My Barossa Day #9 - Making Barossa Memories With My Family

A guest submission Megan Sweeney, Barossa Visitor Centre. 

It was at my Grandma’s grape picking bucket that I learnt about my love for Barossa. I still remember the smell of the vine leaves, my sticky hands after squeezing the berries and the smell of the red earth. My Grandma would feed me sandwiches and berries while she would pick grapes and I would sit in the shade of the vine canopy, trying to hide from the hot sun.

Barossa Valley Ballooning

The Barossa has always been in my blood and I love to explore it. This is my perfect Barossa day – trying to create similar memories for my kids so they grow up with the same connection to our home.

One thing we regularly do as a family is balloon hunting. As soon as we see a balloon from our backyard we love to jump in the car and chase it. We follow Barossa Valley Ballooning and Barossa Balloon Adventures as their balloon(s) float over Marananga. I always dream of being in the balloon with my family, floating peaceful as the sun rises over the natural iconic landscape of the Barossa. 

After the balloon flight is over I’m feeling peckish so a stop off at Apex Bakery is in order. There is something magical about this place. They are third generation bakers and the wood oven has been continuously fired since 1924! With traditional Barossa recipes dating back to the 1800’s their breads are amazing and nothing beats their vegetarian pasties. After a quick three minute walk to Tanunda Oval and playground the kids can have a play while we eat all the bakery goodness. With our bellies full and happy kids it’s time for more exploring. There is no better way to discover the Barossa than by bike. So we head to the Barossa Visitor Centre to hire some bikes from the Barossa Cycle Hub.

Whether you're looking to hire children's bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, tag-along bikes you'll find them at the Barossa Cycle Hub. A favourite ride we enjoy is the designated Bike path from Tanunda to Nuriootpa. It’s the perfect track for a family with young kids. It is an easy path, which follows the old rail easement and there are no challenging hills for the little people. After the seven kilometre ride we are thirsty so a stop off at Provenance Barossa is the perfect place. 

This place has all the things, wine, gin, beer, coffee, Pizza, platters, tapas, and gin…did I already say gin? There is plenty of room for the kids to run around on the lawn with games available to keep the them happy while us parents are having a well-deserved rest with drink in hand.

Then it’s time to indulge in some tapas at First Drop - Home of the Brave, it’s one of my favourite places to go. With their eclectic cellar door space and fabulous tapa’s options I feel right at home. They cater fantastically for our family with dietary requirements (just give them a heads up beforehand), their dishes are so full of flavour you can’t help but leave with a smile on your face.

Now it’s time to head back to Tanunda, with a quick stop at Beans and Cream for a delicious vegan ice-cream before we get home. The kids love running around Tanunda Town Square playing noughts and crosses as much as we love sitting down and watching them!

What a day, what a place. My Barossa, I can’t wait to explore you again.

Apex Bakery
 
Barossa Cycle Hub

Acknowledgement of Country —

The Barossa is located on the traditional lands of the Ngadjuri, Peramangk and Kaurna people