Angaston is nestled in the rolling foothills of the Barossa Ranges and was an important stop over on the early route from Adelaide to the Riverland. Settled in 1842, Angaston is one of the oldest towns in the Barossa and boasts some of the Barossa’s oldest buildings still in use. Located an hour’s drive from Adelaide it is an ideal rural location, but with so much to offer in the township and surrounds. There is a range of ways to explore the area with local tour companies departing from Adelaide or the Barossa, group tours and private touring, but the most common way of experiencing our township and surrounds is by private or hire car. The area offers a diverse range of accommodation for all budgets, from Hotel / Motel accommodation to the fully restored luxury Angaston Saleyards, converted barns, renovated old coach house at Strathlyn B&B and even a Masonic Lodge.
Day One
Arriving at our beautiful township of Angaston, known locally as The Jewel in the Crown of the Barossa, plan to settle the family into your accommodation by mid-afternoon before heading to the Visitor Information Outlet located in our Main Street (Murray Street) which is the best place to start your visit. Located in the Barossa Valley Cheese Company you will find all the information you need including a Town map and Heritage Walk map. It is the ideal destination to gather further information about the town and surrounds. While there be sure to try a selection of their delicious cheeses and stock up for a pre-dinner drinks platter or picnic during your stay.
Day Two
Saturday morning is for the unmissable Barossa Farmers Market – it’s an absolute treat for adults and children alike! Make sure you don’t miss out on a Barossa Breakfast Burger, made from local produce sourced from the market vendors. The markets are full of Barossa produce and include some traditional foods iconic to the region such as Wiech’s Eggs Noodles, local olive oil, cured meats. Stock up your fridge for either dinner or lunch from the huge variety of traders, including fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, bread and baked goods, Barossa Valley Ice Cream, dried fruits, seasonal produce at its finest and everything made or grown locally, it is truly an essential start to your weekend. You may even spot a local celebrity Chef there!
Any keen cook or food lover is recommended to pre-book for a Casa Carboni Cooking School experience. Here you can partake in some hands-on culinary training and sit afterwards to feast on your morning’s work and chat with your fellow cooks. Matteo and Fiona Carboni run the hugely popular Enoteca, right next door to the Visitor Information Outlet. Chef Matteo, originating from Parma in Italy, combines his homeland recipes with stunning Barossa produce, offering freshly baked Italian pastries and divine coffees, to be enjoyed either on the pavement or inside their Enoteca along with a selection of imported fine wines.
Enjoy a scenic drive out to Gully Gardens, and on the way take in breath taking views of this small hidden valley, arriving to enjoy some homegrown and produced dried fruit. Continue the drive up the hill to Thorn-Clarke Wines. Known for their golf driving range and panoramic views, perfect while enjoying a wine tasting. Also located just out of Angaston is Flaxman Valley Wines, a boutique winery specialising in small batch hand crafted wines. Colin Sheppard, previous MasterChef contestant, offers long table lunches on weekends, paired with his stunning Eden Valley wines, bookings are essential.
The kids will be ready to stretch their legs, and there’s no better place for them to burn off some energy than our incredible Barossa Adventure Station - there is something here for all ages, including the big kids at heart! We have a multi-level play space, a skate ramp, fitness stations, a zip wire, a 1km mountain bike loop (hire your bikes from the nearby Angaston Hardware store if you have not bought your own) and explore this fabulous outdoor haven. Get out the picnic rug and sprawl on the endless green lawns and feast on either take away filled wraps, sandwiches or salads from any of the wholesome food providers in the Main Street, such as Hive, D&M’s or Soul with Zest. We also have Sunrise Bakery who offer a great selection of freshly baked pies and pastry goods.
When everyone is tuckered out and had their fill of fresh air, perhaps wonder down for delicious pizzas at Roaring 40’s - voted Australia’s Best Pizzas a few years ago.
Heading home after a full day of exploring and adventure, treat yourselves to dinner at multi award winning Vintners Bar & Grill, set amongst the vines, sharing a gorgeous cooked meal either by the fireside in winter or out on their verandah and lawns in the summer. If a pub meal is more the order of the day, there is plenty on offer at the Wanera Wine Bar.
Day Three
Sunday morning - having either purchased breakfast provisions from the Farmers Market the day prior, or even at the Barossa Smokehouse Butchery, head out for an action-packed day! Walk off breakfast up at the simply stunning Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park, where an array of wildlife and native bush can be seen up close. Part of the popular Heysen Trail, there is a choice of walks and a hill or two which will stretch the muscles if you want a steeper climb. Head down in your car to Menglers Hill Lookout afterwards for a walk around the Sculpture Park, home to a number of distinctive abstract stone sculptures created by both local and international artists, while taking in the most glorious view of nearly the entire Barossa Valley floor.
A stop is essential at the world famous Yalumba Family Winemakers, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, giving you the opportunity to sit outside and admire the iconic Clock Tower whilst sampling beautifully made wines. Also onsite is Yalumba’s Cooperage, the only one in Australia at a working winery where they make their own wine barrels. Tours of the Cooperage and the stunning 170+ year old winery can be booked in advance. If looking for more than a platter at one of the local wineries, then head next door to The Company Kitchen, a family friendly restaurant surrounded by perfectly manicured grass and vineyards.
Angaston is also home to the country’s only working Blacksmith in a main street. Open on weekends and public holidays, it’s well worth the visit to learn how this ancient skill still operates today, also allowing you to purchase a uniquely crafted fireside tool, you only pay what you feel it is worth! Cash only of course.
At the end of yet another satisfying and fun filled day, there are plenty of locations to enjoy a casual barbeque such as the Barossa Adventure Station, across at the Soldiers Memorial Park and the picturesque Angaston Recreation Park, where a spot of cricket or tennis can also be enjoyed.
Day Four
On Monday morning after checking out of your accommodation, stop by at one of the Main Street cafes for breakfast or take out coffee before you head home. Thank you for coming to stay with us, tell your friends and be back soon!