The area was named after Edward Rowlands, a partner with Joseph Gilbert in the "Twenty-Seventh Special Survey". The "s" in "Rowlands" was deleted in the Government Gazette of 5 December 1940, albeit in error.
Rowland Flat is located between Lyndoch and Tanunda. The town has an elevation of 294m and is nestled at the foot of the Barossa Ranges. It is best known for the Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre and Novotel Barossa Valley Resort.