Just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, a patchwork of vineyards, townships and pastures stretch over the Barossa Valley. This premier wine region attracts everyone from hen’s partygoers to loved-up honeymooners, but it’s a haven for foodie families as well.
For your first visit to the Barossa with kids, here are a few of the best things to do.
1. Visit Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop & Eatery
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.
2. Drop into these kid-friendly Barossa cellar doors
Plenty of cellar doors are happy to welcome families. Kids will be well-entertained by 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 $15 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.
3. Pick up SA produce at 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.
4. Have a blast at the Nuriootpa Train Park
Tolley Reserve Nuriootpa is a great place to spread out a picnic rug and spend an afternoon. It’s also known as the Nurioopta Train Park thanks to its 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.
5. Play a round of mini golf at Barossa Bowland
Barossa 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.
6. Take a Barossa Valley tour
