Tradition is held dear in the Barossa and its influence is evident in its people and their way of life. The past is everywhere in this historically rich area, brought to life along the various Barossa Heritage Trails. Small town museums, old wineries and vineyards, heritage listed buildings, beautiful churches and historic cemeteries all tell the story of a European heritage close to a century and a half old.
The Barossa consists of several trails which link the many heritage sites in the area. Gawler or Kapunda are excellent places to start your tour and visitor information centres provide excellent maps and touring ideas. Whether it’s by car or on foot there are fascinating sites along the way. Explore quaint towns like Bethany and Tanunda with beautiful churches and historic buildings many of which today house wineries with cellar doors for tastings.
One of the areas oldest buildings, the Barossa Historical Museum in Tanunda is housed in an 1865 post office. The museum has been instrumental in the preservation of the area’s German heritage. In Gawler take a walking tour down historic main street with its beautiful buildings and stroll through the town’s lovely parks. The town of Bethany is the Barossa’s oldest village founded in 1842 by German immigrants. Its historic dwellings were modelled on its German heritage and many are now preserved as art galleries and craft shops.
Just a short drive northeast of Adelaide, the Barossa has untold stories to tell. History is around every corner and best of all its still part of the area’s everyday life.
