13 unforgettable things to do in the Barossa Valley

Shake off dusty morning-after brain with our list of unforgettable things to do in the Barossa Valley that don’t include (too much) wine.

While almost 100 cellar doors, each pouring their own version of the world’s finest liquid gold, are the Barossa’s shining stars, did you know the region doubles as a playground for gourmands and outdoorsy types? From lavender-laced gastronomy and master classes in perfumery to kids’ yoga (yep, it’s a thing) and breathtaking lookout points, there are so many other things to do in the Barossa Valley.

1. Natural Perfumery Workshop at Vasse Virgin

While most Barossans dabble in the art of winemaking, Louis and Edwina Scherini played around with skincare. Striking the perfect blend of sensitivity and luxury through a base of quality extra virgin olive oil, the couple launched a successful product range which eventually broadened to gourmet foods and a couple of stores.

Book in for a Natural Perfumery Workshop at Vasse Virgin. (Image: Barossa Grape & Wine Association/ Sven Kovac)

Today, they offer a 60-minute Natural Perfumery Workshop at their Vasse Virgin Soap Factory on Seppeltsfield Road where the team share their know-how in layering scents to find your own winner. Priced at $75 per person, the class includes a 15ml bottle of your creation, plus the detailed recipe, to take home with you.

There are a number of other workshops on offer at Vasse Virgin too. (Image: Josie Withers)

2. Barossa Sculpture Park

Allow a series of arresting marble and granite sculptures to steal your gaze from vineyards – and the bottom of a glass – momentarily. The Barossa Sculpture Park on Mengler Hill Road in Bethany is home to a collection of 17 locally crafted abstract artworks that each glisten against the region’s rugged landscape.

They’re a captivating sight, almost as though they’ve slowly risen from the ground to further beautify the magical region, so visiting even for a few minutes is a surprisingly rewarding thing to do in the Barossa Valley.

The earliest sculptures date back to 1988 and standouts include ‘A Memory of the Keyhole’, reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphics, and ‘Persephone’ complete with a beautiful lounging woman carved atop.

3. Mengler Hill Lookout

While you’re parked in the car park servicing the Sculpture Park, head on up to the Mengler Hill Lookout for sweeping, panoramic views of the Barossa Valley. A popular pit-stop on many of the region’s top-rated wine tours, this vantage point offers the best of the area in just a single glance – rows of vines, rich farmland, 50 shades of greenery and those signature rolling hills. The Sculpture Park is located right at the base of the lookout, so you can double-dip without any hassle.

Soak up the views at Mengler Hill Lookout. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission/ Jacqui Way)

4. Gardens at Barossa Valley Estate

Glorious scenery can also be spied at Barossa Valley Estate’s rainbow-hued gardens, a soothing, joyful thing to do in the Barossa Valley all on its own. Claiming the title of “Australia’s largest perennial gardens”, the space was designed by legendary Australian landscape designer and author Paul Bangay, and it’s utterly delightful.

Whether you’re a lover of landscape artistry or not, there’s no denying the charms of this heavenly design. Throwing an entire colour wheel of shades as the seasons rotate, it’s a photographer’s dream, even if your skills extend as far as social media. It’s also the perfect backdrop to the brand’s contemporary cellar door, and you’ll marvel and meander much longer than you initially plan.

Australian landscape designer and author Paul Bangay designed the space. (Image: Simon Griffiths)

5. Barossa Arts Centre

Time your visit to the region with a performance at the Barossa Arts Centre, located in central Tanunda, a venue that’s also hired out for intimate events such as local school services and forums. Home to a range of regular shows that span musicals, comedy, rock, orchestras, choirs and theatre, the centre offers a constant string of entertainment. Expect Elvis Presley tribute nights, country music acts like Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole, operatic royalty Marina Prior and David Hobson and a Memphis-themed concert in 2023. Check out the website for ticking information and dates.

6. Barossa Valley Golf Club

Grip it and rip it surrounded by the region’s distinct natural beauty at the Barossa Valley Golf Club. This luscious 18-hole golf course is in Nuriootpa, home to a superb range of Barossa Valley accommodation options plus a scattering of the finest wineries, so teeing off in the early morning (as early as 6am on Saturdays) should be nice and convenient.

Its popular competition days are staged every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and visitors are always welcome. Snap up 18 holes for $40 per adult, or just 9 holes for $30, and golf buggies can be hired with prices starting at $25.

There’s also a strict heat policy so when the mercury hits 41 degrees, the club shuts its doors to ensure guest safety, so your experience should be comfortable (albeit dotted with the odd visit from a local kangaroo) every time.

7. Barossa Wellness Concierge

Turning your Barossa adventure into a wellness makeover is easy, too, thanks to the team at Barossa Wellness Concierge. Whether you’re after a scenic yoga session, sunrise hiking or a multi-day health retreat, they’ll have you at your sparkling best before you toast to the new you with a bottle of shiraz.

Its Wellness Hub also offers a range of health services, ready to guide you back to peak life. Providing all the yoga you can imagine, including a class tailored for kids plus one specific to mums-and-bubs, remedial massage, physiotherapy, steam therapy and so much more, there’s an expert on hand for every need.

8. Barossa Bike Hire

Keen to tackle Barossa on a set of wheels? Barossa Bike Hire not only has a wide range of e-bikes, helping you see the best of the area without breaking a sweat, but it also offers tours for every kind of cyclist.

Cycle to some of Barossa’s top wineries. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The six-hour ‘Barista, Brewer, Wine Cycle Tour’ runs Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and circles 20 kilometres of the northern end of the region through Nuriootpa, home to some of the Barossa Valley’s best foodie experiences including Maggie Beer’s farm and her daughter’s The Farm Eatery restaurant.

Inside the buzzing dining room at The Farm Eatery. (Image: Tourism Australia/ NECI)

It includes coffee, thank goodness, three cellar-door wine tastings and lunch. The ultra-romantic, self-guided ‘Sunset and Sparkles Cycle Tour’ is also available. Its three-hour itinerary kicks off with a care package of local sparkling wine before winding through many of the Barossa’s busiest towns along mostly flat terrain.

9. Barossa Valley Chocolate Company

Delight the kids in tow, plus your own inner child, with a visit to the famous Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, a must-experience for sweet tooths of all ages. The multi-award-winning team handcrafts more than 250 delicious creations from locally sourced ingredients, blending them with high-quality Aussie and Belgian chocolate.

Indulge in hand-crafted chocolates at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company. (Image: Duy Dash)

But there’s so much more than the stash of goodies you’ll take home. Offering irresistible chocolate pairings with wine or cheese, plus a cafe serving up lunch on a beautiful waterfront deck and an ice creamery, this culinary hot spot ticks a lot of boxes.

Sit on the waterfront deck to take in the peaceful surroundings. (Image: Duy Dash)

10. Seppeltsfield Road Distillers

Switch out the vino for some excellent gin at Seppeltsfield Road Distillers, a newish (they threw open their doors in 2018) mover and shaker on the Barossa scene. Not only are the spirits themselves exceptional, with the brand’s ‘Barossa Shiraz Gin’ a standout among critics, but the space itself is also relaxed and full of good times.

Order up a cocktail at Seppeltsfield Road Distillers. (Image: Barossa Grape & Wine Association/ Sven Kovac)

Take a seat in an alcove amongst the venue’s outdoor multi-level deck or sink into a comfy chair on the lush lawn. If it’s miserable out, the indoor space is equally inviting as clever cocktails roll out around you. Make it a day to remember by grabbing a gin flight to sample the best in stock, and pair it with one of their small and simple, yet sensational, charcuterie platters.

11. Lyndoch Lavender Farm and Cafe

While the on-site cafe is one of the best Barossa Valley destinations for an epic lunch of lavender-infused treats, Lyndoch Lavender Farm and Cafe is worth a journey to inspect the grounds alone. More than two hectares of the pretty purple blooms spread right across the landscape, as does the odd sprinkling of herbs including sage, basil and rosemary.

You can learn more about the working farm on one of their tours, available within groups or as self-guided expeditions. Scones, plus tea and coffee are also included, but the real take-home will be one of their outstanding lavender cookies. Consider us lavender converts.

12. Barossa Valley winery cellar doors

We held off as long as we could. While the Barossa Valley’s wonderful cellar doors are obviously primely positioned for a day of wine tasting, plenty of the Barossa Valley’s finest cellar doors offer an incredible amount more.

Frequented by the region’s best-rated winery tours, the likes of Yalumba, which offers a tour of its personal cooperage, the only winery cooperage in the country, and Jacob’s Creek, which offer table tennis and gourmet group picnics on its picture-perfect lawn, deserve quality time to be explored in full.

13. Barossa Valley Ballooning’s hot air balloons

What better way to soak in the region’s most spectacular vistas than in a gentle-moving, hour-long hot air balloon ride at sunrise, courtesy of Barossa Valley Ballooning?

The early start is well worth it. (Image: Jiayuan Liang & Xplorer Studio)

Meeting you at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort in Rowland Flat around an hour before the sun commences its ascent, the expert team will have you sensationally soaring before landing you safely back at the resort.

Get above it all in a hot air balloon over the Barossa. (Image: Barossa Grape & Wine Association)

There, you’ll be treated to a champagne breakfast with a generous side of views out across the Barossa Ranges. A morning for the ages, it’s priced at $365 per person.

Find more experiences, accommodation, eating and entertainment options in our Barossa Valley travel guide.