Day Trips from the Barossa

Many of our guests are surprised to learn that several of South Australia's other famous destinations are only a sixty minute drive or less from the Barossa Valley.

Why not stay a few more days, venture out to explore these regions and return to your cottage in the evening to relax - no unpacking and reorganising!

If you don't want to drive, the local Barossa tour operators are only too happy to show you the best these regions have to offer.

 

 

Eden Valley

The Eden Valley is situated in the Barossa Range to the east, overlooking the Barossa Valley. Together, these valleys comprise what is today known as the Barossa zone.

Only a 20 minute drive east of the Barossa, Eden Valley is a great vineyard region, with famous names such as Henschke and Mountadam and has a reputation for some of Australia's finest cool climate red and white wines.

The Adelaide Hills

A landscape of rolling vineyards, unspoilt bushland and rich farmland makes the Adelaide Hills a very special place. Learn about Australia's wildlife at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary or see the Hills through the eyes of famous Australian artist Hans Heysen at his historic home and studio. Admire stunning panoramic views of Adelaide from Mount Lofty.

On your way to the Hills you will pass through Birdwood, home of the National Motor Museum which houses an extensive collection of Australia's motoring history.

Some would argue that Australia's purest and most desirable sauvignon blanc comes from the Adelaide Hills, but crisp sparkling wine, exciting and complex chardonnay along with new varieties of pinot gris, viognier, nebbiolo and zinfandel are well worth finding. Visit the many new, contemporary cellar doors.

Historic Hahndorf offers the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm where from November to May you can pick your own strawberries. In the main street try the handcrafted Udder Delights goat and jersey milk cheese range, stay and have lunch in their underground cellar or enjoy coffee and cake in their leafy alfresco area overlooking the streetscape while you watch the locals go about their daily work.

Wind your way back through the rolling hills to the Barossa and your cottage for a well deserved rest and to absorb the diversity of South Australia.

The Clare Valley

Another premier wine region, the Clare Valley is known as the home of Australian Riesling. In 1848, Jesuit priests fled religious and political persecution in Silesia, migrated to Australia and established Sevenhill. Three years later they planted grapes and began making sacramental wine which they are still making today. You can visit them at Sevenhill Cellars.Enjoy lunch at nearby Skillogallee Winery (make sure you book!)

The great majority of wineries in the Clare Valley are small scale boutique producers and many are concentrated along a single land corridor just 15 minutes from Clare. Touring is both easy and delightful, made more so thanks to their association with a string of charming historic villages.

One of these is Mintaro. Stroll through the old streets to appreciate the sort of village charm you might encounter in the English Cotswolds or Dales. Many of the town's buildings feature Mintaro slate from the local quarry. This slate was famous around the world for providing the playing surfaces on billiard tables.

Nearby Martindale Hall is a magnificent example of Georgian opulence, built in 1879 and well worth a tour.

On your way back to the Barossa, call into the town of Kapunda. In 1838 a sheep grazier stumbled over some "moss coloured stones". He sent the stone to the United Kingdom to be assayed and six months later the results came back by return voyage. The "stones" were copper ore - the highest grade ore found anywhere in the world. So started Australia's first mining town. On the edge of town is Map the Miner, an 8 metre high statue constructed as a tribute to the copper miners of Kapunda.

Another ten minutes and you are back in Seppeltsfield, having explored and experienced yet another facet of this wonderful state.