Banrock Station: Riverland winery and day out

When it comes to Riverland wineries, we assure you that there aren’t any others like this. Ideal for wine-lovers, foodies, environmentalists, walkers, birdwatchers, nature-lovers and certainly for family groups, Banrock Station is the kind of spot that will have you asking yourself why you’ve never been before!

Beautiful Banrock

Arriving at Banrock Station down a long winding road, a concealed gem with views of luscious greenery awaits you. Here, in the rural heart of South Australia’s Riverland region, you can enjoy wine tasting, a tasty lunch, walking, birdwatching and a spot of shopping all in one place. Banrock Station is a winery with a difference. Not only is it environmentally impressive, but it’s also a place you can spend hours on end – with family, a partner, the in-laws or just friends. Banrock Station is a whole day out.

Upon walking through the doors, information signs about the history, wines, flora and fauna and environmental efforts set the scene. Did you know..?:

• Banrock Station has contributed more than $5 million to over 90 environmental projects in 13 countries.
• A huge seventeen varieties are supported at the winery.
• Since 1995 Banrock Station has donated to conservation with every sale.
• An Aboriginal history here dates back 40,000 years.
• There are threatened species thriving in the grounds.

Neither did we.

Wine tasting

Riverland wineries are in some ways overlooked due to their famous South Australian neighbours, however the wine and various cellar door experiences here are absolutely unique. Banrock Station offers a tasting experience for $10 where guests can sample the array of wines. The winery states:

“Our winemaking philosophy is to create flavoursome, generous, value for money Australian wines, while demonstrating respect for the good earth from which they come.”

Quite fittingly, a wine tasting session at Banrock Station, comes paired with truly Australian views across the wetlands and the vibrant green vines. The sounds of local wildlife and sense of being at one with nature here, bring a whole new feeling to the typical wine tasting experience. Sampling whites, reds and roses has never been more wholesome!

Wetland walking

Perhaps the most novel activity to enjoy at Banrock Station involves walking through the wetlands. Upon arrival, guests can pay $10 for entry to the walks, and they are then able to wander until they wish. Boardwalks which lead visitors through reeds and across the colourful water blanketed in red, are one of the highlights. A couple of shorter walks are available for families and those only seeking a peek of the wetlands.

However, an 8 kilometre walk which circles the entirety of the water is possible for more adventurous walkers. Friendly staff at the bar will provide you with water, suncream and also a walkie before you depart. Kangaroos hiding behind mystical gum trees and large congregations of all sorts of birds – including those rare and threatened – are easily visible throughout this secluded walk.

Wining and dining

The Banrock Station Cellar Door building is perched upon a hill and offers seating on the balcony with uninterrupted views of the unique Riverland landscape. This certainly makes it difficult to leave without having something to eat. Visitors can enjoy breakfast or lunch here out in the open air, choosing from menus packed with gorgeous local produce. Breakfast brings waffles, egg dishes and fruit smoothies, whilst a lunch and grazing menu offers grazing platters, soups and salads as well as exquisite main dishes. Of course, a bottle of Banrock wine is the perfect accompaniment to your meal!

For the real Banrock Station experience, guests can collect a grazing style picnic from the kitchen and a bottle of wine, and head out to the best spots on the establishment. Included in the picnic you will find cheeses, olive oil, beetroot chutney, olives, fresh fruits, nuts and baguette amongst other tasty snacks. There’s no better way to enjoy local produce than in the wildlife-rich grounds of one of the best Riverland wineries.

On your way out…

To finish up a trip to Banrock Station, not only should you leave with some wines, but also some local produce sold at the cellar door. Chocolate, jams and chutneys, and nuts amongst other tasty local products can be found on sale here.

Heading to the Riverland from Adelaide? Make a weekend out of it and relax into some serene Riverland accommodation for the night. Take a quick look at our top picks for Riverland accommodation below.

Hotel picks from SA Weekend Escapes

A leisurely 30 minutes from Banrock Station, the small town of Berri sits next to the Murray River. For those seeking the kind of weekend getaway that involves a dinner by the river and morning strolls on the banks, Berri is the best places to stay. Within the town, two hotels offering different getaway experiences make for excellent escapes.

Berri Hotel

For those that like to see the river from their room, and also from their dining table, this Riverland hotel is for you. Complete with an outdoor pool, a bar with an excellent wine and beer menu and a bistro-style restaurant that caters for families and couples alike, this modern hotel is for the urbanite visiting the countryside.

Top tip: A gorgeous riverside cafe opposite the hotel serves great coffee (and Murray views) in the morning.

Big River Golf and Country Club

For those who enjoy the space of the countryside, but don’t want to be far from the town, Big River Golf and Country Club is for you. The obvious benefit here for golfers is a pristine golf course, whilst an outdoor pool and a cosy bar overlooking the green attracts just about anyone hoping to escape the city for the weekend.

Top tip: Big River Golf and Country Club is the kind of place you check into after a day exploring the Riverland, and don’t leave until the morning. Everything is here for you, including a restaurant serving all the favourites.

Your Ultimate Guide to Berri

Whilst you’re here, if you’re looking for more things to do in the Riverland check out our ultimate guide and plan an outdoorsy weekend getaway to the Riverland, filled with your favourite activities.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for more wineries in the Riverland, take a look at our previous post which suggests six Riverland wineries to visit during a wine tour.