The small rural town of Tanunda is nestled within the Barossa Valley and lined with picturesque vineyards. With a heavy German influence from the 1800s, the town harbours European styles in its food, architecture and lifestyle.

Things to do

Most Tanunda wineries string along Para Road or Barossa Valley Way, but you can have wine tasting and picnics in the town centre at Basedow Wines or Stanley Brothers Winery. Old Barn Wines operates its tasting cellar in a pioneer-era dating back to early settlers from 1861, while Peter Lehmann Wines offers wine tastings in front of a cosy open fire in the winter. To learn about the regional wine, stop by Barossa Wine and Visitor Centre on Murray Street.

German heritage can be seen in Tanunda, with old-world sausage shops, Bavarian bakeries, German beer and schnitzel restaurants. You can also visit historic Lutheran churches from the 1800s, including Tabor Lutheran and Langmeil Lutheran. Stop by St. John’s Lutheran to view five life-sized wood-carved statues of biblical characters, including Moses and Christ.

The original town post office now serves as a historical museum, while Goat Square showcases tiny cottages of early pioneers. You can learn the ancient art of making wine casks and kegs at cooperages, such as The Keg Factory, Schulz Barrel Co and Heinrich Cooperage.

Travelling with the family? The kids will love Story Book Cottage and Whacky Wood, an attraction on Oak Street that re-creates scenes and characters from well-known children’s literature. Check out Norms Coolie Sheep Dogs, just off Gomersal Road, to find an eclectic display of Australian sheep dog skills.

Getting around

Tanunda is a small town with limited public transportation, located only 70 kilometres from Adelaide. You can pick up a rental car at Adelaide Airport or hire a taxi or bicycle in Tanunda.