Coonawarra Wine Region Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Padthaway and Coonawarra Wine Regions
Penola
Penola
Naracoorte Caves National Park
Naracoorte Caves National Park
Tour two wine regions on the Limestone Coast for their award-winning wines, countryside scenery, beaches and sites of historic interest.

Padthaway and Coonawarra Wine Regions are both part of South Australia's Limestone Coast. This is an area of irresistible beauty where wines have been produced since the end of the 19th century. Enjoy wine-tasting experiences, find deserted beaches, hike through wetlands and investigate limestone cave systems.

Coonawarra's first vines were planted in 1890, making it the older of these two wine regions. It is known for its award-winning reds, which can be sampled in more than 20 wineries. Visit some of them by taking the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail, which passes through several vineyards.

Compare Coonawarra's wines with those of Padthaway. This region has been producing wines since the 1960s and is home to many of the country's biggest winemakers as well as smaller producers. Participate in tasting trips and discover how the wines go from the vine to the bottle.

When you can tear yourself away from the fine vintages, see other attractions in the Padthaway and Coonawarra Wine Regions. Visit the historic town of Penola in Coonawarra. Founded in 1850, it encompasses a collection of heritage buildings, including Sharam's Cottage, the first house built in the town. Six miles (10 kilometers) west is the Penola Conservation Park. Go bird watching in its swamps and woodlands.

While in Padthaway, stroll along the walking trails of Padthaway Conservation Park and see orchids, koalas and native birdlife.

Don't leave the area without exploring more of the Limestone Coast, including many beautiful sandy stretches such as Robe Beach. Drive the Limestone Coast Loop, a scenic route that will take you to Mount Gambier and its Blue Lake, Tatanoola Caves, Naracoorte Caves and plenty of other sites of interest.

Padthaway is about 180 miles (290 kilometers) from Adelaide, while Coonawarra is about 230 miles (370 kilometers) away. To experience Padthaway and Coonawarra’s scenic splendor, history and wine making, drive or take the bus from the state capital. You can also fly from there or from Melbourne into the airport at Mount Gambier.

Country Roads Motor Inn Naracoorte
Country Roads Motor Inn Naracoorte
3 out of 5
20 Smith Street, Naracoorte, SA
The price is NZ$156 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
NZ$156
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May
Stay at this 3-star motel in Naracoorte. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (199 reviews)
Comfortable and clean
"It was a large clean room, with an enormous bathroom. The front reception was pleasant and helpful, suggesting dinner at the Pearl Contential (delicious!). It was helpful having a toaster and microwave."

Reviewed on 20 Mar. 2025

Country Roads Motor Inn Naracoorte
Coonawarra Place Motor Inn
Coonawarra Place Motor Inn
3 out of 5
15014 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra, SA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$180 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$180
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Coonawarra. Enjoy daily housekeeping, a garden, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Zema Estate and Di Giorgio ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (218 reviews)
"Hosts were very welcoming & informative"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Coonawarra Place Motor Inn
Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park
Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park
2 out of 5
242 Comaum School Rd., Comaum, SA
The price is NZ$176 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$176
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this holiday park in Comaum. Enjoy free parking, an attached winery, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Wombat Flat Forest Reserve and Comaum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (72 reviews)
"The serene area and the quality of the glamping."

Reviewed on 10 Feb. 2025

Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Air's Cottage Penola: Delightful colonial stone cottage, WiFi fire AC Spa BBQ
Air's Cottage Penola: Delightful colonial stone cottage, WiFi fire AC Spa BBQ
Penola
Stay at this cottage in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Petticoat Lane and Koonara Wines are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Delightful heritage retreat
"This property was perfect for the four of us for a wedding weekend in Penola. Plenty of room, great wifi for a late Friday afternoon video call and a functional and tidy kitchen. Wish we had more time to enjoy the outdoor kitchen/hut - looks like the perfect spot for a cheese board and some local ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jan. 2025

Air's Cottage Penola: Delightful colonial stone cottage, WiFi fire AC Spa BBQ
Sarah's Cottage Penola: Charming colonial stone cottage, WiFi AC Fire Spa BBQ
Sarah's Cottage Penola: Charming colonial stone cottage, WiFi AC Fire Spa BBQ
Penola
Stay at this cottage in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Koonara Wines and Petticoat Lane are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
As advertised
"Was exactly what it said it was and suited perfectly"

Reviewed on 18 Jan. 2025

Sarah's Cottage Penola: Charming colonial stone cottage, WiFi AC Fire Spa BBQ
Davidson's Cottage Penola: Open fire, AC, Wifi, SMART TV, Garden Pet Friendly
Davidson's Cottage Penola: Open fire, AC, Wifi, SMART TV, Garden Pet Friendly
Penola
Stay at this cottage in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Petticoat Lane and Koonara Wines are located ...
Davidson's Cottage Penola: Open fire, AC, Wifi, SMART TV, Garden Pet Friendly
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Coonawarra Wine Region