Morning Walks at Wilsford House
Note: This articles was written by a guest staying at Wilsford House in May 2020. We hope you enjoy the read and are inspired to find your own walking trail while staying at Wilsford House. We only ask that stay on the designated walking tracks and do not walk through the grape vines as South Australia is designated as a phylloxera state and we would like to keep it that way.
I’ve always been an early riser, I can’t help myself, my eyes open and my mind is eager to embrace the opportunity of a new day.
There’s something so optimistic and magical about mornings that I’ve fallen in love with.
So while staying at Wilsford House I decided to take a morning walk and experience the Barossa as it woke to a new autumn day.
Quietly I gathered myself together and slipped out the house dressed warmly for the crisp morning air that awaited me.
Stepping out onto the Wilsford House porch I find myself looking at postcard beauty, just autumn toned vineyards and the Barossa ranges beyond.
With my hands buried in my pockets I set out the front gates and turned left down the dirt track called Barritt Road, quickly passing the historic Wilsford Winery alongside the main House.
Rich History & Heritage
Not far down I passed a Burge Barossa vineyard sign titled ‘Wilsford Vineyard’ and I’m reminded of the rich history that surrounds this unique property and the proud winemaking origins of the Burge family.
A thin veil of morning fog filled the air, condensing into droplets on the golden leaves of the vines standing to attention, glistening in the morning sunshine like soldiers in the dawn.
The valley’s silence was only broken by the sound of birds, the wobbling of the magpies from tall gums above, and the distant laughter of kookaburras proclaiming the arrival of a new day.
Further down the road and I was delighted by a mob of kangaroos, 16 individuals strong, with two little joeys at foot.
Their heads arched up as they watched my every step forward until they all hopped off into the rows of vines beyond. This really was a special place.
A burst of excitement as a group of rosellas flew low in front of my path and proceeded to squabble amongst themselves in the canopy of the vines.
Down the track another Burge Barossa vineyard sign, the ‘John Burge Vineyard’ and again my mind contemplated the many footsteps that had already seen this track over the years before me.
Having turned right onto Daly Road I headed southeast to run in parallel to the township of Lyndoch. Risen up I could see across the historic village with the wood smoke drifting from its chimney tops.
One step in front of the other, my mind drifted amongst the vines and before I knew it I had cornered right onto Altona Road heading towards the Barossa Valley Way.
With coffee on the mind and Lyndoch my destination I headed down the gentle grade past another Burge Barossa vineyard, towards the Lyndoch Creek bridge.
Lyndoch is a quaint township, with traditional stone buildings, some of which were covered in glory vines that had turned the most stunning blood red. Another right turn at the intersection and delicious coffee was within sight at the Lyndoch Table Café.
After being welcomed by friendly faces and morning smiles, I left with my coffee in hand and began my journey northwest back towards Wilsford House.
Black birds sang loudly in the towns cottage gardens, while the savory smells wafted past my nose from the Germanic Bakery, all my senses were delighted and it had been a wonderful morning walk.
In total my walk took just over an hour to complete, but it was a truly beautiful and uninterrupted discovery.
I would encourage any Wilsford House guest to embark on this journey – a wonderful way to start your day when staying at this historic Barossan residence.