Barossa Range: A Scenic Backdrop to Wine Country
Explore the scenic Barossa Range, the stunning backdrop to South Australia's iconic wine region, offering history, nature, and breathtaking views.
The Barossa Range, known as Yampoori to the local Kaurna people, is a mountain range that serves as the eastern border of the famed Barossa Valley in South Australia. Colonel William Light, during his exploration in 1837, named the range after Barrosa Hill in Spain, commemorating a battle where he fought. A clerical error led to the misspelling that remains today. The range is part of the larger Mount Lofty Ranges and is the source of the North Para River and Jacob's Creek, vital for the valley's ecosystem. Its highest point is Mount Kaiser Stuhl, reaching 588 meters and forming part of the Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park, offering walking trails with panoramic views. Mengler Hill provides another vantage point, easily accessible on the road between Tanunda and Angaston. The Barossa Range has played a significant role in the region's history. Following European settlement in the 1830s, the area became a hub for German immigrants, who established vineyards and shaped the valley's cultural identity. The range's slopes and fertile land contributed to the success of the Barossa as a premier wine-producing region. Today, visitors can explore the Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park, hike its trails, and enjoy the views that have captivated settlers and travelers for generations.
Local tips
- Visit Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park for walking trails and panoramic views of the Barossa Valley.
- Take a drive to Mengler Hill for an easily accessible viewpoint overlooking the valley.
- Explore the Barossa Valley's wineries and cellar doors, many of which offer views of the Barossa Range.
A brief summary to Barossa Range
- Pewsey Vale, South Australia, AU
Getting There
-
Driving
The Barossa Range is best accessed by car, as it stretches along the eastern side of the Barossa Valley. From Tanunda or Angaston, follow signs towards the Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park or Mengler Hill. There is no fee to enter the Conservation Park. Parking is available at the Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park and Mengler Hill. Parking is free.
-
Public Transport
While public transport directly to the Barossa Range is limited, you can take a train from Adelaide to Gawler Central, then a LinkSA bus to towns within the Barossa Valley like Tanunda or Angaston. From there, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare service to reach specific locations within the Barossa Range. A Keoride on-demand bus service operates in the Barossa Valley. A taxi from Tanunda to Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park is approximately $30-$40. Check the LinkSA website for bus schedules and fares.
