Tanunda – Tanunda Spectator Travel Guide: Ziptrak Men's Stage 1

Start the day…

The first race of the men’s season will kick off in Tanunda - just over an hour’s drive from the Adelaide CBD. Start the day off with a freshly brewed coffee from Darling's Food With Passion Café. No matter what your order is, they’ll have you covered. 

Wander down the main strip of Tanunda and discover its historic buildings and charming local shops. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, make sure to pop into South Australia’s iconic FruChocs Shop and Barossa’s Old Fashioned Sweet Shop. 

At 11:10am cycling champions from all over the world will be at the start line ready to take on a 144km race around the Barossa.

Chase the peloton...

Once the race begins, make your way to Nuriootpa and stroll down the historic main street where you’ll unearth boutique shops and cafes. If you’re feeling peckish, pop into Linke’s Bakehouse and Pantry where freshly baked goods and coffee await. Wander down to the corner of Gawler Street and Murray Street to catch the peloton whiz past about 11:45pm.

Head up to Menglers Hill where efex King of the Mountain points are up for grabs. Get there by approximately 12:05pm to see who will secure the second KOM points of the race.

Get another perspective of the peloton at Menglers Hill Lookout. You’ll be treated to some of the region’s best views and see the riders gear up for more laps of Menglers Hill. Take in the incredible 180-degree vistas of the vineyards and paddocks that make up the Barossa, and make sure to check out the Barossa Sculpture Park while you’re there.

Head back to Tanunda and grab a freshly made pie or sausage roll from the Tanunda Bakery before settling in to witness an exciting sprint to the finish, which will happen around 3:53pm.

Settle in…

If you want an easy-going day without missing any of the action, there’s plenty of places to perch along the route and still catch the peloton multiple times.

Barossa Valley Brewing is set just down the road from the start and finish line and is the perfect spot to park yourself for the day. You’ll see the peloton go past FOUR times while sipping on some local Barossa beer paired with a classic Australian parmi or pizza.

The Tanunda Hotel is right amongst the action, and you’ll have the best view in the house if you snag a spot on the balcony. Settle in for lunch and taste some of the Barossa’s finest produce and wines.

Keep exploring…

You’re in an internationally acclaimed wine region with over 80 cellar doors – be sure to experience some of them!

The 132-year old Chateau Tanunda is a Barossa icon and among Australia’s top wineries.

Yalumba is another historic winery in the Barossa, with an impressive variety of wines for guests to enjoy while meandering through the picturesque grounds.

Pick up some gourmet goods from the Barossa Valley Cheese Company and select a spot amongst the vineyards to enjoy – you’ll feel like you’re in France!

If that’s not enough, head to the skies and get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Barossa from a hot air balloon! Rides last for about an hour and leave first thing in the morning. Celebrate with a champagne breakfast and gourmet treats upon return.

Barossa Valley Chocolates will leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store with their experiences! Not only can you watch the chocolate being made in the factory or indulge in some homemade ice cream, but kids can become chocolatiers for the day in the junior chocolate workshop.

A trip to the Barossa isn’t complete without visiting Seppeltsfield, home to 420 acres of ancient vineyard, gardens and heritage-listed architecture. Here you can explore their world class cellar door and tasting rooms, FINO Restaurant, Octeine Coffee and JamFactory Contemporary Art & Design studio.

Stay the night…

There is a seemingly endless amount of places to stay in the Barossa, from five-star luxury to rustic cottages tucked among vineyards. For accommodation along the race route, check out Tanunda Cottages, Discovery Parks or Barossa Bed and Breakfast. For more accommodation options, visit: https://southaustralia.com/destinations/barossa/accommodation