The ease of getting here is part of the appeal – just an hour’s drive from Adelaide with three routes to choose from. The eastern approach through the ranges winds you past pretty waterways and conservation parks, a central approach through Gawler means you can dip into the deep history of this historic South Australian town en route, and a third option via the Northern Connector will bring you into the Barossa via the Gomersal Road turn-off.
Day One:
For this trip, choose the Gomersal Road option, and plan for a lunch time arrival. Your destination is Pindarie, a lovingly restored old grain room and heritage stables, now home to an award-winning cellar door and paddock to plate lunch experience. The 180-degree views are breathtaking from every vantage point, and for a local’s tip, the tables outdoor under the giant Pepper Tree are idyllic.
Linger as long as you want to – this is a foretaste of your next few days – staggering views, generous hospitality and time away together.
After lunch, it’s time to start exploring. Follow Gomersal Road east, and in a couple of minutes take the Lyndoch Road turn-off. Your next port of call is Gomersal Wines, a boutique winery with an irresistible sprawling verandah and a wonderfully warm welcome. Take some time to discover their wines and the stories behind them, enjoy a tea or coffee or even squeeze in a selection of locally produced cheeses.
Next, let Lyndoch Road take you south for 10 minutes, past expanses of grain fields and vines that tell the story of a region so connected to its soil. You’ll know you’re only a few minutes from Lyndoch when you dip through the ford over a tiny creek, where ducks and geese are sorting out their pecking order around a birdfeeder! It’s a lovely spot to pull over for a photo. Ahead of you, you’ll see a preview of tomorrow’s adventures, at the grand steps that lead to the entrance of Chateau Yaldara, but for now it’s time to check in to your accommodation.
Options for romantic retreats are plenty – The Vines at Barossa Shiraz Estates is surrounded by acres of vineyard, 1837 Barossa Luxury Vineyard Cottages has elevated, expansive views across the valley and is home to the imposing Barossa Colonel Light Monument, or Barossa Chateau’s Residence is a grand luxury apartment co-located with a magnificent art and ceramics gallery. And for something entirely different, a luxury farm-stay in The Dairyman’s gorgeous accommodation located on one of the prettiest roads in the Southern Barossa, where owner Michael Wohlstadt has carefully considered every detail of your stay.
Wherever you choose, you’ll be able to take in the setting sun over vast expanses of vineyard, before you head to the bistro at the Lord Lyndoch for fantastic meal in this family-owned local favourite.
Day Two:
Make it a slower start to the day with a late breakfast at Vintage Chef Co Café in the gorgeous grounds of Chateau Yaldara, where Teagan, Krystal and the team will get your day off to a fantastic start. The view is magical, looking out over the creek and the green lawns of the nearby Chateau. Use the time to pore over a copy of the Southern Barossa Trail map and familiarise yourself with everything this area has to offer. You might discover a stop or two to add to your itinerary, or a fantastic excuse to come back for another visit.
A huge treat is in store for you next – head a few minutes out of town and take a left turn onto historic Hoffnungsthal (Valley of Hope) Road, so named after an early European pioneer settlement in the area. You’ll arrive at Barossa Helicopters – there’s no better way to take in the extraordinary surrounds of the Southern Barossa than from the air. Bridgette, Billie-Jo and the team here will be proud to show you a stunning aerial view of their backyard - the staggering engineering of the Whispering Wall, the vast blue reaches of Warren and South Para Reservoirs, the green tracts of native conservation and forestry plantations and a patchwork of vineyards – this will definitely be a highlight of your visit, with plenty of opportunities for envy-inducing selfies!
After your flight, a one-minute detour will bring you to the Lyndoch Lavender Farm – as well as strolling through the picturesque lavender fields, you might be tempted by their lavender scones, lavender biscuits or even a scoop of lavender ice cream.
Back in the heart of Lyndoch you’ll rendezvous with Louis from Barossa Bike Hire, (after a hearty lunch at the Lyndoch Bakery, famous for their German baked goods). Your bike ride will start on the Lyndoch Village Green, a green expanse in the centre of the town, with a sealed cycle trail passing through it. Head west on the trail where a four-kilometre gentle ride will bring you to Burge Family Winemakers, Kies Family Wines and Cimicky Wines (and, if you are willing to invest some extra effort up a slight rise to Schild Estate you’ll be rewarded with yet another one of Lyndoch’s idyllic panoramic views). The trail will wind its way through the renowned Barossa Chateau rose garden resplendent with some 30,000 rose bushes and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002! You’ll find plenty of seating areas to sit back and relax, and in season, the colours and scents will make a heady mix and a stunning backdrop. If you’re ready for another coffee (or maybe a high tea…) pop into the Barossa Chateau Café and pick up some information on the Chateau’s extraordinary Art & Antiques Gallery, home to Hermann Thumm’s 18th and 19th century porcelain collection, curated from all over the world. Tours are available daily, so check ahead for times. A fitting end to your ride can be found at Chateau Yaldara, another stunning estate and home to the gorgeous entrance you peeked yesterday, where we recommend booking in to one of their fantastic wine experiences. Enjoy a guided tour through their historic cellars, taste a range of fortified wines straight from the barrel – and then indulge in a fortified and chocolate tasting!
After a late afternoon break, soaking in the views at your accommodation, round off your day with dinner (and perhaps a cocktail) at Lyndoch Hill Restaurant. In a region known for its incredible wine and food, the ever-changing menu is dictated by local producers and the restaurant’s own kitchen garden produce.
Day Three:
You’ll be exploring the tiny hamlet of Rowland Flat today, only a 10-minute drive from Lyndoch. On the way, a bushwalk through the Altona CSR Landcare Reserve, following the 5 km loop (or a shorter loop if you slept in…) It’s an easy walk, and the locals you’re most likely to meet on your journey are a mob of grazing kangaroos.
The extensive grounds of Jacob’s Creek cellar door in Rowland Flat reflect their strong commitment to sustainability – with native revegetation projects protecting the biodiversity of their attractive bushland and creek banks, and two vast solar panel arrays that follow the arc of the sun. You’ll have to whittle down the options here or plan a return visit to fit in: a hosted tasting experience, coffee and cake in the café, lawn games, a ping pong challenge, a wander through the kitchen garden, or a picture-perfect picnic bursting with delicious local produce and – of course – a glass of wine. And that’s without even considering walking or cycling on the trail that passes through the precinct.
Now is the time to make a decision about lunch, starting with neighbouring St Hugo. The restaurant is a gorgeous, elegant space, serving flavoursome, relaxed food accompanied with elevated vineyard views. Downstairs, the Hugo Lounge has a moody speakeasy style, with its leather armchairs enticing you to settle in for a wine tasting or selection from a beautifully curated lighter menu. Just down the road, Lou’s Place is located in the charming family-owned Lou Miranda Estate winery, serving up a taste of the Mediterranean with their generous shared menus.
You’ll find it hard to leave Rowland Flat, but when you’re ready, it’s a short 10-minute drive back to Lyndoch. You might want to slip in for a visit as you’re passing Hemera Estate or take in a stunning view of the Barossa Ranges at Kellermeister Wines (glass of cider optional). And for a final treasured memory of your romantic Lyndoch escape, take in the beautiful panorama from the aptly named God’s Hill Wines.
Dinner tonight will be low key – why not pick up take-away from the Table Café & Wine Bar and spend a relaxing night in!
Day Four…
Today you’ll be heading home, but before you do, allow some time for a final stroll along the Lyndoch main street – and duck into some of the beautifully curated – and sometimes quirky - shops on offer. A visit to Lyndoch Butcher to stock up on the Barossa’s famous smallgoods, or something fresh from the baker’s oven to enjoy once you arrive home.
The Lyndoch locals will be so pleased you’ve visited and experienced their beautiful corner of the Barossa – they’ll look forward to your return. And don’t forget – there are so many additional villages, townships and trails to explore in the Barossa – Williamstown, Krondorf village, Bethany to Vine Vale trail, Greenock village, Seppeltsfield Road and more – all waiting for you to discover in the future.