Jacob's Creek, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Aug 7th, 2006
Jacob's Creek is probably Australia's most famous creek - known for the popular wine that bears its name. Jacob's Creek is a small creek that runs through the wine-producing region of the Barossa Valley, 80km north of Adelaide, South Australia. The creek itself is only several kilometres long and flows westwards from its beginning in the Barossa Ranges, eventually meeting the North Para River.
It was first discovered and surveyed by William Jacob, the assistant surveyor to Colonel William Light, in 1839 as part of a wider survey of the Barossa region. It was named in his honour in the early 1840's. In the local aboriginal dialect it is called "Cowieaurita", meaning "yellow-brown water".
It lends its name to the famous wine brand Jacob's Creek, which is produced by Orlando Wines, located 2km southwest along the Barossa Valley Highway in the small town of Rowland Flat. Johann Gramp, the founder of Orlando Wines, first planted grape vines on the banks of Jacob's Creek in 1847. In 1997 Orlando Wines, in conjunction with the Northern Adelaide and Barossa Catchment Water Management Board, commenced a rejuvenation project for Jacob's Creek.
All non-native plants and trees, such as bamboo, ash, and olives were removed, and replanted with blue gums, red gums and other Australian native trees and shrubs. As a result of the project, many native species of frogs, native fish, and waterbirds have returned, with the creek gradually returning to its former natural state.
Set on the banks of the Barossa's most renowned waterway, the Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre (open since 2002) has special areas for wine-tasting at the cellar door, as well as a restaurant and a gallery area where guests can learn more about the history of the wine brand.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Qantas return to Adelaide from
$350 ex Sydney
$350 ex Brisbane
$540 ex Perth
Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Web: www.qantas.com
Prices correct at 3/7/06
Marananga Suite from $425 a night twin share. Includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Peppers The Louise - PH: 08 8562 2722. Prices correct at 7/8/06
Car hire from $60 a day. Includes taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Based on 7+ days rental of an economy sized vehicle. DriveAway Holidays - PH: 1300 363 500. Prices correct at 7/8/06
