Big crowds Gather Round

The weather brought out more brollies, beanies and scarves compared to 2025, but that didn’t dampen the spirit of AFL Gather Round in the Barossa.

Well over 10,000 footy fans streamed through the gates at Barossa Park for both Saturday and Sunday’s matches, backed up by a record crowd in Tanunda’s main street for the ultimate post-match party.

Barossa Food & Wine Village attracted well beyond last year’s numbers with close to 10,000 people enjoying the festivities into the evening on Saturday.

Mayor Bim Lange said the Brisbane Lions and GWS Giants weren’t the only winners this Gather Round.

“The Barossa came out on top again," said Mayor Lange who witnessed a vast increase in foot traffic through Barossa townships in his own travels.

“These figures capture more than just the Gather Round games themselves. They reflect visitation before, during and after each match and use SATC daytrip spend-per-head figures.”

Very early estimates also suggest a 95% occupancy rate for the 5,654 beds available across the region.

“People were telling me they based themselves in the Barossa and went to Adelaide games from here which I can only conclude meant our accommodation and lifestyle is exactly what they were looking for,” Mayor Lange said.

“I saw so many out and about getting breakfast - the coffee was flowing nearly as fast as the wine!”

Mayor Lange was particularly pleased Minister for Tourism, Emily Bourke, accepted his personal invitation to see the Barossa Food & Wine Village firsthand.

“She made a special trip from Adelaide to Tanunda to be there, and it gave me an opportunity to introduce her to local business owners,” Mayor Lange said.

“She chatted with people in the street and was more than impressed with what we did which bodes very well for the future.”

Mayor Lange praised the collaboration between the AFL, State Government of South Australia, Barossa businesses and the community that delivered such an unforgettable experience.

"There were people everywhere travelling on the free Bounce around Barossa the Barossa buses and not only to the 60 Festival of Footy events either. Even locals took advantage of the free travel options to explore their backyard,” Mayor Lange added.

“Barossans can be proud. We showed Australia once again why we are a premier destination for events and experiences.”