One of the most renown wine growing regions in South Australia, the Barossa Valley is also only an hour’s drive from Adelaide, making it perfect for an easy weekend getaway or even a day trip. If you’re planning on visiting the Barossa Valley with your dog, find out about the many dog-friendly options available, from dog-friendly wineries to where to dine and stay.
Dog-Friendly Wineries in the Barossa Valley
A visit to the Barossa Valley wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one winery. For the latest listing of dog-friendly wineries in the valley, see the pamphlet put together by the local tourist organisation.
Note that some wineries have their own dogs – if that’s the case, it’s best if your dog is sociable. It’s also a good idea to double check the latest rules with individual wineries when you make a booking, including what parts of the winery that your dog is allowed in.
One of the most dog-friendly wineries in the Barossa Valley is Levrier Wines, open for tastings from Wednesday to Saturday. When you make a booking, list the number and breeds of your dogs.
This winery has its own off-leash dog park complete with toys outside the cellar door, perfect for keeping your pup occupied while you make your way through their wines. Or they can join you inside and perhaps enjoy a treat. Your pup is likely to meet their resident wine dogs, so all visiting dogs need to be vaccinated.
Some other pet-friendly cellar doors in the Barossa Valley that allow dogs in outside areas include St Hallett Winery, Edenmae Estate Wines and the grounds of historic Chateau Yaldara. Double check the latest opening hours, with advance bookings often preferred. Let them also know you plan to bring a dog.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in the Barossa Valley
Wine tasting isn’t all that there is to do in the Barossa Valley. There’s also plenty more things to see and do, along with your pup. Consider these dog-friendly sightseeing options…
1. Head to the Barossa Sculpture Park
Overlooking the town of Tanunda to the east is the Mengler Hill Lookout. As well as being a great spot for views of the vineyards, adjacent to the lookout is the Barossa Sculpture Park.
A wide range of imposing stone sculptures are scattered around the hillside, the result of two international sculpture symposiums in 1998 and 2008. Wander along the paths between the sculptures, with leashed pups welcome to join you.
2. Stroll Through the Barossa Bushgardens
Dogs on a leash are also welcome at the Barossa Bushgardens in Nurioopta, open daily from sunrise to sunset. There’s even a water fountain for dogs next to the Old Gum Tree.
These gardens showcase many of the native species found in the Barossa Valley region. Take a stroll on one of the nature walks through the different gardens, sniff the plants in the Sensory Garden, or follow the 13-metre Labyrinth.
3. Visit a Lavender Farm
Just outside of Lyndoch is the Lyndoch Lavender Farm. Ideally visited during the summer months when the lavender is in full bloom, leashed dogs are welcome. You might also meet the resident farm dog, Daisy.
As the lavender fields at this farm are rather small, it’s best to visit on the weekend when the cafe is also open, in addition to the farm and shop. Enjoy a serving of lavender scones, lavender ice-cream or the other locally produced delights at one of the outdoor tables, with your pup by your side.
4. Go Bike Riding in the Barossa
It’s possible to ride your bike right through the Barossa Valley on the 40km-long Barossa Trail. The 27km section from Gawler to Tanunda is mainly a dedicated shared-use trail, shared with pedestrians, while the 13km stretch from Tanunda to Angaston via Nurioopta is a bitumen rail trail, that
Dogs are allowed to join you along the entire length of the trail, whether on foot or in a bike trailer. There are multiple companies that hire out bikes, including trailers for children – perhaps enquire about dog trailers?
5. Take a Walk Through Tanunda
The town of Tanunda, located int the heart of the Barossa Valley, was first established in the 1840s by German settlers. To find out more about the town’s history, follow the Tanunda Town Walk.
This 2.5km walk starts at the Barossa Visitor Centre and follows the wonderful Tanunda Historical Trail Markers, each featuring historic photographs of the town. Along the way, you’ll pass historical churches, cottages, workshops and more.
Pick up a brochure at the visitors centre or download a copy online. Dogs need to be kept on a leash around the town. There is also a 3km-long heritage walk through nearby Angaston.
In Tanunda, I also recommend detouring to the eastern side of town, to the Chateau Tanunda. This heritage listed winery completed in 1890 using local bluestone is stunning.
Dog-Friendly Parks in the Barossa Valley
Dogs are allowed at most local parks in the Barossa region, although check the local signs for whether they need to be on leash. However, there are also two dedicated dog parks in the Barossa Council area.
The dog park closest to the heart of the valley is the Nurioopta Dog Park on Penice Road. Further south is the Williamstown Dog Park, part of Queen Victoria Jubilee Park. Both dog parks are fenced, have dog bag dispensers and bins. I’ve also heard reports the Nurioopta Dog Park has balls, rackets, toys and even wading pools for the warm summer months!
There is also a fenced dog park in Gawler, the gateway town to the Barossa. Head to Clonlea Reserve Dog Park, where there are two separate areas for small dogs and puppies and for all dogs.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in the Barossa Valley
Don’t visit the Barossa Valley without stopping in at Maggie Beer’s Farmshop. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the shop stocking Maggie’s famous range of products (from quince paste to verjuices to sauces), they are permitted outside on a leash, but shouldn’t be left unattended.
Enjoy a cheese and dukkah platter out on the deck overlooking the dam, a glass of wine in hand, with your pup at your side. Water bowls are providing to keep thirsty dogs hydrated. Alternatively, enquire about lunch next door at The Eatery (bookings essential).
Another highly-rated spot is Fleur Social in Nuriootpa. This combination florist and coffee shop is open until 2pm on weekdays, plus Saturday mornings. Dogs are welcome at the table out the front on the sidewalk. As well as coffee, there’s a delicious range of bagels, toasties and sandwiches on offer.
On Saturdays, pets are allowed in the outside areas of both the Barossa and Mount Pleasant Farmers Markets.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in the Barossa Valley
Dogs are welcome to join you at the two large verandahs outside Stein’s Taphouse in Nuriootpa. Open for lunch from Thursday to Tuesday, plus until late on selected evenings, there’s an extensive range of craft beer on tap and a variety of American-inspired casual meals.
Dogs are also welcome at the outdoor tables at Barossa Valley Brewing and the beer garden of the Tanunda Hotel (which is partially enclosed with heaters), both in Tanunda.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in the Barossa Valley
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The majority of caravan parks in the Barossa Valley area permit pets on sites.
We camped at Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley. Pets are permitted in selected Standard and Economy cabins, as well as on powered and unpowered sites. The park is walking distance from the centre of Tanunda and conveniently close to Barossa Valley Brewing. For human kids there’s a large water park and swimming pool.
In Nurioopta, a great option is the BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park. Pet-friendly year round, the park has plenty of facilities from bike hire to private fire pits on selected site, plus there is one pet-friendly cabin, the four-berth Jay Ensuite Cabin (call up to book). Best of all, it’s close to the local fenced dog park.
Another pet-friendly caravan park in the Barossa Valley is Gawler Caravan Park. Dogs are permitted on all sites and in selected cabins, up to two pets per guest. Double check the latest fees charged if staying in a cabin with your pet.
Alternatively, a small number of rooms at the Barossa Weintal are pet-friendly. Centrally located in Tanunda, contact the hotel directly to find out the latest details and make a booking.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.
Thank you so much. We have used your ideas often on our camper van holiday from Brisbane with our small dog. Currently in beautiful, but very cold Hahndorf. Onto Barossa today.
Cheers. David & Karen.
Enjoy your time in Barossa! Yes, it’s meant to be a cold weekend, even here in Sydney!
Not many hiking tracks around lyndoch that u can walk your dog. Options down south, belair etc or a dog park in williamstown or nuri. Dog park isn’t hiking tho. Very disappointing, such lovely parks but no whete to take fury friends.
Trying to find a hike around lyndoch that u can take your dog. There isn’t any. Hale hike, no dogs, south para, no dogs. Warren reservoir, no dogs. Altona, no dogs, sandy creek, no dogs. Para wirra, cost $, 2 camping/parks past williamstown cost $. Do I really have to drive to belair to take myself and dogs for a hike. $2.30 a litre for fuel and $ to get into belair also.
According to the local tourism authority (as I haven’t explored around Lyndoch), dogs are allowed on the Mount Crawford Summit Trail and the Mount Pleasant Loop Trail, in addition to in Para Wirra.