The beautiful Barossa Valley, about 60 km northeast of Adelaide, is one of Australia’s oldest and best-known wine-growing regions. Carved by the North Para River, this fertile valley was settled by German and British immigrants in the 1840s, and the villages are steeped in European charm. Heritage boulevards, antique shops, stone cottages, cafes and artisan shops line the leafy streets, and award-winning restaurants showcase the region’s many gastronomic delights. Fertile soils and a mild climate with hot summers and wet winters provide a wealth of fresh, high-quality products. Food lovers can find their way around the valley and enjoy delicious fruit, handmade cheeses, smoked meats and traditional German breads and pastries.
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Art lovers will also find some treasures. The hills and valleys of Barossa have long been the muse for many painters, sculptors and photographers who display their work in local galleries. Sightseers can also take the region’s many scenic drives, or hop aboard a hot air balloon or helicopter for breathtaking views of the verdant landscapes. Accommodation is plentiful. Guests will find a range of luxury retreats – from cozy bed and breakfasts, historic cottages, and historic farmhouses to elegant French chateaus.
Historic Angaston
Angaston is the highest settlement in the Barossa Valley and the most English in taste. Occupied mainly by British immigrants and Cornish miners, the quaint tourist town takes its name from George Fife Angas, one of South Australia’s founding fathers, who paid free settlers’ rates and provided them with land. Angaston retains a remarkable number of historic buildings, including old stone churches, a grand Town Hall and the 1850 Collingrove Homestead, which is also a romantic weekend retreat. History buffs can visit some of the city’s architectural gems at the Heritage Walk of Angastonand stop at the cafes and antique shops in the town’s pretty shopping district.
Official Site: https://angaston.org.au/
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Tanunda
In the heart of the Barossa Valley, Tanunda grew out of a German village called Langmeil and still retains its delicious German traditions and cuisine. A few of the village’s original iron cottages and barns still remain. Along with Angaston, this is one of the most tourist-oriented towns in the valley, with many accommodations, restaurants and shops. Founded by deeply religious immigrants, this small town is home to four Lutheran churches, including the village church of Langmeil at the end of a long avenue of cypress trees.
For an overview of the city’s history, stop by the Barossa Valley Historical Museum or follow the 2.5 km Tanunda Heritage Trail. At the Old Mill Gallery, visitors can admire paintings and drawings by local artists, while the Barossa Regional Gallery hosts evolving local and touring exhibitions. For beautiful view of the sights from the surrounding countryside, stop at the Mengler Hill lookout on the road to Angaston.
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Farmers markets
The Barossa Valley is famous for its artisan food and the local farmers markets are the best place to sample the produce and buy directly from the food producers. At the Barossa Farmers Markets, dozens of exhibitors sell everything from organic fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread and free-range eggs to ethically sourced meat. Sleepy heads can refuel with coffee and goodies at the breakfast bar. For more information on area attractions, stop by the information desk.
Of Mount Pleasant Farmers Market is another popular Saturday morning stop with farm fresh produce, flowers, honey, pastries and fresh seafood. Both markets are the perfect place to consume everything from edible souvenirs from olive oil, sauces and spices to nuts and handmade chocolates.
Opening hours:
- Barossa Farmers Market: Sat 7:30am – 11:30am
- Mount Pleasant Farmers Market: Sat 8pm
Place:
- Barossa Farmers Market: Vintners Sheds, corner of Nuriootpa and Light Pass Roads, Angaston
- Mount Pleasant Farmers Market: Mount Pleasant Showground
- https://www.barossafarmersmarket.com/
- https://www.mpfm.org.au/
Lyndoch and Barossa Castle
Lyndoch was once a wheat field and is one of the oldest settlements in South Australia. A highlight here is the elegant French style Barossa Château where visitors can book high tea, explore the art and antiques gallery, and stroll in the 22-acre rose garden. Art lovers also enjoy the Peter Franz Fine Art Gallery in Lyndoch with paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles and jewellery.
Donkey
Settled by Cornish copper miners, Kapunda is now the center of an agricultural area in the Barossa Valley. In 1842, when rich copper deposits were found, Kapunda became the first major mining town in Australia. But in 1888 the mines were abandoned due to flooding. Many buildings from those early days are now protected as national monuments, including the school, courthouse, and several miners’ cottages. The informative Kapunda Mine Trail takes visitors on a journey through the region’s mining past.
To learn about the history of this Celtic city, visitors should stop by the folk museum in the former Baptist church or visit the Taste of the Region Interpretive Centre in the basement of the Kapunda Visitor Information Centre. Art lovers will also find plenty of distractions. Kapunda’s Community Gallery showcases the work of national, regional, and local artists and hosts several exhibitions each year, and visitors can see local artists at work in their studios on the Kapunda Arts Trail.
Herbig Family Tree
In the small town of Springton, the old Herbig Tree is a huge hollow red gum and is said to be the former home of pioneering German settler Friedrich Herbig and his family. The 300-500 year old tree stands by a small stream and measures 7 m in diameter and 24 m in height. The first two Herbig children were born in the tree before he built a pine hut and a stone cottage nearby. Herbig family gatherings are still held here every 5 years.
Locatie: Main Rd, Springton
Nuriootpa
Believed to be from the original word for meeting place, Nuriootpa is the largest settlement in the Barossa Valley and its commercial hub. The first stop is a visit to 1855 Coulthard House. Once the home of the town’s founder, William Coulthard, this handsome two-story bluestone building is now a museum. Garden enthusiasts will love the Barossa Bushgarden with native plantings from the region, and Nuriootpa Linear Park by the North Para River is an excellent picnic area and a lovely place for a stroll along the scenic hiking trails.
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