The Barossa Valley in South Australia is not just a pretty wine country backdrop. It’s one of those rare places that wraps around your senses — from the spice of a bold shiraz to the smell of warm sourdough at the local farmers market, and the slow, golden afternoons you wish would never end.
Whether you’re chasing big flavours, wide skies, or a few days off the grid, there’s a long list of things to do in Barossa Valley. And even better, there are several CABN cabins waiting for you when you need a breather from it all.
Barossa Valley is More Than a Wine Region
With a history going back to 1842, you’ve probably heard that the Barossa is one of South Australia’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions — but that’s just scratching the surface. Sure, it’s home to world-famous wineries, rolling vineyards, and heritage cellar doors, but this region is also fiercely local, proudly slow, and packed with unexpected gems.
It has third-generation bakers, scenic picnic trails, and little farms where you can actually meet the goats behind your cheese. You don’t need a wine tour itinerary to make the most of it. You just need time, curiosity, and maybe a solid pair of walking shoes.
And there’s, not one, but a few places just nearby that let you really unplug – that is, the CABN Barossa accommodation cabins.
CABN X and CANVS at Septefield in the Barossa Valley, for instance, are the kind of hideaways suspended in the wine region, where the phone stays in your bag, your breath slows down, and your morning soundtrack is nothing but wind in the trees.
Top Things to Do in Barossa Valley: The Honest List
1. Barossa Farmers Market: Real Food, Real People
If you want to get a feel for the community, skip the tourist shops and head straight to the Barossa Farmers Market on a Saturday morning.
It’s low-key but full of heart — local eggs with yolks so orange they glow, spicy bratwurst hot off the grill, fresh-cut blooms bundled with string. Just good produce, grown and made by people who genuinely care.
Locals shop here. So do chefs. So should you.
CABN tip: Pick up breakfast supplies for the next morning. Nothing beats frying up your own market haul in a quiet cabin kitchen.
2. Mengler Hill Lookout: The Best View in the Valley
You’ll hear about Mengler Hill Lookout from everyone — and yes, it lives up to the hype.
But don’t just show up, snap a photo, and leave. Bring a thermos. Linger. Watch how the sunlight paints the vines. You can see almost the whole Barossa Valley from up here — all rolling rows of green and gold, peppered with stone cottages and historic churches.
Just down from the lookout, the Barossa Sculpture Park adds a layer of art to your walk — abstract shapes and natural textures that somehow feel right at home.
CABN tip: Sunrise and sunset are worth the early alarm or late dinner. And yes, you can get back to your cabin before it’s too dark.
3. Family Friendly Finds: Stuff Kids Will Actually Enjoy
Travelling with kids in a place like the Barossa Valley? That’s surprisingly doable.
The Whispering Wall sounds like a gimmick until you try it — stand 140 meters apart and still hear each other’s whisper. It’s equal parts fun and freaky.
In Angaston, the Barossa Adventure Station is a hit with older kids — from zip lines to bike trails, and enough climbing gear to burn off post-lunch energy.
There are also low-key farm visits where younger kids can pat goats, collect eggs, or pick fruit when in season.
CABN tip: Even if you’re doing family activities all day, the best part is winding down in nature. Board games, toasted marshmallows, and a cabin full of fresh air? That’s the kind of screen-free time you’ll all remember.
4. Wine & Cellar Doors: Go Beyond the Tasting List
The Barossa is world-famous for shiraz — and rightfully so — but don’t let the wine culture intimidate you.
A lot of cellar doors are super relaxed. You don’t need to know tannins from terroir. Just walk in, chat, and sip what you like. Many spots will happily make recommendations based on what you normally drink.
A few local favourites worth dropping into:
- Langmeil Winery: Their Freedom vineyard dates back to 1843 — yes, that’s right!
- Kies Family Wines: Generous tastings and genuinely warm hospitality.
- Seppeltsfield: Try a wine from your birth year. Yes, seriously.
- Chateau Tanunda: Big, bold reds in a castle-like setting.
Tip: Many wineries have food now — cheese boards, pizza ovens, even fine dining. Book ahead, especially on weekends.
5. Gardens, Trails, and Lazy Walks: Do Nothing, Beautifully
Some days, you won’t feel like hopping between wineries. That’s okay — the Barossa has plenty of quiet corners.
The Barossa Bushgardens are a dream if you’re into native plants, birdwatching, or just sitting still under a gum tree. It’s free to enter, and the walking trails are easy, even with little ones in tow.
Looking for a bit more movement? The Barossa Trail links up towns across the region, giving cyclists and walkers a safe, paved path through vineyards and farmland. Stop for coffee in Tanunda, keep going to Nuriootpa, and maybe swing by a cellar door on your way back.
CABN tip: We leave a trail map in every cabin. You can pick a loop or let the path choose your day.
6. Where to Eat in Barossa Valley: You’ll Want to Eat Everything
Sure, the wine is the star but the food scene is criminally underrated.
You’ll find everything from roadside produce stalls to hatted restaurants. Think smoked meats, wood-fired everything, buttery pastries, local olives, and a million ways to use fig.
Don’t miss out on the little places:
- Family-run cafes that roast their own beans.
- Bakeries where you can smell the sourdough from the car park.
- Cheese shops that do free tastings (dangerous but fun).
CABN tip: Keep it casual. Pack a picnic from the Barossa Farmers Market, find a quiet patch of wilderness, and let nature do the hosting.
Why CABN Barossa Feels Different
There’s accommodation — and then there’s waking up with your feet in the dirt and your soul in the clouds.
CABN Barossa is all about simplicity done well. Solar power, rainwater, locally sourced interiors, big windows, real timber, and enough silence to remember your own thoughts.
Our CABN X and CANVS at Seppeltsfield road as well as Chloe and Elsie cabins are tucked far enough from the road that you’ll forget roads exist. But they’re close enough to the region’s highlights to make exploring easy.
You’re not here to “do it all.” You’re here to tune in, watch the sky, nap in the afternoon and finally read that book, with nothing buzzing but the birds and the bees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barossa Valley famous for?
It’s famous for a couple of reasons. The bold shiraz, century-old vineyards, and a rich wine-making history that stretches back to the 1840s. It’s also famous for its food culture, German heritage, and strong sense of local community.
How far is Barossa from Adelaide?
It’s roughly 70km north-east of Adelaide – about an hour’s drive. Easy to get to, hard to leave.
What’s the best month to visit Barossa Valley?
Autumn (March to May) is peak time — perfect time for the golden vines, ideal walking weather, and harvest celebrations. Spring (September to November) brings green landscapes and blooming gardens.
Where should I go in Barossa Valley?
Start with Mengler Hill Lookout, Barossa Farmers Market, and at least one cellar door. Add a farm visit, a scenic trail, and a quiet spot to do absolutely nothing.
Are there family friendly activities in Barossa Valley SA?
Plenty! From the Whispering Wall to adventure playgrounds, hands-on farms, nature walks and food experiences that aren’t just for adults, the Barossa is surprisingly good with kids.
Whether you come for the wine, the fresh air, or just the break from normal, the Barossa Valley is one of those places that stays with you.
And when you stay at CABN South Australia, you’re slowing down, tuning in, and getting back to what really matters. Book your escape at CABN Barossa – and come back to yourself. Form more enquiries, get in touch with us.
