Just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, a patchwork of vineyards, townships and pastures stretch over the Barossa Valley.
As the premier wine region in South Australia, the Barossa Valley attracts everyone from hen’s partygoers to loved-up honeymooners. And it’s a haven for foodie families as well.
For your first visit to the Barossa with kids, here are five of the best things to do.
Visit the Barossa Farmers Market
Witness the turning cogs of the renowned food scene at the Barossa Farmers Market. Every Saturday, farmers, chefs, bakers and artisans trade produce and friendly banter in the Vinters Sheds in Angaston.
The best way to soak up the vibe is to grab a coffee from the Breakfast Bar and wander along with a warm pastry.
Check out the family-friendly wineries
Plenty of cellar doors are happy to welcome families. Kids will be well-entertained lawn games, playgrounds and kids corners.
Liebichwein has got the kids covered. Young ones can join in on the tasting sessions with red soft drink served in a plastic wine glass. The best part? There’s an adorable dog that wanders around and subtly nudges you for a pat.
Another great spot for families is Z Wine. For just $8, kids can enjoy their own tasting platter with a selection of juices, paired with fairy bread, fruit and pretzels. Parents can enjoy a slightly more sophisticated spread with award-winning wines and delectable cheeses.
Read more about family-friendly wineries in our guide to South Australian wine country with kids.
Visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop
National treasure and face of the Great Australian Bake Off, Maggie Beer is the unofficial Queen of the Barossa Valley. Since opening her shop at Pheasant Farm at the age of 34, her deliciously sweet and savoury goodies have developed a cult-like following. The Farm Shop is the only place you can peruse the entire product range.
With her daughter now at the helm, the Farm Eatery is a great place to grab a light lunch between wine tastings. Sit back and relax by the lake, and pick up a few treats for the road.
Play a round of mini golf at Barossa Bowland
Bowland is primarily a ten-pin bowling centre, but it’s best known for its dinosaur-themed mini golf course. It’s hard to miss the huge dinosaur sculptures scattered around the 18-hole course. They can be a little distracting when you’re hoping for that hole-in-one.
After you’ve putted to your heart’s content, grab a slice of gourmet wood-fired pizza and knock a few pins down in a game of ten-pin bowling.
Enjoy a BBQ lunch at Nuriootpa Train Park
Tolley Reserve Nurioopta is a great place to spread out a picnic rug and spend an afternoon. It has as an awesome playground with a huge steam train, swings and climbing equipment. Kids will love playing train conductor, bouncing on the sea saw and soaring on the flying fox. There are BBQ facilities, shaded areas and toilets nearby.
Read More
Family guide to the Adelaide Hills
Family-friendly wineries in the Yarra Valley
Janeece Keller is the founder and editor of Family Travel. She mostly travels with her husband and two young kids. She has a large blended family that lives in Australia and Europe. She has visited 52 countries and lived on 3 continents. From camping to luxury resorts Janeece tries to make sure her family has diverse holiday experiences each year. She is an avid hiker and ocean swimmer who loves good food, margaritas and heading off the beaten path.