Barossa Bowland — Attraction in Tanunda

Went here yesterday with a group of friends to play bowling and mini golf and have some mixed feelings about the experience, first of all the bowling alleys need to be upgraded badly, the lane my group bowled on was one of the driest lanes I personally have ever bowled on ( I bowl in a league and know my oil patterns etc) which made the shots down the lane very random, the lane next to us had people bowling on it and you could see divots and dents in the lane as the glare from the lights hit the ball and illuminated on the lane meaning they could never bowl a good shot which you could see frustrated them.

The mini golf course is in desperate need of renovation, the putting borders on each course have paint missing and chunks taken out of the borders and the starting squares have multiple divots in them which makes it difficult to keep your ball still when your trying to putt, the dinosaur statues need renovation badly, the speakers inside them are crackly and need to be repainted and repaired, and the way the course is designed with all the water in between the course means your constantly swatting away mosquitoes and bugs that live in the water which is very frustrating.

Put on top of those things that the prices are stupidly high for what you get to experience and your much better off going to another bowling alley and or mini golf course that actually take pride in there venue and set realistic reasonable prices for the patrons who keep the business open.

First time coming here in nearly three years and the experience is much of the same,...

Aggressive, boorish behavior from the manager in front of children. Accused us of being "the sort" who are dishonest and not paying, when we had actually walked in as a group, were asked if we were paying separately, paid altogether, left our fruit at the counter as required, then gone back to pay an extra $13 for the 2 yo who had decided to play.....certainly not actions of criminal masterminds....more the honest actions of three mothers! His manner and tone were completely bizarre, bordering on instability and certainly not appropriate, let alone justified. We left immediately, were refunded only $50 from the total $63 we had paid. Later that afternoon, totally perplexed about the insanity of the asseveration, I called the manager to ask what his take on the situation was, having given him the opportunity to calm down and consider his behavior towards us, his customers, so he could right the wrong. Given the opportunity, he continued to be offensive, threatening and completely disinterested in our concerns and position, talking over me and hanging up when I asked him to listen to my experience. The venue looks fun, but I feel compelled to warn families about the abysmal customer service and attack we experienced. The other staff were OK, not glowing with friendliness in a family environment, however "Ken", the manager's, behavior was truly offensive and quite scary for both mothers and children....certainly not a fun experience and it seems no apology or customer relations...

I love this place, it's such a fun day tucked away in the Barossa.

Pros: the atmosphere The Dino facts signs and sculptures make it so fun (and I love a theme!) the holes are of varied skill level and trickiness so lots of opportunities to show off your skills... Or lack there of. cute outside area to chill and have a snack after playing bowling inside, golf outside, so something fun for everyone, or why not do both? friendly team and affordable! great for every age great opportunity to smack talk your mates about their terrible golfing/bowling abilities largest mini golf course in SA!

Cons:

unfortunately it is out at the Barossa so a bit of a drive depending on where you live (but worth it tbh) mini golf is outdoors so not great if it's raining! But you can at least still bowl! if you (or your kids) are triggered by loud noises, they may find the Dino sound effects a bit confronting (but they only play when the button is pressed, they aren't automatic)

Overall, it's nice to have something so fun that isn't wine related in the Barossa and I think this spot is amazing if you want a nice day out for some wholesome fun. Also after wards, do yourself a favour and hit up the 50's diner in Tanunda for lunch, you won't regret it!

Also.if you turn up in Dino costumes to match the theme, they will be most accommodating hahah although it makes it a lot harder to score a hole...