Discover the intriguing history of the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley and delight in the rich springtime offerings of South Australia’s historic homesteads, picturesque gardens and wineries.

At a Glance

  • Discover South Australia’s intriguing and unique origins as Australia’s only freely-settled, planned colony
  • Visit historic homesteads including Anlaby Station and Carrick Hill
  • Admire sweeping gardens and landscapes awash with springtime colour
  • Savour South Australia’s unique produce and wines

With the captivating landscapes of the iconic Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills as backdrop, gain special access to verdant private gardens and estates, discovering the unique history and culture that has forged this enchanting corner of Australia.

Visit Anlaby Station, the historic homestead of South Australia’s oldest Merino stud with its four-hectare garden and National Trust-listed heritage trees and plants, and marvel at the imposing Tudor-style mansion of Carrick Hill.

Explore Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, and Sir Hans Heysen’s villa The Cedars, home to the nation’s oldest artist studio.

Dates

08 – 15 October 2026 (8 days)

Tour leader

Ute Junker

Tour Status

Available

Book now

Itinerary

Arrive in Adelaide on suggested flights. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist with your flights and other travel arrangements, including pre-tour accommodation and a private transfer from the airport.

At 11:00 am, meet your tour leader Ute Junker and fellow travellers at the InterContinental Hotel Adelaide and travel to 1837 Barossa, an iconic winery estate perched above the Barossa Valley with views over the vineyards. Visit the historic cellar door, where generations of winemakers have crafted award-winning wines distinguished by the estate’s unique Barossa terroir.

After lunch at the winery, continue to the hotel. Check in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

(LD)

Today, explore Anlaby Station in the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s great homesteads and one of the first grand rural properties of South Australia. Visit the historic homestead of South Australia’s oldest Merino stud before enjoying lunch at the property. Wander through the four-hectare garden, home to a variety of National Trust-listed heritage trees and plants.

Then, visit Barossa Valley Estate, a winery set within a “garden for all seasons” designed by renowned landscape architect Paul Bangay, and wander through Australia’s largest perennial gardens. Discover curated plantings and vineyard views that frame the estate’s cellar door.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

(BLD)

After breakfast, travel to Seppeltsfield to visit Wondergound Art Gallery, an immersive, contemporary art gallery located on the grounds of Mirus Vineyards and featuring a range of artworks from regional and interstate artists. Enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch before returning to the hotel in the mid-afternoon.

Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant.

(BLD)

This morning, check out of the hotel and travel to Littlehampton to visit Drouin Garden, a five-acre garden with over 900 different varieties of roses. Then, continue to Hahndorf, first settled in the nineteenth century by Lutheran immigrants and today maintaining the unique history of being the oldest German settlement in Australia.

After lunch in the village, check in to the hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before a casual dinner at a nearby restaurant.

(BLD)

Begin the day with a guided visit to the delightful Tickle Tank, the home and garden of artist and gardener Irene Pearce. Discover the cottage, constructed from concrete water tanks and adorned with mosaics, and the quirky 450-square-metre garden featuring native grasses, herbs, roses and fruit trees.

After lunch at a local winery, continue to Wyndbourne Park, a large rambling country garden located in the Mount Lofty Ranges. The large number of varied microclimates allow for a diverse collection of plants within the eight-hectare property, designed in several individual garden areas.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

(BL)

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, overlooking the picturesque Piccadilly Valley. The extensive botanical garden features displays of cool-climate plants, including vibrant rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias and towering tree ferns that transform beautifully with the seasons.

After a light lunch, explore The Cedars, the historic house and working studio of Australian landscape artist Sir Hans Heysen, and learn about his passion for painting flowers. The gracious old homestead is surrounded by a rambling cottage garden, planted by Sir Hans himself.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

(BLD)

Today, travel to the impressive UKARIA Cultural Centre, a purpose-built concert hall, and admire its lovingly curated gardens of various styles. In the Crescendo Garden, see a huge variety of herbaceous perennials in a naturalistic style and in the Mediterranean Garden experience an abundance of soft greenery.

Enjoy lunch at a local winery before returning to the hotel in the afternoon for an evening at leisure.

(BL)

This morning, check out of the hotel and drive to Carrick Hill House and Garden.

Visit this 100-acre estate on a private guided tour to view the art collection, including several items produced by William Morris, its impressive interior and enchanting garden.

Then, enjoy a special farewell lunch with Ute and fellow travellers before continuing to Adelaide.

Tour arrangements conclude at either Adelaide Airport, for suggested flights departing from 16:00, or the Adelaide CBD. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, and travel insurance (strongly recommended).

(BL)

Note: At time of publication (February 2026), private owners of gardens had committed to opening their homes and gardens, however they prefer not to be named. While we undertake to operate the tour as published, there may be some changes to the itinerary.

Prices

Per person, twin-share

AUD 6,250

Single supplement

AUD 985

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 1,500

Final payment due

07 August 2026

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour price includes

  • Accommodation in four-star hotels with breakfast daily (B)
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with welcome and farewell meals
  • Comprehensive sightseeing including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation throughout on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Group transfer to Adelaide Airport or the Adelaide CBD on departure
  • Expertise and insights of your tour leader, Ute Junker
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff
  • Hotel porterage (one piece per person)

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Transfers on arrival, or on departure if not using included group coach transfer
  • Airport porterage
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc.)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

Hotel

Your hotels
Barossa Valley – Novotel Barossa Valley Resort****
Hahndorf – The Haus Studios****

N.B. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted

More Details

Tour code: GD2619

Fitness level: Above Moderate

Tour members must be able to:
•    negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance
•    use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
•    undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
•    climb staircases of 100 or more steps
•    stand for long periods in museums and other sites
•    embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
•    handle their own luggage

Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions here.

Suggested airline: Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa
New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Download booking form here.

At time of booking, please advise us of any special dietary requirements or allergies that we should be aware of.

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