Hoffnungsthal – Valley of Hope

Barossa Helicopters is proudly based in the historic Hoffnungsthal Valley, South Australia. The area was originally settled by German pioneers in 1847, who named it Hoffnungsthal—the “Valley of Hope.” Unfortunately, their settlement was built on low-lying land prone to flooding, despite warnings from the local Peramangk people. In October 1853, heavy spring rains forced the evacuation of most houses, and the village was eventually abandoned.

The Lutheran church, built on higher ground, continued as a school until 1867. Today, only the stone floor remains intact. The Kies family has a personal connection with this history—Peter and Sandra’s daughter Billie-Jo was married at the site, and her firstborn was baptised there.

In the Peramangk language, the area was known as Yertalla-ngga (“flooding land”). In 1916, during World War I, the government temporarily changed the name to Karrawirra (“forest of red gums”) to remove German associations, but in 1975, the original name Hoffnungsthal was restored.

Learn more about Hoffnungsthal’s history here.

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The Kies Family Story

The Kies family’s roots in the Barossa date back to 1857, when Christian and Maria Kies emigrated from Prussia, arriving in Port Adelaide aboard the Helene. Like many migrants, they left everything familiar behind, bringing with them vine cuttings, seeds, and a deep determination to build a new life.

Settling in Hoffnungsthal, they eventually secured farmland (today over 450 acres), planting grapes, vegetables, cereals, and establishing orchards. Over generations, the family became well-known for their winegrowing, with landmarks like the Norfolk Island pines and palms they planted now listed as Barossa heritage trees.

By the 1960s, the Kies family had grown into winemaking, opening Karrawirra Winery in 1969. Today, Kies Family Wines continues the tradition, with Michael and Tina Kies leading operations alongside their children, Bronson and Jess.

Peter Kies (fondly known as Goose) and his family remained custodians of the original Hoffnungsthal farm, where Barossa Helicopters would later take flight.

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Barossa Helicopters – A New Chapter

Goose’s love for aviation began young. His father owned a small plane, and Goose gained his private fixed-wing licence in 1979. A chance trade—swapping wine for a helicopter ride—sparked a lifelong passion for rotary flight.

By 1986, Goose had his commercial helicopter licence. Together with his wife Sandra, they began offering flights at Barossa events, eventually establishing a helipad at Chateau Yaldara Winery.

In 1989, instead of buying a house, they bought their first helicopter—a Bell 47—making Barossa Helicopters the first tourism aviation operators in the region. Many doubted they would succeed, but through grit and persistence, the business grew.

Over the years, the fleet expanded to include Bell Jet Rangers, Long Rangers, and Robinson R44s. Their daughter Bridgette followed in Goose’s footsteps, becoming Australia’s youngest female commercial helicopter pilot at just 18 years old in 1999.

The business adapted through challenges—supporting firefighting operations, flying photographers, chartering to remote regions, and attending regional events—before evolving into a tourism-focused operator. By 2010, Barossa Helicopters had transitioned fully to tourism with a fleet of Robinson R44s, perfectly suited to scenic flights and bespoke experiences.

Growth, Resilience & Today

The sealing of Hoffnungsthal Road in 2017 marked a turning point, increasing accessibility and visitor numbers. Barossa Helicopters embraced online bookings, expanded to seven-day operations, and continued innovating its tour offerings.

Though the years around 2018–2019 were difficult and the COVID-19 pandemic brought forced closure in 2020, the family used that time to reset and refine their vision. Emerging stronger than ever, Barossa Helicopters has since grown into South Australia’s premier helicopter tourism operator.

Today, from their family farm in the Hoffnungsthal Valley, Peter, Sandra, Bridgette and Billie-Jo—together with their team—continue the Kies family legacy of pioneering spirit, resilience, and passion for sharing the Barossa from the sky.