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 AU$132 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$132
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (236 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Country Roads Motor Inn Naracoorte
Naracoorte Hotel Motel

Naracoorte Hotel Motel

3 out of 5
73 Ormerod Street, Naracoorte, SA
The price is AU$126 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$126
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly motel in Naracoorte. Enjoy free parking, room service, and meeting facilities. Popular attractions Naracoorte Town Square ...
7.8/10 Good! (314 reviews)
"Good hotel, would stay again."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Naracoorte Hotel Motel
Coonawarra Place Motor Inn

Coonawarra Place Motor Inn

3 out of 5
15014 Riddoch Highway, Coonawarra, SA
The price is AU$141 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$141
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (237 reviews)
"Excellent in every way"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Coonawarra Place Motor Inn
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.
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.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"It was a real priviledge to stay at this lovely character cottage updated to modern times but still maintaining its timeless character"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Sarah's Cottage Penola: Charming colonial stone cottage, WiFi AC Fire Spa BBQ
Pet friendly 4 bedroom property in the heart of Penola.

Pet friendly 4 bedroom property in the heart of Penola.

Penola
Stay at this vacation home in Penola. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Koonara Wines and Petticoat Lane are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
Excellent
"Perfect location"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025

Pet friendly 4 bedroom property in the heart of Penola.

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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Petticoat Lane and Koonara Wines are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"A fabulous yard for the dogs and great outdoors seating options to capture morning/afternoon sun or to get out of the weather. Cottage very clean and well appointed."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Air's Cottage Penola: Delightful colonial stone cottage, WiFi fire AC Spa BBQ
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Coonawarra Wine Region

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