The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Located an easy one-hour drive north of Adelaide, The Barossa, as it is called, is a place of cool and dewy mornings, hot days, wonderful afternoons, and long, languid evenings. Visitors to the Barossa will also discover that there is a surprisingly extensive and eclectic selection of luxury hotels and resorts in the region. From perfectly restored settler’s cottages, to bespoke villas tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the Barossa’s myriad valleys, this part of Australia offers the chance to escape into a comfortable hideaway without having to go too far from the finer things in life. The Barossa’s towns feature an abundance of artisan shops selling hand-crafted breads, locally-grown and processed meats, cheeses, and craft beer. A perfect day in the Barossa might begin with a balloon flight over the valley, then continue after a breakfast to coffee (of course), a series of wine-tasting experiences, lunch, and a spot of shopping. For an insight into the Barossa Valley’s many luxury accommodation options, we’ve prepared a sampling for you to try. Cheers!
33 Crennis Mines Road, 5353 Angaston, Australia
Rating: 8.4 Very Good
For a private haven with the comforts of a luxury hotel, look no further than Lambert Estate Retreat. Located on the grounds of the Lambert Estate and surrounded by vineyards, the retreat sits on the outskirts of Angaston. It is only three minutes from the Barossa Farmers Markets and is a short drive from many of the highlights of the Barossa region.
The light filled retreat is spacious and comfortable. It has a fully equipped kitchen with an electric stove top, modern oven, fridge and range of small appliances. It is the perfect space to create gourmet meals. There are two living rooms; one features a bar so is perfect for entertaining whilst the other has a TV sitting above a cosy fireplace.
There is plenty of space for larger groups as there are three bedrooms with a total of four beds. Each room has blackout roller blinds, timber flooring and vintage style décor, and the master bedroom has a fireplace for added comfort. The bathroom features a stand-alone glass shower, large spa bath and well-lit mirror.
Nearby, the Lambert Estate Cellar Door offers a delicious lunch menu which is designed to showcase regional produce and the estate’s range of wines.
182 Bethany Road, 5352 Bethany, Australia
Rating: 9.5 Exceptional
Barossa Vineyard Cottages offers gorgeous luxury hotel accommodation surrounded by vineyards. Located in the famous Barossa Valley wine region, it is only five minutes’ drive from Tanuda and ten minutes from the Barossa Farmers Market.
There are four classic settler style cottages for couples and one larger cottage for families or groups. All cottages have a fully equipped kitchen complete with a modern electric oven, stainless steel gas hob, large fridge and Nespresso coffee machine. The kitchens are stocked with fresh, local produce for guests to use to create delicious breakfast spreads.
The well-appointed guest bedrooms have premium white linens, quality French drapes and electric blankets. The bright, white ensuites have a large spa bath and single vanity. Within the cottages, guests have access to a HD TV, reverse cycle air-conditioner, wood fire and Wi-Fi. A complimentary bottle of the estate-produced cabernet sauvignon is also available.
Outdoors, guests can relax in a large gazebo overlooking the surrounding fields; in the evening it is the perfect place to sit back and relax with a glass of wine, while watching the sunset. In the gazebo there is a six-burner BBQ which can be utilised to create delicious grilled meals.
Golf Links Road, 5352 Rowland Flat, Australia
Rating: 8.2 Very Good
Located just one hour from the centre of Adelaide, the Novotel Barossa Valley is well positioned for guests to explore the beauty of the Barossa region. This luxury hotel is surrounded by vineyards and is only minutes from Jacobs Creek and the town of Tanunda.
The colour palettes of the well-appointed guest rooms are inspired by the surrounding natural environment. Large sliding doors lead out to a private balcony, which features a seating area and stunning views of the valley. All rooms have access to complimentary Wi-Fi, in-room controlled air-conditioners, and tea and coffee making facilities.
The qualified staff at Endota Spa are available to provide a range of relaxation and beauty treatments that nourish the body and soul. Bikes are available to hire and there are a range of fitness facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, two tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court, state-of-the-art gym and nearby walking and jogging tracks. Guests can also play the course at the neighbouring Tanunda Pine Golf Club.
At The Cellar Kitchen, experienced chefs work alongside local farmers and growers to create seasonal paddock to plate menus. This ensures diners can experience the finest fresh produce from the Barossa valley. Guests can also enjoy casual dining at the Poolside Bar, open weather permitting.
A luxury hotel in the Barossa brings all kinds of activities, flavours and experiences within easy reach. The towns of the Barossa – Tanunda, Noorioopta, Marangana, Williamstown, Greenock – are all connected by a network of intriguing back roads and tree-lined gravel tracks. And spread out between them, in the bucolic valleys and sensual folds of the Barossa, are the seemingly endless vineyards, where all kinds of Bacchanalian and gastronomic pleasures await. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
Drifting languidly over the landscape at dawn, with the rising sun casting shadows over the valley bottoms and mist-draped vineyards, is one of the very best experiences you’ll have in the Barossa. From the viewpoint of a wicker basket, slung beneath a few tonnes of hot air encased in a rainbow envelope of woven silk, you’ll see South Australia from a whole new perspective. And when you land, in some random Outback field, chosen for you by the invisible currents of air, you can sip the traditional glass of champagne and wonder how you are going to top the experience.
But you needn’t worry. Topping the balloon flight will be easy in the Barossa. All you need to do is set off on a wine-tasting adventure. There are plenty of hosted tours available, but you could just as easily wander from cellar door to cellar door on your own. Some of Australia’s most iconic wineries – Jacob’s Creek, Peter Lehmann, Sepplesfelt – are right at the door of your luxury hotel.
You could bike up to the lookout on Mengler’s Hill, overlooking Tanunda. You could even walk up if you like. But the best bet is it to take a bottle of wine and some cheese, and drive up there to join the locals as you watch the sunset. You’re guaranteed to make a few new friends.
The Barossa is foodie central and the weekly Farmer’s Market in Angaston distils the region’s best flavours into a single event. Dozens of stallholders sell everything from ethically-farmed meat and free-range eggs, to freshly-baked bread and hand-made cheese. Put a picnic together for later!
Take a self-drive boat cruise on the iconic Murray River. Bring along the stuff you bought earlier at the farmer’s market, and barbeque up a storm as you motor along this great Australian river.
Helicopters play an important role in Australian agriculture. So what better way to experience the Barossa than by taking a short flight over it in a chopper? Helicopters are a truly epic way to fly, and you’ll get a whole new perspective on the landscape from the perspex bubble of a Robinson.
From the Kidman Connection in Kapunda, to the Sepplesfelt Road in Tanunda, the Barossa has a large selection of heritage drives that will introduce you to the fascinating and varied history of the region. Combine a heritage drive with a few winery lunches and you’ve got a match made in heaven!
At first glance, The Barossa might seem very orderly, and completely tamed by humans hands. But nature is also right on the doorstep of your luxury hotel. The Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park near Tanunda, and the Hale Conservation Park at Williamstown, both offer easy walks through forests of stringybark and pink gums, where kangaroos are plentiful and birdlife abounds.
For a quirky, fun experience, head out to the concrete dam holding back the Barossa Reservoir on Yettie Road, near Williamstown. If you speak at one end of the dam, your partner standing 140 metres away at the other end will be able to hear you perfectly. What a great place to whisper sweet nothings!
The Barossa isn’t just about wine. There are some great craft breweries around here too, and the region’s pubs are not only a great place to sample the amber nectar, they are also where you will meet the locals and have a great night out.