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If you’re planning a trip to Adelaide or South Australia in general, the Barossa Valley is one location you will not want to exclude from your bucket list.
In this article I will be sharing the 12 top things to do in the Barossa Valley, especially if you are a solo traveller or LOVE adventure.
Check out our comprehensive guide below.
Page Contents:
An Overview of the Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is one of the most important wine-producing regions of South Australia, located 48km northeast of Adelaide in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
The area has an excellent climate with reliable winter rains and dry, sunny summers with summer temperatures reaching highs of 27 degrees.
The area was named in 1837 by its surveyor after a battle fought near Barroso, Spain. However, the spelling shifted after Prussians settled it in 1838, which explains its unique German-style architecture and heritage.
The district is well known for its winding vineyards and wine presses, and the valley is one of the largest contributing and exporting regions of Australia’s wine industry.
The region also farms other luxury crops including honey, olive oil, fruits, and citrus juices that are often available for visitors to taste as they explore this valley’s many unique farms.
The basin’s principal towns are:
- Tanunda
- Williamstown
- Nuriootpa and
- Angaston
Wine tasting tours and cellar visits are popular activities for many who pass through Barossa Valley. Yet, the region is also well regarded for its impressive gastronomic scene and homegrown delicacies.
With over 150 gorgeous wineries, more than 25000 acres of planted vineyards and countless restaurants and farms for you to explore, Barossa Valley is one of the best places in South Australia for those looking to taste the many delicacies of Australia.
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The Top 5 Experiences to Enjoy in the Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is a unique region in Australia with countless if activities for you to enjoy.
To help you plan the perfect trip out, we’ve put together this all-inclusive guide on the best things to do in Barossa Valley.
1) Taste your birth year at one of Australia’s most historic vineyards
This short tasting experience takes place at the celebrated Seppeltsfield Winery and its centennial cellar.
Here you can see rows of wine barrels that have been stored here every year since 1878.
Admire over 140 years of wine while discovering the fascinating history of one of Australia’s oldest estates as your expert guide provides you with a tour of the estate.
Finish your tour by sampling some wine directly from the barrel of your birth year as a wine educator teaches you about the estate’s history and process for that particular year and vintage.
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2) Enjoy a picnic amongst the vines of one of Barossa Valleys most scenic vineyards.
This is an absolute must-experience for wine enthusiasts or nature lovers who enjoy a quiet moment amongst natural surroundings.
This experience occurs at the Jacobs Creek winery, a historic vineyard in the region that settler Williams Jacob founded in 1840. This world-renowned winemaker has some of Australia’s most beautiful countryside views, and beautiful buildings are dotted across the property.
The Jacobs Creek Picnic Experience begins with a complimentary wine tasting before you are given a selection of food sourced from local producers, a bottle of locally made wine, recyclable cutlery and plates, and a picnic blanket to keep.
Sit back and enjoy your meal while you take in the outstanding scenery of the valley hills.
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3) Enjoy an interactive cooking class at the studio of one of Australia’s most famous chefs
The Barossa Valley Cooking Class is an outstanding experience for both home chefs and fans of the famous TV chef Maggie Beer.
Located at the charming Maggie Beer’s Farm shop, your visit will start with a welcome drink of Maggie’s non-alcoholic sparkling wine before continuing along with a guided tour that covers the history of the farm and Maggie Beer.
Enjoy an interactive cooking demonstration and class that use’s fresh produce found exclusively on the farm. After the demonstration, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the food you just prepared.
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4) Savour Barossa Valley’s lesser-known favourite drink, Gin!
While the valley is best known for its world-class wine, the Barossa Gin school is just as well regarded for its delicious spirits.
Enjoy a world-renowned craft gin-making experience where an expert guide will walk you through the process of making a craft gin from scratch.
Learn about the techniques employed to craft gin and get creative with an ample selection of botanicals.
While your gin brews in its “still”, you can sit down to a delicious 3-course meal at the famous Barossa Gin school eatery.
Once the stills have brewed your freshly crafted gin, you can put the finishing touches to your labels and begin the bottling process.
A perfect way to end your trip to Barossa Valley as it will have you heading home with your own personalised bottle of gin as the ideal keepsake.
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5) Take a spectacular hot air balloon tour over the valley
This is one of the best ways to take in the many magnificent views that Barossa Valley has to offer.
Truly once in a lifetime experience, this 1-hour Barossa Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight is an early morning trip that provides you with spectacular 360⁰ views of the gorgeous valley landscape.
You’ll get to enjoy the tranquil beauty of floating across the countryside as the morning sun rises over the winding vineyards.
Take your time spotting the many chateaus and villas scattered across the lush green South Australian landscape, providing the perfect picture-taking opportunity.
Your trip ends with a delicious Barossa breakfast on the terrace of the Penfolds Stonewell vineyards estate.
Reminisce over the flight’s sites as you sip sparkling wine and indulge in the best Barossa farm produce like fresh honey and fruits.
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Top Day Tours and Group Tours Around the Barossa Valley
With so much to see and do in Barossa Valley, it can be challenging to fit it all into one trip.
Luckily the region is well known for its engaging day tours and group trips, which provide you with an authentic taste of this breath-taking valley.
To help you maximise your Barossa Valley experience, we have listed some of the best tours available in the region.
These recommendations provide you with a glimpse of the unforgettable memories you can expect to make while exploring this sun-swept valley region.
1) Barossa Valley Segway Tour
This tour will have you winding your way through the gorgeous and historical Seppeltsfield Estate, whizzing past many iconic 18th century buildings like the main chateau.
Learn about the history of one of Australia’s most famous vineyards from your veteran guide as you take in all the sights and sounds of this breathtakingly beautiful region.
Your tour will take you to an exclusive part of the winery that is closed to the public, providing a rarely seen glimpse into the winemaking process.
Wind through the vineyards endless vine trails and experience a unique perspective of the valley as you pass by bush vines that are nearly 100 years old.
This tour also provides you with fantastic 360-degree views of the Barossa Valley from atop the vineyard hill, where you can spot Kangaroos lazing among the vines.
A segway tour is by far one of the best ways to enjoy the many unique sites and natural landscape of this historic winemaking region.
Duration
- 1 Hour
Includes
- Segway training
- Helmet and safety vest
- Headsets for commentary
NOTE: Please make sure to wear comfortable enclosed shoes
Price
- $69.95 AUD p/p
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2) Barossa Valley Hop-on Hop-off Tour
This tour is perfect for solo travellers hoping to enjoy a leisurely pace while exploring the region’s more than 150 different wineries.
With a pick up from central Adelaide, you can easily use your hop-on hop-off ticket to plot the perfect route through some of Barossa Valleys most prestigious and historic wineries.
Explore the vineyards, admire the 19th-century style architecture of the estate and savour some of Australia’s most premium wine selections.
This tour is ideal for those wanting to take the time to explore and get tips on the region’s most delicious food stops along the way.
Duration
- 8 Hours
Includes
- Pick-up and drop off in Adelaide
- Transportation with a knowledgeable guide
- Hop-on hop-off ticket to any wineries on the route
- Wine tastings at most wineries on the route
NOTE: This tour does not include lunch
Price
- $69.95 AUD p/p
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3) Barossa Valley Wine Tour and Lunch
Starting in Adelaide, this private tour will have you winding through the scenic South Australian countryside and enjoying some of Barossa Valley’s most popular destinations.
Visit Pindarie winery and sample this historic stable’s famous blends with stunning vineyard views, as you savour some morning tea and learn about the area’s history.
After this, the tour will continue to the famous chef Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop where you can enjoy tastings of their entire product range. Here, you can browse her personally selected regional speciality goods and take in the fantastic views.
Your tour will continue to the Lambert Estate at Angaston, where you will enjoy your first structured wine tasting whilst also appreciating some local seasonal produce from a gourmet platter selection.
Settle in on the estate’s terrace and enjoy the gorgeous views as you are served a delicious locally sourced lunch that is sure to impress.
Your tour ends with a trip to the 350-meter high Mengler Hill lookout, which provides you with some of the most spectacular views of the valley.
Your final stop of the day is at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, where you will taste homemade chocolates paired with handcrafted wines, a delicious end to your Barossa wine experience.
I have personally been on this tour and it was fantastic! I highly recommend as it gives you a diverse taste of wine, chocolate, local produce and also the chance to witness stunning vineyard views of the Barossa Valley.
Duration
- 8 Hours
Includes
- Morning pick-up and evening set down at selected Adelaide CBD hotels
- Live commentary by local driver/guide
- Transport in luxury, air-conditioned coach
- Morning tea and wine tastings at the multi-tourism award-winning Pindarie Cellar Door
- Enjoy home-made chocolates paired with wine at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company
- Visit to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop
- Gourmet 2-course lunch and structured wine tasting at Lambert Estate
NOTE: This tour does not include drinks with lunch
Price
- $169 AUD p/p
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4) The Barossa Valley Food Tour
This tour will give you the perfect opportunity to savour locally sourced farm products throughout Barossa Valley.
Following along the River Torrens, this private tour will escort you through the spectacular Torrens Gorge area (Adelaide Hills).
Visit many of the most popular local wineries and sample their delicious wines and food platers and travel past sights like the impressive Kangaroo Creek Dam.
Visit Kersbrook Hill Wines & Cider and sample their remarkable selection with stunning views over the apple orchards.
Visit the Barossa Reservoir, the picturesque Williamstown in Southern Barossa and stop at Kies Family Wines for more wine tastings and a delightful lunch.
The final leg of your tour will end with a trip to the Barossa Chocolate Factory and Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, where you can savour some of their best products.
Duration
- 8 hours
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Guided tour
- Wine tastings at 4-5 cellar doors
- Lunch included at Kies Winery
- Chocolate factory and farm shop visit
NOTE: This tour does not provide water so make sure to bring a water bottle.
Price
- $139 AUD p/p
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5. Hahndorf and Barossa Valley Tour
Explore some of the region’s most unique sites and locations on this full-day tour through the area.
This fantastic day trip will take you out to the village of Hahndorf, an authentic German settlement that is renowned for its stunning 19th century Bavarian-style architecture, sweet shops and charming cafes.
Your tour through Barossa Valley will have you stop at some of the area’s most unique sites, including the famed Kies Winery.
Here you will enjoy a gourmet lunch and wine tasting session while your local guide informs you of Barossa Valleys long and unique history.
This tour will give you the opportunity to explore multiple wineries, the Barossa Chocolate Factory and ends with a short stop at the renowned Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop.
Duration
- 8 hours
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off from Adelaide CBD and Glenelg
- Guided tour
- Lunch
- Wine tastings
- Chocolate factory and farm shop visit
NOTE: This tour does not provide water so make sure to bring a water bottle.
Price
- $139 AUD p/p
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6. Barossa Valley Customised Wine and Sightseeing Tour
If you hope to explore this stunning region at your own pace, why not take part in a customised sightseeing tour.
Enjoy exclusive access to some of the most impressive wineries and estates in South Australia and explore the many sites and towns of the region at your pleasure.
This tour will privately collect and escort you in luxurious vehicles as your expert guide provides you with a unique insight into the many attractions of Barossa Valley.
With this wholly customised tour, you can choose which wineries to visit based on your personal preferences and explore the region’s most attractive locations.
Duration
- 8 hours
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Completely customisable 6-person tour
NOTE: This tour does not provide food and drinks
Price
- $800 AUD p/p
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7. Barossa Valley Luxury Wine Tour
This tour will have you escorted in a luxury vehicle to enjoy a day full of delicious wine and marvellous food.
A professional wine expert leads this tour and will pick a selection of boutique wineries and world-renowned vineyards for you to visit, all combined with fantastic tours of the estates.
Experience tastings at two unique wineries in the morning as well as two further wineries in the afternoon.
Appreciate a banquet-style lunch at one of Barossa Valley’s most popular restaurants, the Harvest Kitchen, which creates a delicious seasonal spread using locally sourced ingredients served with your choice of local wine or beer.
This luxurious and flexible tour is one of the most unique and exclusive ways to explore this stunning valley’s charming wineries and farms.
Duration
- 8 hours
Includes
- All tasting fees
- Gourmet tasting-menu lunch with local wine or beer
- Bottled water onboard
- Full luxury transfers from your city centre accommodation
- A passionate and knowledgeable wine guide
Price
- $300 AUD p/p
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In Summary
The Barossa Valley is one of the most extraordinarily beautiful locations in all of South Australia, with a vast range of unique sites and experiences for solo travellers to enjoy and discover.
Whether you’re a wine lover, a nature enthusiast or just eager to see one of the most idyllic locations in the world, any trip to Barossa Valley is sure to inspire and amaze.
- The Top 5 Experiences to Enjoy in the Barossa Valley
- Taste your birth year at one of Australia’s most historic vineyards
- Enjoy a picnic amongst the vines of one of Barossa Valleys most scenic vineyards.
- Enjoy an interactive cooking class at the studio of one of Australia’s most famous chefs
- Savour Barossa Valley’s lesser-known favourite drink, Gin!
- Take a spectacular hot air balloon tour over the valley
- Top Day Tours and Group Tours Around the Barossa Valley
- Barossa Valley Segway Tour
- Barossa Valley Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Barossa Valley Wine Tour and Lunch
- The Barossa Valley Food Tour
- Hahndorf and Barossa Valley Tour
- Barossa Valley Customised Wine and Sightseeing Tour
- Barossa Valley Luxury Wine Tour
If you’d like to read about more things you can do in Adelaide / South Australia, you can check out more of our related articles below:
- Adventure Travel to South Australia
- South Australia Travel | The Top 10 Things to do in Adelaide & Surrounds
- 3 Epic Day Tours to Kangaroo Island From Adelaide
