Barossa Palms Motel is shaking up the Barossa’s wellness scene, unveiling the region’s first‑ever goat wellness program.
The Nurioopta-based retreat, which saw a change in ownership in late 2024, is expanding into the growing ‘goat yoga’ market, with the trend booming interstate and overseas, including in the United States.
Launching at the start of next month, the quirky experience will offer guests the opportunity to mingle with, feed and unwind alongside the motel’s four-legged friends.
Guests will be able to partake in a variety of self-guided goat mindfulness activities, encouraging slow, intimate moments contained in a dedicated and recently built mini goat sanctuary.
Owner of Barossa Palms, Elizabeth Hoyt, said the offering brings a unique and truly unexpected experience to guests across the Barossa and wider Adelaide region.
“We are trying to really turn the tourism industry on its head, creating spaces where guests who say here can relax, have room to rest and leave feeling a little lighter,” Elizabeth said.
“Guests will be able to hang out with and talk to our goats, allowing them the opportunity to be mindful with animals and nature.
“We call our goats our emotional support staff, they’re there to help our guests out if they’re having a bad day, and leaves our guests feeling much lighter.”
The idea stems from Elizabeth’s history living in on a 7,000-acre farm in the mallee region, where goats were part of her daily life, wanting to bring a taste of home to the Barossa.
She originally brought the goats in with the idea to help teach kids responsibility, but found the goats were more popular with guests who gravitated towards the goats and wanted to spend their time outside with them.
The resort recently welcomed two new baby pygmy goats to their retreat, with locals given the opportunity to name two of the baby goats through a Facebook competition.
The goats were named ‘Sage’ and ‘Basil’, who join the Barossa Palms family alongside trio ‘Ginger’, ‘Bill’ and ‘Storm’.
“I know how playful goats can be, with each goat having their own individual personality,” Elizabeth said.
“They are so good for our emotional and mental health, helping us feel grounded and mindful.
“Goats are like dogs, they love human companion and will follow you around and spend time with you. They’re just the cutest little animals!”
The new program aligns with Elizabeth’s philosophy of reimagining what an affordable staycation can look like.
“People don’t expect to find a wellness escape at a motel, and not everyone can afford thousands of dollars for a weekend retreat,” she said.
“We wanted to flip that on its head, and are aiming to be the wellness destination in the Barossa Valley.
“Wellness should be for everyone.”
The venue, which is nestled amongst the region’s world-class wineries and restaurants, has been newly-renovated and offers guests boutique accommodation alongside a salt and mineral pool, spa rooms and zero-gravity massage therapy, amongst other amenities.
Keen-eyed guests may even stumble upon a secret underground cellar, containing a prohibition-themed speakeasy bar boasting some of the Barossa’s best tastings.
The Barossa Palms goat wellness program will officially launch on July 1.
Barossa Palms Motel
Where: 5-9 Kalimna Road, Nuriootpa SA, Australia
Opening Hours: 9am to 5:30pm daily
For more info, click here.
