White Rocks Tanunda

15/10/2026

A literal milestone for my old Chev today, ticking over 84,000 miles on Radford Road, Angaston.

When I acquired her, the odometer showed 81,456 miles, but the speedo wasn’t working. How many miles went unrecorded, and whether this is her first or second trip around the clock, I don’t know.

Nonetheless, a nice round number worth pulling over to capture and another little chapter in her history, on a tree lined Barossa road.

08/10/2026

Another haulage job for the old Chev, helping spruce up the gardens at Whiterocks. 🌿

Today’s cargo: a tonne of sandy loam from Kuchel Contractors’ landscape supplies in Tanunda, ready to level our front lawns before the new turf goes down next Tuesday.

She likes a decent load on the tray. With the rear leaf springs comfortably settled and the secondary load leaves still waiting their turn, she rides beautifully, and those big drum brakes brought her to a stop with ease.

Still earning her keep, with plenty of character along the way. Now comes the part she can’t help with: the shovelling!

03/10/2026

The Whiterocks Chev called in at Peter Lehmann Wines—one well-aged red visiting a few others! 🍷

An interesting juxtaposition in the car park: the old Chev beside a Tesla. The Tesla had the technology; the Chev had the looks, character and several decades’ head start. Clearly the Chev is a superior vintage! 😉

Thank you to the Peter Lehmann team for a wonderful tasting of some superb Barossa reds and such warm hospitality.

The Chev’s own tasting notes remain “petrol on the nose, with a lingering hint of gearbox oil”.

Cheers, Peter Lehmann! 🍷

01/10/2026

It started with a fence repair… and now the lawns, edging, sprinklers and paths at Whiterocks are all getting some attention. Apparently “while I’m at it” is a dangerous phrase! 😂

Today the old Chev earned its keep, collecting a tonne of crushed quartz marble from Angaston quarry to freshen up the paths. Parked beside their enormous loader, my trusty truck suddenly looked like it belonged in a Matchbox collection!

“One tonne, please, just a teaspoon of that bucket!”

The loader made short work of loading it. I suspect my shovel and wheelbarrow will take a little longer.

All coming together for a fresh look around the Whiterocks gardens. 🌿

23/09/2026

Chev truck in it’s natural habitat, stoped for a nice&nasty at Apex Bakery

20/09/2026

A little piece of Whiterocks history restored.

A couple of months ago, a vehicle accident on Julius Street resulted in two cars being written off and also destroyed our 95-year-old fence along the Julius Street frontage. Thankfully, no one was injured — cars and fences can be replaced.

We took the opportunity to have the fencing along both Julius and William Streets renewed by Bazza’s Fencing, while keeping the original character of the property. The new fence uses traditional Emu wire, still made in essentially the same pattern as it was around 100 years ago.

Today we added the finishing touch by reinstalling the original refurbished number 11 at the front gate.

We think Bazza and his team have done a splendid job. New where it needed to be, but still very much in keeping with Whiterocks and its history.

And council has replaced the old faded Give Way sign which was ignored by the offending driver who caused the crash and they admitted full liability fortunately, so good on them for accepting accountability

31/08/2026

A recent group of seven friends chose Whiterocks for a three-night Barossa getaway, and their review captures much of what we aim to offer: a clean, comfortable and private home in central Tanunda, with cafés, restaurants and the town centre all within easy walking distance.

They awarded Whiterocks five stars across every category, including cleanliness, accuracy, location and value.

Thank you, Elizabeth. We’re delighted your group had such a wonderful stay and enjoyed exploring the Barossa from Whiterocks.

whiterocks.com.au

26/08/2026

Just around the corner from Whiterocks front door 😊😍

24/08/2026

A wonderful piece of Barossa history, and one that brought back many boyhood memories for me.

This very detailed video tells the story of the Penrice Stone Train, which for more than 60 years carried stone from the Penrice quarry near Angaston down the Barossa railway line through Nuriootpa, Tanunda and beyond.

Growing up in Angaston, I knew this railway and the Penrice end of the line very well. Even some of the railwaymen mentioned in the commentary, including the surnames Searl and Holmes, are familiar old local names. I can’t help wondering whether some of those drivers might also have called into my parents’ pub in Angaston for a b**r or a stout during their time in the district.

There is also a direct connection with Whiterocks.

The Penrice quarry was not only a source of limestone. It also produced the distinctive white marble stone once commonly seen around Barossa gardens. The garden borders at Whiterocks contain that Penrice white marble, and crushed white marble was used on the pathways.

That is where the name Whiterocks came from.

So this isn’t simply a fascinating railway documentary for us. It tells part of the story of the landscape, industry and people of the Barossa, and even a small part of the history behind our own name.

For anyone who remembers trains running through Angaston, Nuriootpa and Tanunda, this is well worth watching.

Why did this once massive industrial artery disappear from one of A...

17/07/2026

Every year this brings back great memories. Some years ago I took my 1954 Chevrolet truck to the Barossa Cruise On and had a wonderful weekend.

One of the highlights wasn’t just the cars, it was the people. Time and again someone would stop, smile and say, “My dad had one of these on the farm,” or “My Pop drove a truck just like this.” Hearing those stories made the truck more than just an old vehicle; it became a trigger for memories and conversations spanning generations.

That’s what makes events like Cruise On so special. They’re not simply about polished chrome and paintwork. They preserve a little piece of our social history, bring communities together, and create lasting memories for visitors and locals alike.

If you ever get the chance to visit the Barossa Cruise On, I can thoroughly recommend it. It’s a relaxed weekend with great people, wonderful hospitality and plenty of opportunities to reminisce.

“The lolly shop lady said if we had three Cruise-Ons a year, she wouldn’t have to open any other weekend of the year...”

Set amongst the vineyards and rolling roads of South Australia’s Barossa Valley, Valley Rodders’ annual Cruise On remains one of the country’s most relaxed and enjoyable hot rod weekends. From scenic cruises and great food to the famous Tanunda street display, the event combines cool cars, country hospitality and a strong sense of community. With chrome-bumper classics now joining traditional hot rods, the weekend continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. If good people, great roads and a laid-back atmosphere sound like your thing, Cruise On deserves a spot on your calendar.

Check it out in Cruzin #295, on sale now. Grab it at your local, or buy online at https://www.drivebuy.net.au/collections/cruzin-magazine