The Barossa Trail walking and cycling path is 40 kilometres (25 mi) long, and passes the main towns, starting from near Gawler on the Adelaide Plains, to Angaston to the east of the valley.

The traditional owners of the land including the Barossa Valley are the Peramangk people, who comprise a number of family groups.

Evidence of their thousands of years of occupation can be seen all around the area, in the form of artefacts, scar trees and shelter paintings.

The third, and largest town, Nuriootpa, was influenced by both German and British settlers, and today is the commercial hub of the Barossa and it is where most of the larger stores are located.

In February 2011, South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, announced that special legislation would be introduced to protect the unique heritage of the Barossa Valley and of McLaren Vale.

The many hectares of vineyards are the most distinctive feature of the area, especially when viewed from the Mengler Hill lookout, positioned on the Barossa Range which forms much of the eastern side of the valley.

The success of the wine industry has historically been celebrated every two years with a week-long Barossa Valley Vintage Festival.

The festival draws visitors from all over the world, and has entertainment for all tastes including a huge street parade, concerts and gourmet dining.

[19] Other main grape varieties grown in the region include: Riesling; Semillon; Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Shiraz vines planted as early as 1847 by Johann Frederick August Fiedler on Lot 1, Hundred of Moorooroo (the township of Tanunda) are still in commercial production today by Turkey Flat Vineyards.

The festival runs for around a week in autumn, and traditionally marks and celebrates the completion of the year's vintage season, at the end of March and beginning of April.

Local wineries and venues host individual events throughout the Barossa, offering food, wine, music, arts and hospitality.