. As with most Barossa attractions, self-driving is the most convenient method. Many organized tours to the Barossa Valley also include a stop at Maggie Beer's Farm Shop.

3. Explore the Barossa Farmers Market

The Barossa Farmers Market is a vibrant hub showcasing the region's freshest produce and artisan-made food. Open every Saturday morning, it provides an opportunity to engage with local farmers and food producers directly. Visitors can find an extensive range of seasonal vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, breads, oils, and preserves. It is also a popular spot for breakfast or coffee, offering a genuine taste of the Barossa's culinary bounty and a chance to experience the local community atmosphere.

Cost: Entry to the market is free. Costs will vary depending on purchases of produce, food, and drinks. Breakfast items are available for purchase from stallholders.

Transport: The Barossa Farmers Market is located in Angaston, behind Vintners Restaurant, on the corner of Stockwell and Angaston Roads. Self-driving is the easiest way to reach the market. It is often included as a stop on guided food and wine tours.

4. Drive Seppeltsfield Road and Visit Seppeltsfield Winery

Cruising down Seppeltsfield Road, famously known as the Avenue of Palms, offers a picturesque drive through a meandering road lined with date palms planted in the 1930s. This leads to Seppeltsfield Winery, a significant historical wine village established in 1851. The winery offers various experiences, including tastings of their award-winning wines, notably their 100-year-old Para Vintage Tawny. Exploring the historic bluestone cellars provides a deeper understanding of the region's winemaking past.

Cost: Winery tour and tasting costs vary; a basic tasting might be included in a tour package or cost from $10-$25 individually. Unique experiences, like tasting the 100-year-old Para Vintage Tawny, would be a premium offering with a higher cost.

Transport: Seppeltsfield Road is easily accessible by car from towns like Tanunda or Nuriootpa. Many Barossa tours include Seppeltsfield as a key stop.

5. Visit Mengler Hill Lookout and Sculpture Park

Mengler Hill Lookout offers panoramic views of the Barossa Valley's lush rolling vineyards, charming stone churches, and picturesque landscapes. It is an ideal spot to capture the region's natural beauty. Adjacent to the lookout is a Sculpture Park, featuring a collection of unique works by local and international artists, providing an interesting cultural dimension to the scenic stop. It is a perfect location for a sunset picnic.

Cost: Access to the lookout and sculpture park is free.

Transport: Mengler Hill Lookout is best reached by car. It is a common stop on scenic drives and some tours in the Barossa Valley.

6. Experience Barossa Valley Chocolate Company

The Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, located in Tanunda, offers a delightful experience for those with a sweet tooth. Visitors can observe chocolatiers at work through viewing windows or participate in a chocolate-making class. The venue also features a cellar door where one can enjoy a curated wine and chocolate flight, combining two of the region's specialties. It provides a unique and enjoyable stop between winery visits.

Cost: Entry is free. Costs apply for purchasing chocolates, participating in chocolate-making classes (prices vary, often require booking), or enjoying a wine and chocolate flight.

Transport: Located in Tanunda, the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company is easily accessible by car. It is often included in guided tours of the region.

Check out our other pages on Barossa Valley

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