South Australia is a region well known around the world for its outstanding world-class art, cultural/sporting events, and, of course, top-of-the-line Barossa Valley wines. Established over more than 160 years, the Barossa Valley has gained its fame from seven generations of local grape growers and winemakers. At almost every turn, you'll find opulent retreats, sumptuous food and some of the country’s best wineries. However, the fun doesn’t have to end there. Once you include some of the numerous wine and food-tasting experiences on the list, it’s all too easy to keep busy for a few days with activities in Barossa Valley.
Today, we share 5 fun things to do when visiting South Australia’s Barossa Valley, so grab a cuppa and read on to find out more!
Hot Air Ballooning at Sunrise
For a magical start to a day chock-full of incredible wine tastings and delectable food, look no further than kickstarting your morning with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. This is truly one of the most incredible Barossa Valley experiences that you simply cannot miss out on. There are numerous companies offering hot air balloon rides in the region, with some of our top picks including Red Balloon and Barossa Valley Ballooning. Regardless of which purveyor you choose, you’ll get a chance to experience the breathtaking views and serenity of the beautiful Barossa Valley as you float high above the ground.
As you magically soar through the sky, immerse yourself in Mother Nature's daily show before you, painting this incredible wine region with the dazzling colours of a golden-hued sunrise. Some hot air balloon packages even offer breakfast and/or champagne add-ons if you’re in the mood to really spoil yourself with the ultimate treat. Of all the fun things to do in the Barossa Valley, this one is definitely the most romantic – perfect for anniversaries, honeymoons, birthdays or even Mother’s/Father’s Day.
Top Tip: Along the way, you’ll have countless photo opportunities to capture this experience of a lifetime, so be sure to bring your best camera along with you!
Learn How To Cook
If you’re a true foodie who is looking to expand your culinary repertoire, look no further than one of the many cooking classes on offer in the Barossa Valley. You’ll find a number of classes for visitors at the Maggie Beer's Farm Eatery Cooking School, ranging from workshops that teach you how to make delicate handmade pasta, pickles and ferments, meat and seafood butchery and more. Casa Carboni is also another fantastic cooking school offering numerous classes from pasta making to a class based on produce picked up at the Barossa Farmers Market.
For those who want to try your hand at breadmaking, you can learn how to make delicious artisanal sourdough bread and more at Cookery Thyme, located in Nuriootpa. There are classes on offer for beginners all the way to advanced sourdough methods, so there is always something for everyone, no matter your experience or skill level. Regardless of which class or workshop you choose, you will get to take home comprehensive step-by-step recipes for everything you cook, so that it's easy to reproduce your newly learnt skills and recipes in the comfort of your own home.
Take A Walk With An Alpaca
For animal lovers and kids alike, nothing beats taking a walk alongside a fluffy alpaca at the Barossa’s own Gundaroo. This 50-acre property is popular with tourists due to its many accommodation options, but most impressive of all is its herd of alpacas that guests can walk on a lead.
The average Alpaca walk goes for approximately half an hour, with opportunities to hand-feed these amazing creatures after leading them back to their paddock. Alongside alpacas, the Gundaroo is also home to over 20 sheep and a number of kangaroos that are always down the back of the property. Get ready to get up close and personal with these buddy animals and take all the selfies and photos you want!
Note: Adults pay $65 for entry. Children under the age of 12 get to walk for free, but do note that a $10 charge will be applied for the platter and they can only walk an alpaca with a paying adult.
Explore 18 Holes At Barossa Bowland & Mini Golf
Whether you’re travelling with kids or simply a kid at heart yourself, Barossa Bowland & Mini Golf is the place to be for a day filled with fun, laughter and enjoyment. Located in Tanunda, this interactive bowling centre with a relaxing outdoor area overlooking South Australia's largest mini golf course with 18 holes of challenging putting simply cannot be compared to others. The modern bowling alley features 12 lanes with bumpers for kids, auto scoring, interactive touchscreen terminals on each lane and much, much more.
The 18-hole mini golf course is also dinosaur-themed, bringing the prehistoric world to life before your very eyes. While you’re at it, don’t forget to be on the lookout for information boards about the dinosaurs and press the buttons to see what happens! At the end of a long day of fun, treat yourself to an array of delicious pizzas, burgers and beverages at the in-house Dino Snack Bar. With ten-pin bowling and mini golf packages, there's always something to do at Barossa Bowland & Mini Golf. So, what are you waiting for?
Indulge In Some Of The Region’s Best Chocolate
Last but not least, no trip to the Barossa is complete without a visit to the world-renowned Barossa Valley Chocolate Company. There is just so much to savour and sample at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, with a range of over 250 chocolate products, made from milk, dark, white and ruby chocolate, artisan pralines and limited edition specialities. They also offer a wide range of allergy-friendly and/or vegan options that cater to various dietary requirements. As an added bonus, visitors also have the chance to watch the team of chocolatiers making their signature artisan, handmade chocolate through the expansive viewing window.
On your journey, don’t forget to visit Benni's Cafe which serves a delicious menu of locally-sourced food to enjoy on a stunning deck overlooking the water, with lunch served daily alongside house-made cakes, desserts and coffee, as well as a fully-licensed bar. There is also a small ice cream booth to indulge in even more sugary goodness before you leave.
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And there you have it — 5 incredibly fun experiences that you’ll find only when visiting South Australia’s Barossa Valley. With so much to explore, learn and experience, there will never be a dull moment in your travel itinerary…that’s a promise!
What are some of your favourite things to do in the Barossa Valley? Be sure to leave your ideas, thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below!
