Barossa Valley Luxury Accommodation

Pair your visit to Australia’s most idyllic wine country with a stay at one of the finest Barossa Valley luxury accommodation offerings

The reds are rich, the food is splendid and the scenery’s lush – so it makes zero sense to cut the indulgences short when you’re ready to hit the hay. Thankfully, a special collection of Barossa Valley luxury accommodation options, including The Louise, Kingsford The Barossa and the Barossa Pavilions, are calling. Heavenly backdrops complement breathtaking architecture while world-class hospitality stretches right across the region. You’re also just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, where you’ll find another range of excellent hotels and homestays, but don’t be surprised if you fail to make the trip. Parting with the Barossa’s distinct charms isn’t easy.

1. The Louise

Turning off Seppeltsfield Road as The Louise expands across your eyeline, you’ll be gently lifted to the Italian getaway of your dreams. With great green pastures and an infinite vine-dotted horizon, the Marananga property sits confidently within Baillie Lodges’ luxury lodge portfolio which now spans globally.

The Louise Lodge Property — From the moment you first approach The Louise you know you’re in for a special stay. (Image: The Louise)

Jooshed up in November 2022 after its 2005 unveiling, The Louise encompasses 15 villas stemming from a vine-lined walkway, each built with private courtyards fringed with rosemary. Sun loungers and outdoor dining settings provide the perfect props for sunset vinos with a view.

Marananga Suite Terrace — The terrace in the Marananga Suite delivers killer sunset views. (Image: The Louise)

Inside, it’s clean and plush as white and grey monochromatic hues trick generous spaces into feeling even bigger. Three heavyweight suites, the Stonewell, Marananga and Bethany, attract the VIPs.

Stonewell Suite Views — The Stonewell Suite boasts some pretty remarkable vineyard views from bed. (Image: The Louise)

Fitted with open fireplaces, walk-in rain showers, outdoor showers, in-suite bars, complimentary mini-bars and marble-walled ensuites with spa baths, they’re all lovely but choosing the Bethany Suite will land you a second king bedroom.

Marananga Suite Lounge — Get warm by the fire inside the Marananga Suite. (Image: The Louise)

If it all gets too comfortable inside your Barossa Valley luxury accommodation, an infinity pool and sauna are also located on-site. Then there’s Appellation, where you’ll head for breakfast and so much more.

The Louise Mish And Kirk — Drag yourself away from your cosy suite to experience the infinity pool. (Image: Mish and Kirk)

One of the country’s most innovative regional restaurants, it offers a five-course degustation with paired wines that aims to shine a light on all things local. Plucking from nearby farmers, suppliers and its own kitchen garden, the kitchen is widely adored.

Dine at The Appellation during your stay. (Image: The Louise)

Contour offers more relaxed, though no less delicious, dishes and it’s the place to visit for a holiday cocktail or five.

2. Kingsford The Barossa

Sense something familiar about this Barossa beauty? Kingsford The Barossa served as the much-loved family home in the TV series McLeod’s Daughters during the early 2000s but these days, it’s renowned as one of the region’s most lavish Barossa Valley luxury accommodation offerings. The magnificent manor, remotely situated just south of Lyndoch, offers overnight stays unlike any other, making its mark on our 100 Unique Stays list.

Kingsford Homestead — The Kingsford is set within a magnificent manor. (Image: Adam Bruzzone)

Ditch your inhibitions with the outdoor bush bath, a two-person claw-foot bathtub that overlooks the gentle North Para River, channel your inner child with a round of skittles inside a German-style bowling alley complete with its own bar, take a dip in a spectacular saltwater pool shaded with a stunning old peppertree, or grab a map and explore nearby walking trails.

The Kingsford Fire Pit — End your day around the communal fire pit. (Image: Tourism Australia/ NECI)

As for your digs, eight sophisticated suites built into the hillside await your arrival. A contemporary structure right beside the property’s grand 1856 sandstone lodge, each room is named after a previous custodian of Kingsford The Barossa, including the ‘Kerry Packer suite’ decked out with ritzy chandeliers, its own claw-foot tub, and a Smart LCD TV, naturally. Luxurious toiletries, French doors opening out to private balconies, plush living areas and massive jet spas can be found among the other seven suites.

Matilda King Suite - The Kingsford Barossa Valley — Inside the luxurious Matilda King Suite. (Image: Adam Bruzzone)

Rumbling bellies will find comfort in the poolside Peppertree Bar’s woodfire pizza menu, or the elegant Orleana Restaurant, but if it’s fine wine you’re keen to sniff out, two magnificent wine cellars house not only a “museum collection" of Penfolds Grange but a spread of Henschke’s famed Hill of Grace, epic champagne, and more mouth-watering drops.

3. Barossa Pavilions

Entering the gates of Barossa Pavilions , located atop one of the region’s trademark rolling hills, your shoulders instantly drop. The 75-acre Lyndoch property, which has been gated off from the rest of the area for total privacy, encompasses six spacious villas plus the Barossa Glasshouse, globally renowned as one of Australia’s most iconic houses. Offering amazing views from three king bedrooms, sunken lounge space and a giant chef’s kitchen, it’s the cherry on top of an outstanding Barossa Valley luxury accommodation option. But staying in one of the other six self-contained villas is equally wonderful.

Overlooking the North Para River, they feel like individual farm stays of their own. Split into the Sky Spa Pavilions, located highest on the hill, the River Spa Pavilions, built closest to the river, and the Valley Spa Pavilions, set overlooking vineyards, the lodgings feature two-person outdoor swing chairs, fully stocked kitchenettes, laundries spa baths and fireplaces. Switch off and sink in.

4. Le Mas

Be transported to the charms of Bordeaux and Burgundy with a stay at Le Mas , the Barossa Valley’s dazzling French-inspired hotel. Blending rugged Australian terrain with Provencal sophistication, the luxury Barossa Valley accommodation (that is now part of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio) feels otherworldly from the moment you arrive.

You’ll spy a field of vines, grown to produce Le Mas’ own collection of wines in addition to servicing Rockford Wines, as you travel down a dirt driveway in the small suburb of Rowland Flat before landing at a beautiful collection of King and Queen rooms.

Le Mas Lounge — Find Old World charm in spades at Le Mas.

The Deluxe Kings are where it’s at, complete with deep stone bathtubs built under large windows that let in garden views, while the Superior Kings are extremely comfortable with silk blinds and a lovely skylight right above a rain showerhead.

Le Mas Bath — Soak away the day in the stone bathtub.

Queen rooms feel special too, situated at the front of the property and offering views of those vines, plus in-room massages and personal yoga sessions can be arranged for all guests. Life gets even sweeter at the heated pool and within The Orangerie, Le Mas’ very chic on-site restaurant, crafting traditional Provencal dishes like duck pate, escargots and moules frites.

an outdoor pool with umbrellas and sun loungers surrounded by an expansive vineyard in Le Mas, Barossa Valley — Dip in the heated pool surrounded by lush greenery.

5. 1858 Barossa Accommodation

Make it a get-together to remember at the utterly enchanting 1858 Barossa Accommodation farm stay. A restored farmhouse originally built in 1858 – the reason for the name – this house ticks so many weekend away boxes. Just a short drive away from the action of Angaston, plus its four-bedroom setting amongst seven glorious hectares, makes it plenty roomy yet totally intimate all at once.

1858 Barossa Dining Outside — The property is set on a sprawling seven hectares of land.

Antique furniture and décor plus a fireplace, an eight-person dining table, a cosy veranda with outdoor seating and a big firepit provide loving, lived-in vibes. The kitchen, as always, will prove a focal point with open shelves packed with delicate crockery, a small round dining table of its own, timber cupboards, a farmhouse sink, dishwasher, coffee machine, and a welcome pack of milk, butter, tea, coffee, sugar and olive oil. A home away from home in the most striking of locations.

Lounge at 1858 Barossa Accommodation — The restored farmhouse is cosy and luxurious.

6. Benbullen Retreat

The exceptional homesteads keep coming with Benbullen Retreat , a lush, manicured slice of Barossa Valley heaven about a 10-minute drive from busy Tanunda. Its genius Concierge Experience is a true blessing for those keen to sit back and let the good times roll as a personal assistant is on-call to book all your wining and dining reservations. They’ll even arrange flowers from the best local florist if you need them.

a fully equipped kitchen in BenBullen Retreat — The bluestone homestead comes with a fully equipped kitchen. (Image: Sam Kroepsch)

The five-bedroom bluestone masterpiece, which sleeps up to 10 people, is all rich timbers and gold finishings, and two of the bedrooms feature ensuites with bathtubs and Jurlique toiletries, while another two bedrooms are fitted with French doors opening out to fresh air and views. A sleek Hamptons-style kitchen is fitted with marble benchtops, double stove, and an enormous fridge and when it’s time to mingle, a fire pit, multiple outdoors terraces, kids’ play equipment, giant Jenga and Bocce, a wine country must-play, are all on hand to amplify the fun.

an overhead shot of BenBullen Retreat surrounded by trees in Barossa Valley — BenBullen Retreat sits in an undisturbed spot on the Barossa Valley grounds.

7. The Kirche

If you thought Charles Melton Winery’s charms ended at its excellent range of shiraz, think again. Resorted to luxurious perfection right on site, The Kirche is Barossa Valley luxury accommodation worthy of its own accolades. The Kirche, which is German for ‘church’, is a converted Lutheran church dating back to 1864, though once inside, its tell-tale ceiling is the only thing that gives it away.

Located just minutes from Tanunda’s main road, the two-bedroom structure is dressed with all the trimmings you’d expect from high-end hotels, and the space overlooks the winery’s vast collection of vines which can be marvelled at from every corner of the stay. The prime spot is undoubtedly its bathroom, fitted with a big soaking tub that’s begging to be filled with bubbles, plus a twin shower, underfloor heating, and a separate powder room. And the treats don’t end there.

Enjoy your complimentary bottle of Charles Melton wine and cheese plate from a paved rear veranda right beside the vines, or take the party inside with a board game as a fireplace sets the scene. The kitchen also comes stocked with locally sourced continental breakfast ingredients.

8. Rogasch Cottage

Featuring one of the most Instagram-friendly pools in the region, Rogasch Cottage is a carefully considered Barossa Valley luxury accommodation offering, ideal for lovebirds in the mood for romance. The two-bedroom space lies amid nine acres of vineyard, making the views from that elevated, circular plunge pool even more idyllic.

a spacious seating area with open windows — Savour the cool breeze amidst the magnificent backdrop. (Image: Rogasch Cottage)

Pouring a glass of the good stuff, which can be found within the 1860s cottage’s private cellar, and setting up shop in its heated waters, feels like a dream. While the space, located within a short stroll from Tanunda’s main shops, is adjoined to the owner’s family home, utter privacy has been created. However, having locals on speed dial makes for some noteworthy benefits.

a woman dipping in a heated plunge pool — Relax in a heated plunge pool. (Image: Elliot Grafton)

Owner Scott and his team offer ATV tours of his organic vineyards, plus extravagant picnics down by the creek, fire pit suppers and harvest grape picking. But if it’s downtime with a special someone you’d love, an open fireplace, barbecue and kitchen filled with food and wine provides the perfect recipe for ultimate relaxation.

9. J.H.A Stone Cellar

It’s a breathtaking scene once the sun begins to sink. A two-pronged structure that combines mighty stones with giant panes of glass, outdoor up-and-down lights help J.H.A Stone Cellar to practically glow against vast green lawns at Hutton Vale Farm, located on the fringe of Angaston. But it’s arguably what’s inside the two-bedroom luxury villa that’s got people talking.

the exterior of Hutton Vale Farm behind a dramatic orange sunset sky background — Gaze at the orange sunset sky outside the farm.

Created for two couples or a family of four, the two-bedroom space is a slick bed and breakfast, providing guests with a deluxe brekky hamper stocked with eggs, bacon, muesli, fresh fruit, and milk. The views are sensational with those glass panels taking full advantage of the building’s slight slope on a corner of the farm. An outdoor rain shower, kitchen fitted with a generous farmhouse sink, and monochromatic linens make for stylish living you’ll struggle to peel yourself away from once the holiday’s over.

10. Tanunda House

Live like a movie star at the lavish Tanunda House , a five-bedroom, five-bathroom manor that must be seen to be believed. The swish sandstone villa’s location, right in the heart of Tanunda, will make you feel even more glamorous with the region’s most popular eateries and wineries right on your doorstep. However, you won’t need to leave Tanunda House for very long.

Tanunda House in Barossa Valley — Tanunda House is a stunning five-bedroom, five-bathroom manor.

A tennis court, 12-seater dining table, outdoor bar and kitchen, swimming pool with sun lounges, extensive lawns and gardens, underground wine cellar, outdoor fireplace, cool room, and theatre room are all waiting to be played with. Plus, you’re provided with a host manager who will greet you upon arrival, ensuring all burning questions are answered right away. They’re then on hand to make any local reservations for you. Best of all, there’s parking for up to 21 cars because, you know, luxury.

Find more experiences, accommodation, eating and entertainment options in our Barossa Valley travel guide.

Slow down and find your rhythm on a Murray River journey through time and place.

Trust is a funny thing. It seems not that long ago that my mother was insisting on pouring the milk into my cereal bowl, because she didn’t trust me not to slosh it over the table, and yet here I am on the Murray River at Mildura in far north-west Victoria, being handed the keys to a very new and very expensive luxury houseboat.

After a crash course in how not to crash, I’m at the wheel of the good ship Elevate – pride of the All Seasons fleet – guiding her upstream past red-ochre cliffs as pelicans glide above the rippled river and kookaburras call from reedy banks. There’s a brief moment of breath-holding while I negotiate a hairpin turn around a jagged reef of skeletal, submerged gum trees, before a cheer rings out and calm descends as the timeless river unfurls in front of us.

The Murray River winding through Yarrawonga. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Setting sail from Mildura

Murray River birds — Home to a large number of bird species, including pelicans. (Image: The Precint Studios)

A journey along the Murray River is never less than magical, and launching from Mildura makes perfect sense. Up here the river is wide and largely empty, giving novice skippers like myself the confidence to nudge the 60-tonne houseboat up to the riverbank where we tie up for the night, without fear of shattering the glass elevator (the boat is fully wheelchair accessible) or spilling our Champagne.

My friends and I spend three days on the water, swimming and fishing, sitting around campfires onshore at night, and basking in air so warm you’d swear you were in the tropics. The simplicity of river life reveals an interesting dichotomy: we feel disconnected from the world but at the same time connected to Country, privileged to be part of something so ancient and special.

Stop one: Echuca

19th-century paddlesteamers — A historic 19th-century paddlesteamer cruises along the Murray River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The six-hour drive from Melbourne to Mildura (or four hours and 20 minutes from Adelaide) is more than worth it, but you don’t have to travel that far to find fun on the river. Once Australia’s largest inland port, Echuca is the closest point on the Murray to Melbourne (two hours 45 minutes), and you’ll still find a plethora of paddlesteamers tethered to the historic timber wharf, a throwback to the thriving river trade days of the 19th century. The PS Adelaide, built in 1866 and the oldest wooden-hulled paddlesteamer operating in the world, departs daily for one-hour cruises, while a brand-new paddlesteamer, the PS Australian Star , is launching luxury seven-night voyages in December through APT Touring.

The town is also a hot food and wine destination. St Anne’s Winery at the historic Port of Echuca precinct has an incredibly photogenic cellar door, set inside an old carriage builders’ workshop on the wharf and filled with huge, 3000-litre port barrels. The Mill, meanwhile, is a cosy winter spot to sample regional produce as an open fire warms the red-brick walls of this former flour mill.

Stop two: Barmah National Park

Just half-an-hour upstream, Barmah National Park is flourishing, its river red gum landscape (the largest in the world) rebounding magnificently after the recent removal of more than 700 feral horses. The internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland sits in the heart of Yorta Yorta Country, with Traditional Owners managing the environment in close partnership with Parks Victoria. Walkways weave through the forest, crossing creeks lined with rare or threatened plants, passing remnants of Yorta Yorta oven mounds and numerous scar trees, where the bark was removed to build canoes, containers or shields.

The Dharnya Centre (open weekdays until 3pm) is the cultural hub for the Yorta Yorta. Visitors can learn about the ecological significance of the Barmah Lakes on a 90-minute river cruise, led by a First Nations guide, or take a one-hour, guided cultural walking tour along the Yamyabuc Trail.

Stop three: Cobram

Continue east to Cobram to find the southern hemisphere’s largest inland beach. Swarming with sun-seekers in summer, the white sand of Thompson’s Beach is shaded by majestic river red gums and dotted with hundreds of beach umbrellas, as beachgoers launch all manner of water craft and set up stumps for beach cricket. But the beach is at its most captivating at sunset, when the crowds thin out, the glassy river mirrors the purple sky, and the canopies of the gum trees glow fiery orange.

The region is also home to some fine resorts and indulgent retreats. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has two riverside championship golf courses, luxury apartments and self-contained villas. While not strictly on the Murray, the historic wine town of Rutherglen is rife with boutique (and unique) accommodation, including an exquisitely renovated red-brick tower in a French provincial-style castle at Mount Ophir Estate. Fans of fortified wines can unravel the mystery of Rutherglen’s ‘Muscat Mile’, meeting the vignerons and master-blenders whose artistry has put the town on the global map for this rich and complex wine style.

Stop four: Albury-Wodonga

First Nations YindyamarraSculpture Walk — First Nations Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is part of the Wagirra Trail. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Follow the river far enough upstream and you’ll arrive at the twin border cities of Albury-Wodonga. The Hume Highway thunders through, but serenity can be found along the five-kilometre Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk – part of the Wagirra Trail that meanders through river wetlands just west of Albury in Wiradjuri country. Fifteen sculptures by local First Nations artists line the trail, conveying stories of reconciliation, enduring connection to culture, local Milawa lore and traditional practices. It feels a long way from Mildura, and it is, but the pelicans and kookaburras remind us that it’s the same river, the great conduit that connects our country.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

New Mildura motel Kar-rama. (Image: Iain Bond Photo)

Kar-Rama is a brand-new boutique, retro-styled motel in Mildura, with a butterfly-shaped pool and a tropical, Palm Springs vibe. Echuca Holiday Homes has a range of high-end accommodation options, both on the riverfront and in town.

Playing there

BruceMunro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura — Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura. (Image: Imogen Eveson)

Artist Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights installation, comprising more than 12,000 illuminated ‘fireflies’, is currently lighting up Mildura’s Lock Island in the middle of the Murray. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a hub for contemporary art, with a rotating roster of exhibitions, and is a major outlet for young and First Nations artists.

Eating there

Mildura’s diverse demographic means it’s a fantastic place to eat. Andy’s Kitchen is a local favourite, serving up delicious pan-Asian dishes and creative cocktails in a Balinese-style garden setting. Call in to Spoons Riverside in Swan Hill to enjoy locally sourced, seasonal produce in a tranquil setting overlooking the river.

10 Barossa Valley luxury accommodations for a lavish escape