Adelaide: Barossa Day Out: Wines, Brewery, Chocolate & Lunch

When it comes to Australian wine regions, the Barossa Valley is often front and center. This tour, offered by See Adelaide & Beyond, promises a day packed with wine tastings, wildlife encounters, and scenic views—all designed for travelers who want more than just a typical wine tour. Our review looks at what makes this experience stand out, including its highlights, real traveler insights, and practical details to help you decide if it’s right for you.

We love that this tour mixes wine, local food, and wildlife, offering a well-rounded taste of the region. The knowledgeable guides seem to bring the area alive, sharing stories and insights that go beyond the usual. Plus, the inclusion of unexpected stops like the giant rocking horse and Whispering Wall adds a fun, memorable twist. However, one thing to consider is that wildlife park entry isn’t included, so budget for that if it interests you. This tour suits those who enjoy a blend of nature, local culture, and good wine, and who appreciate a relaxed, small-group atmosphere.

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Key Points

Diverse experiences with wine, beer, chocolate, and wildlife
Knowledgeable guides enhance the storytelling and overall vibe
Great value for a full-day adventure, including lunch and tastings
Stunning scenic views from Menglers Hill and other lookout points
Ideal for travelers who want an authentic, fun, and engaging day out
Not suitable for children under 18 or those with mobility issues

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Starting the Day: Scenic Drive and Big Rocking Horse

The adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Adelaide Hills, giving you a taste of South Australia’s lush countryside. The first highlight, the Gumeracha Big Rocking Horse, is a sight to behold—claimed to be the world’s largest of its kind. Reviewers mention climbing up for panoramic views, which is an added bonus for those who want to get a sense of the scale and craftsmanship behind this quirky landmark. The wildlife park offers opportunities to feed kangaroos and wallabies (for a small fee), which many guests particularly enjoy, especially those who love close encounters with native animals.

One reviewer notes, “The Big Rocking Horse and climbing it for the view was such a fun start,” setting a playful tone for the day. The park also offers a chance to interact with friendly animals and grab a coffee or toasted sandwich if you’re feeling peckish.

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The Whispering Wall: A Mind-Blowing Acoustic Phenomenon

Next, you’ll visit the Whispering Wall, a marvel of engineering where sound waves travel along a curved dam wall allowing whispers to be heard from quite a distance. It’s an experience that sticks with travelers: “This blew my mind,” said one reviewer. It’s an excellent photo opportunity and a fun science lesson rolled into one, with guides explaining the fascinating acoustics.

Wine Tasting at Kies Family Winery

As you approach the heart of the Barossa, the first wine stop is Kies Family Winery, a small, family-owned operation. Here, you’ll taste a selection of award-winning wines, with the hosts sharing stories about their five-generation family history. Reviewers often comment on the genuine warmth and hospitality, making the tasting feel more personal than commercial.

Lambert Estate and Gourmet Pizza Lunch

Moving on, the Lambert Estate offers a more immersive tasting experience, with hosts guiding you through their premium wines. The highlight is the lunch—a generous serving of gourmet pizzas placed right in the vineyard setting. With a variety of toppings and a relaxed atmosphere, this meal is a perfect chance to mingle with fellow travelers and soak up the scenery. One guest describes the pizza as “absolutely delicious,” noting it’s a satisfying way to fuel the afternoon.

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Menglers Hill Lookout: Views and Photo Opportunities

Next, a short drive takes you to Menglers Hill Lookout, where panoramic views of the Valley await. Travelers love to capture photos of the sprawling vineyards and rolling hills, and many mention that it’s a great spot to reflect on the day’s experiences. The lookout also offers insights into the region’s geography and why it’s so ideal for wine production.

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Exploring Tanunda: Living Like a Local

In the afternoon, you get about 45 minutes in Tanunda, a charming town with plenty of options. You might visit Z Wines for a tasting of local varietals or drop into the Rehn Bier Brewhouse to sample craft beers (own cost). Others prefer wandering the streets, exploring shops, or grabbing an ice cream or coffee. Reviewers frequently mention how much they appreciated this free time to relax and absorb the local vibe.

Chocolate and Wildlife Highlights

Before heading back to Adelaide, there’s a visit to Melbas Chocolate Factory for some sweet tasting—another hit with guests, who mention the delicious chocolate samples. Although wildlife park entry isn’t included, the opportunity to pet kangaroos and wallabies earlier in the day adds a memorable element for animal lovers.

Return Journey and Reflection

The return trip provides space to unwind, chat with new friends, or simply enjoy the scenery. Many reviewers highlight that the small group size keeps the experience intimate and personable, enabling opportunities for conversation and questions.

At $105 per person, this tour packs in a full day’s worth of experiences. Between multiple wine tastings, a brewery visit, a gourmet lunch, scenic lookout, and wildlife encounters, it’s clear that the cost is reasonable—especially considering the personalized attention and variety of activities included. The transportation is comfortable, and the live guides are credited for their enthusiasm and knowledge, making the journey lively and informative.

Some reviewers, like Robert, mention the well-balanced itinerary, appreciating that it’s more than just a wine tasting; it’s about experiencing the region’s culture and natural beauty. Others, like Rebekah, loved the variety of experiences, from climbing the rocking horse to chocolate tasting, which kept the day engaging and fun.

Practical Details and Tips

The duration of 8 to 9 hours provides ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially for outdoor stops.
Remember to bring a camera, sunscreen, and a water bottle—staying hydrated and capturing the stunning scenery is part of the fun.
The wildlife park entry fee isn’t included, so budget accordingly if you want to feed or interact with the animals.
This tour is not suitable for children under 18, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, given the nature of some stops.

This Barossa Valley day trip is perfect for travelers who want a balanced, engaging experience that combines wine, local food, wildlife, and beautiful views. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning from passionate guides and appreciate a small-group setting for a more personalized touch. If your idea of a perfect day involves more than just wine, with a dash of fun surprises and scenic exploration, this tour offers excellent value.

However, if you’re looking for a strictly winery-focused experience or want to visit specific attractions like the Whispering Wall or wildlife park without changes, you might find the itinerary a bit flexible or different from your expectations. This experience delivers a genuine, enjoyable glimpse of the Barossa’s charm—delivered with humor, authenticity, and a whole lot of Aussie friendliness.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes transportation by a comfortable bus or coach, making it easy to relax between stops.

Are the tours suitable for kids?
No, this tour is not recommended for children under 18 or those with mobility concerns due to the nature of the stops.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. The weather can vary, so dress accordingly.

Can I visit the wildlife park on my own?
Wildlife park entry isn’t included in the tour, so if you want to spend extra time petting kangaroos, be prepared to pay the small fee directly at the park.

Are wine and beer tastings free?
Yes, tastings at Kies Family Winery, Lambert Estate, and Rehn Bier Brewhouse are included, giving you a chance to sample a variety of local drinks.

How long is the free time in Tanunda?
You’ll have about 45 minutes to explore, shop, or relax in Tanunda before returning to Adelaide.

This Barossa Day Out offers a well-rounded, fun-filled exploration of South Australia’s most famous wine region, blending indulgence with adventure and local flavor. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, wildlife lover, or just in search of a memorable day trip, it’s designed to leave you with plenty of stories—and maybe a little extra wine to bring home.