The Barossa Valley just outside Adelaide is famous for its vineyards and as a tourist getaway in South Australia. Let’s take a look at the historic attractions and things to see and do in the towns here. Also included are overviews of Barossa Valley accommodation choices.
Most towns in the valley carry the heritage and customs of either English or German settlers. Other than the stunning landscape and the winery tours, what tourists like the most is the trip back in time, with historic Churches and restored cottages which go back all the way to the early and mid 1800s.
Gawler, for example, is one of the earliest towns established in South Australia in 1839 on the North Para River’s banks. Visitors can pick up a tourist brochure at the Visitor Centre and take a guided walking tour of the town’s historic architecture. Don’t forget to take a picture of the Gawler Clock Tower.
Tanunda is where you go for a taste of 19th century German life. Some of the cottages of the first settlers are still standing, and the community has expanded so much that it now has four Lutheran Churches. Don’t forget to take a walk down the Tanunda Heritage Trail for a peek into how German settlers built roads when they first came to South Australia.
The most tourist friendly towns are Eden Valley, Williamstown and Angaston. Eden Valley is the most beautiful of the lot, with green carpet hills and famous wine producers. There’s also a historic hotel – the Eden Valley Hotel, which dates back to 1866.
Williamstown is a treasure trove of historic attractions, parks and wineries. Must-visit attractions include the Barossa goldfield, the acoustic ‘Whispering Wall’ of the Barossa Reservoir, and Mount Crawford Forest. There are plenty of modern facilities for tourists, including hotels, shopping and dining options. The same attractions are also accessible for visitors staying in Cockatoo Valley, which additionally offers the Para Wirra Recreation Park for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Angaston, with its trendy cafes, wine bars, Farmers Market and antique shops, is the touristy heart and soul of The Barossa Valley. There are a number of fine Bed & Breakfasts and shops that offer everything a visitor might possibly need. Visitors looking for Barossa Valley accommodation are sure to find the best options in one of the aforementioned three towns of Eden Valley, Williamstown and Angaston.
It is, of course, possible to stay in Adelaide and visit The Barossa on a day trip. But that hardly seems fair, considering the number of towns and attractions that fall into the must-visit category. Besides, a wine country destination like this needs a relaxed and slow-paced getaway.
There are so many more hamlets, not to mention the big towns along the Barossa Valley Way other than Angaston such as Nuriootpa and Lyndoch. Each of these has its own peculiar attractions, but the wineries and wine tours are common to most. Bottom-line is that The Barossa Valley is not only worth visiting, it is worth visiting on an extended holiday.
Most visitors to Australia aren’t expecting to catch a glimpse of a small town that would look more at home in the mountains of Europe, but then again most people visiting Australia aren’t familiar with Hahndorf before they arrive. Tucked into the Adelaide Hills just a half-hour south of Adelaide itself, Hahndorf was settled by Lutherans and bears a strong resemblance to the homeland of Germany.