THE BAROSSA VALLEY
The Barossa Valley begins some 50 kilometres east of Adelaide at Gawler and stretches for 40 kilometres towards Stockwell and Truro, further east.
It encompasses the Towns of Nurioopta, Tanunda, Angaston, Lyndoch and Gawler, and a few smaller towns set in the rolling valleys of the northern
reaches of the Adelaide Hills.
Gawler was first settled in 1839, only 3 years after South Australia's first settlement and was the second country town to be established after
Port Adelaide, now a part of the city area. The first settlement in the central part of the valley was at Bethany, near the current town of
Tanunda, in 1842. It was established by German families who built their homes in Silesian style near the banks of the Tanunda Creek.
The German influence in the Barossa and throughout the Adelaide Hills is reflected in the many town names and early cemeteries where names
such as Neitschke, Henschke and Hahn are prominent.
It was the foresight of these early German settlers who recognised the suitability of the climate and soil to the production of wine grapes.
Today the Barossa Valley is one of the world's major producers of fine table wines and there are dozens of wineries creating varied products
for you to sample. A list of wineries will be found below.
The Barossa is also steeped in history. Quaint villages with tree-lined streets and historic stone cottages seem to be everywhere and a drive
or walk through them is like a trip back in time to early settlement. The region is among South Australia's most visited and you must allow
a little time to explore the wonders of this beautiful part of South Australia.
Lists of towns, wineries and attractions will be found below.
INFORMATION:
Barossa Wine & Visitor Centre.
66 Murray St. Tanunda S.A.
(08) 8563 0600
Toll Free; 1800 812 662
MAJOR AREA FEATURES: Whispering Wall: Williamstown
The Keg Factory: Tanunda
MAJOR TOWNS:
Angaston
Gawler
Nuriootpa
Tanunda
Lyndoch
MAJOR EVENTS:
Barossa Jazz Weekend: mid August
Barossa Under the Stars: mid February
Barossa Vintage Festival: Held bi-annually in odd years.
TOURING IDEAS
The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's largest wine producing areas and there are dozens of wineries to visit. Although the area is only a short
drive from Adelaide, it offers an opportunity for a romantic overnight break instead of returning to the city to drive up again the next day
and complete your tour.
Besides the wineries, there are museums and attractions to see and there is a wealth of accommodation options including B&Bs, motels, pub rooms
and caravan parks.It is wise to book well in advance, particularly at weekends, as it is a popular destination and Getaway area.
ACCOMMODATION:
Motels, hotels, caravan parks, B&Bs, guest houses and farm stays will all be found in the Barossa Valley.
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins |
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