How to Spend 3 Days in the Barossa Valley

Three days in Barossa Valley allow you to discover the region’s top wineries, explore the countryside, and enjoy outdoor activities at a more relaxed pace than on a day trip. Here’s how to see the best of Barossa Valley in three days.

Day 1: Fine Wines and Gourmet Cuisine

Wine tasting is the top attraction in the Barossa Valley, which is home to some of the biggest names in Australian wine.

Seppeltsfield, Wolf Blass, Penfolds, and Jacob’s Creek are among the most famous, but most tours also visit some smaller wineries, which offer an excellent selection of cabernet sauvignon, grenache, and semillon varietals, plus many more. 

Taking a guided tour or hiring a private driver leaves you free to enjoy wine tasting without having to worry about driving. Some tours visit up to three wineries in one day, making them ideal for time-pressed travelers. For a more immersive experience, book a wine-making workshop or  food-and-wine-matching masterclass, during which you’ll expand your wine knowledge under the guidance of a sommelier. 

End your day with an 8-course degustation menu at one of Barossa Valley’s most-renowned restaurants—the Chef's Table at St. Hugo Winery. To secure a table at the prestigious restaurant, advance booking is essential.

Day 2: Vineyard Views

The most spectacular views of the Barossa Valley are from the air, so kickstart day two with a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards; the majority include breakfast accompanied by sparkling wine.

The landscapes of Barossa Valley provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities; set out on a guided hike or bike ride on the 25-mile (40-kilometer) long Barossa Trail, which offers great views of the Barossa Ranges and Adelaide Plains. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can enjoy a Segway or horseback riding tour of Seppeltsfield Winery vineyards, or even get behind the wheel of a rally car. 

Day 3:  Villages of the Valley

The villages of Barossa Valley each have their own distinctive character so it’s worth taking time to explore the local markets, artisan food producers, and historic sites on a tour that includes convenient round-trip transfers. For a fun way to get around, hire a bike or trike, or travel in style in a convertible Mustang.

The Barossa Heritage Trail links all of the main villages and viewpoints, but leave yourself plenty of time to stroll around the towns and browse the shops, galleries, and cafés. Popular stops include the Barossa Farmers Market and the Barossa Valley Cheese Company in Angaston; the Maggie Beers Farm Shop in Nuriootpa; and the unique Whispering Wall in Williamstown. 

Time your visit to watch the sunset from the viewpoint at Mengler's Hill, then head to the nearby Barossa Valley Brewing for a craft beer tasting session in the summer beer garden.