Just a simple mention of the Barossa Valley is sure to conjure up images of rolling vineyards and cellar doors set in some of Australia’s most spectacular countryside — and at only hour’s drive from Adelaide, this one’s a road trip no-brainer for your bucket list! No matter what your vehicle, it’s the perfect excuse to get your tyres rolling into one of Australia’s most iconic grape-growing regions and surrounding hills and exploring its heritage villages, sights and amazing local grown foodie experiences.
How to get there
From the Adelaide city centre, head north, take the M2 and keep going. Easy as!
Best Tyres for the Barossa Ride
We say RAZRs all the way! Whether your vehicle’s an SUV or 4×4, choosing Maxxis RAZR AT811s or MT772s will have you “Barossa ready” for all terrains, all weathers and just about every type of adventure! The RAZR AT811’s on- and off-road versatility together with exceptional ride comfort will have you enjoying every part of the Barossa, while the award-winning MT772 puts you firmly in the driving seat particularly when it comes to needing extra traction and performance a little off the beaten track.
More good news is that whatever your vehicle, with Maxxis you won’t be left behind or ever have to put up with second best! All Maxxis tyres are built and tested to high quality specifications and world class safety standards, ready to do the distance wherever your Barossa adventure takes you.
While in the Barossa
There’s a good reason that many of Australia’s most brilliant chefs hail from the Barossa where locally grown, fresh produce is all part of the territory. Combine the exceptional food experience with landscapes full of historic cottages and architecture, luscious vineyards as far as the eye can see, a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and a vehicle fitted with Maxxis tyres – and a weekend away literally can’t get any better! Here are just a few ideas to whet your appetite and get that Barossa weekend started…
Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop…A true Barossa Valley icon, Maggie Beer’s influence on the Australian foodie scene is legendary! The Maggie Beer Farm Shop is a ‘must do’ for that genuine Barossa Valley experience, whether you just browse for products, stop in for a super yummy cheese board or something more fancy. You can also book in for a cooking class, demo or wine tasting – there’s even special farmhouse retreat accommodation available right on site.
The wine…Barossa’s wine isn’t just a big name in Australia, it’s world famous…think Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, Jacobs Creek, Wolf Blass and Yalumba just to get the party started! With more than 80 cellar doors (and 150 wineries) to choose from, you’ll literally be spoilt for choice and are sure to find one that fits with your idea of what great tasting wine really is! However, if wine isn’t your idea of a good brew, gin and pale ales are also top of the Barossa list — and you won’t have to hunt far to find them. Of course, it goes without saying, if you plan to sample any of these alcoholic beverages on your trip, make sure you have a dedicated non-drinking driver along with you for the adventure!
Places to eat… Amazing food in the Barossa is all part of the territory and something you’ll definitely be writing home about! Whether you’re after a cosy restaurant with a roaring fire or an al fresco lunch out on a terrace with rolling vineyard views, food in the Barossa is next level! While there are heaps of options Barossa-wide, Seppeltsfield Road (it’s 10 kilometres long) is a great place to find impressive Barossa restaurants and eateries without having to detour off the main drag.
Art and culture…While food in the Barossa is always a big part of the adventure, don’t make the mistake of thinking the Barossa is just an outdoors or wine and foodie experience! Home to many galleries, museums, art trails and more, the Barossa’s art scene is a happening place!
From the Barossa Regional Gallery and Barossa Museum (both in Tanunda), to the magnificent Barossa Chateau’s art and antiques gallery set in a beautiful rose and kitchen garden, the Kapunda Community Gallery and even cellar door galleries, the Barossa celebrates its art and culture in many ways with a strong focus on artists from the region.
Get set for the Barossa Vintage Festival…There are always fun things happening in the Barossa, and this month is no exception! The Barossa Vintage Festival’s 75-Year Anniversary is all set to run from April 19 to 23. Harvest lunches, trails, memorabilia displays and wine auctions are all on the exciting event calendar – even get right into the Barossa spirit and try your hand at painting a wine label!
Go wildlife spotting…About 20km from Tanunda, Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park’s walking trails are a wonderful way to enjoy some of the Barossa’s best views and native flora and fauna! Be on the lookout for a wide variety of birds, kangaroos and echidna as well as some interesting rock features that can be found in this peaceful park.
Where to stay…From cute cottages dotted around the Barossa’s countryside to heritage homesteads, luxury resorts and lodges, great hospitality and accommodation are all part of the Barossa Valley experience. The Barossa also has a variety of camping and caravan parks to choose from — some are even pet friendly so no-one needs to be left at home!
Before you go…There’s something awesome about an autumn weekend road trip to the Barossa when grape harvesting is still in full swing and the weather is pretty-much perfect — warm days, cool nights, what more could you ask for? And just a little reminder that while the Barossa’s just a quick hop, skip and a jump from Adelaide, make sure you check your tyre pressures before you set off, while they are still cool. Plus, if you’re not on run flats, don’t forget to check that spare!
