Springton: Herbig Family Tree, Heritage and Wine

Springton brings together a distinctive tree with local history, state-confirmed heritage sites, a challenging hiking stage and a specific wine offering.

Herbig Family Tree: Nature and History

The Herbig Family Tree is a large, hollow red gum tree. It is estimated to be up to 500 years old, measures seven metres in diameter at its base and reaches a height of 24 metres. The tree was Friedrich Herbig’s first Australian home after he arrived in South Australia in 1855. At the same time, the Herbig Family Tree remains a tangible link to Indigenous and early European local heritage. Nature and history come together here: the tree is notable both for its unusual form and its local significance.

Heritage in Springton

The Herbig Homestead Complex is recognised as a State Heritage Place in South Australia. It includes a house, a cottage, a mud-and-pine building, a hay shed and a cellar. The complex therefore comprises several distinct elements. The Friedensberg Lutheran Church & School is also recognised as a State Heritage Place in South Australia. The tree, building complex, and church and school represent different forms of local heritage: a natural landmark, a group of buildings, and a religious institution with a school.

A Museum Nearby

The Friedensberg Historic German School Museum is about 2 kilometres from Springton along an unsealed road. It is housed in a small stone schoolhouse with a typical late-Victorian one-room classroom, along with original furniture and fittings. Visits are available by appointment. The authentic German schoolroom experience includes saluting the flag, singing German songs, writing with pen and ink, and using the cane. When planning your trip, you can include the museum as a separate destination near Springton.

A Challenging Day Hike on the Lavender Federation Trail

The Lavender Federation Trail leads to Springton on a challenging 27-kilometre day-hike section. Its length and day-hike format make this section a clear focus for outdoor activity. As the trail reaches Springton, sheep pastures and eucalyptus plantations gradually give way to vineyards. This change in scenery gives the hike another defining feature alongside its distance and difficulty. The trail can therefore be considered a distinct focus for a stay, separate from the cultural and culinary offerings.

Wine and Regional Platters

Edenmae’s Cellar Door on Springton’s main street offers wine tastings and regional platters. This provides a specific culinary focus: wine and regional food complement the themes of hiking and heritage. Travellers weighing up an active day, history and good food can choose between these different focuses for their stay.

Choose a Focus for Your Accommodation Search

When planning a family holiday together, it helps to distinguish between a challenging day hike and cultural or culinary interests. First decide which of these will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Vine Vale, Cockatoo Valley, Bethany, Mount Pleasant, Lyndoch, Angaston, Light Pass, Tanunda.

For the broader travel overview: The Barossa Council.