Coonawarra
Town
Terra rossa soil, Wynns Coonawarra Estate,
Foster's Group
Population 310
Unlike many other Australian wine regions, Coonawarra was a planned horticulture scheme – and a very successful one at that. John Riddoch, a Scottish immigrant, acquired extensive lands in South Australia's south-east in the late 1800s. He subdivided 800 hectares of his landholding specifically for orchards and vineyards. Prominent wine professionals such as Wolf Blass damned this region as a place that could never produce decent wine, and the original John Riddoch wine estate was nearly sold to the Department of Forestry and Lands (thankfully, David Wynn purchased the property and it is now Wynns Coonawarra). In the 1950s, large wine companies such as Penfolds and Yalumba finally began recognising the depth of the region's reds, and opinions began to change. Coonawarra's famed terra rossa (red earth) combined with the region's particular climate is now known to create some of the best cabernet sauvignon in the country, as well as excellent shiraz, merlot, riesling and chardonnay. Wynns Coonawarra produces world-class shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, some for purchase at reasonable prices. Other excellent wineries to visit are Balnaves of Coonawarra, Brands of Coonawarra, Majella and Zema Estate.
Visitor Information
27 Arthur St, Penola; (08) 8737 2855
Nearby national parks
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Little Desert National Park
The soil is poor, there is little water and low rainfall, yet Little Desert National Park supports a surprising wealth and diversity of...more -
Lower Glenelg National Park
The tranquil waters of the Glenelg River provide fantastic canoeing conditions, and there are bushwalking trails and many peaceful picnic...more -
Grampians National Park
The weathered ranges that form the Grampians rise abruptly from the sweeping Wimmera plains, protecting a remarkable landscape of peaks and...more
Nearby towns
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Penola
Penola is one of the oldest towns in south-east South Australia, and has some excellent wineries nearby. The town is noted for its...more -
Naracoorte
Naracoorte dates from the 1840s, but its growth has been slow. In the 1850s it was a stopover for Victorian gold escorts and miners. Since...more -
Edenhope
Just 30 kilometres from the South Australian border, Edenhope is set on the shores of Lake Wallace, a haven for waterbirds. The town is...more
Fishing spots near town
Konong Wootong Reservoir 76 km
Coleraine in the Western District is in the heart of prime wool- growing country. The small town is famous for its chocolate factory, but less well known is the trout fishery in the picturesque 60 ha impoundment just out... Find out moreNelson 85 km
The Glenelg River is situated at Nelson near the border with SA. The long river is one of the state’s premier fisheries for bream to 1.8 kg, estuary perch and mulloway to about 20 kg. Victoria has some excellent... Find out morePortland 134 km
‘I reckon Portland is Victoria’s best kept angling secret,’ local angler Bob McPherson told me in 2004. At the time, I believed he was right. Within two years Portland was no longer a secret, becoming... Find out moreDimboola 140 km
At first sight the Wimmera River didn’t look special. Barely flowing, it consisted of sandbars and fallen trees interspersed with shallows and a few deeper holes below the timber. I was fishing with local anglers... Find out moreLake Wartook 145 km
Drought and changes to irrigation have left dry many of Victoria’s former favourite fishing lakes. Drive through the cropping plains of the Wimmera and you come across once-famous lakes, including Toolondo,... Find out morePort Fairy 173 km
Port Fairy is an unimposing historic seaport between Warrnambool and Portland. While it might come across as a sleepy, seaside resort, Port Fairy always seems to attract exciting piscatorial headlines. During the 1960s... Find out moreLake Bolac 185 km
One of my favourite fishing activities after a hot summer day is to wander along the banks of the Barwon River in Geelong, casting lures for redfin. Redfin are feisty, competitive fish that bite readily and taste great.... Find out moreWarrnambool 190 km
Warrnambool is a big, tidy city. It’s a great place to take the family for a holiday, particularly if you have fishing on your mind. All forms of angling are available, but the most popular water is the Hopkins... Find out moreLake Bullen Merri 226 km
Lake Bullen Merri at Camperdown is less than 20 mins drive from Lake Purrumbete. A deep, volcanic lake with saline water, it is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, Atlantic and Chinook salmon, and Australian bass.... Find out morePeterborough 229 km
Peterborough has beach and estuary fishing. The estuary system is Curdies River, a noted bream river with fish to 1.5 kg common. The best place to access the river is upstream at a place called Boggy Creek – a name... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Picnicking around Mount Gambier 60 km
Mount Gambier has some extraordinary picnic spots around collapsed caves that are now beautiful sinkhole gardens. Try Cave Gardens or the stunning Umpherston Sinkhole, which has free barbecues and good facilities.... Find out moreLittle Desert National Park 103 km
This park contains one-fifth of all flowering plant species in Victoria. The elusive mallee fowl and rare scrub robin live amid the 600 kilometres of tracks that go out to remote sections of the park near the South... Find out moreMount Eccles National Park 131 km
At Mount Eccles you can walk for 2 kilometres around the rim of a volcanic crater then descend for a swim in the lake at its heart. It is a great spot for a picnic, with koalas and kangaroos, and the camping facilities... Find out moreGrampians National Park 137 km
There are many, many reasons to go to this remarkable 1680-square-kilometre national park: its spectacular spring wildflowers, its dramatic cliffs and sandstone features, its bushwalking, the stunning views from its... Find out moreIndigenous tours, Grampians National Park 151 km
Brambuk, the Grampians National Park and Cultural Centre, houses an Aboriginal cultural centre explaining much of the history and stories associated with the area. There is also a bushfoods cafe, where you can try emu,... Find out morePicnicking at Lake Pertobe Reserve 189 km
Lake Pertobe Reserve on Warrnambool’s foreshore is known as one of the best adventure playgrounds around, with plenty for kids of all ages. There are paddleboats and canoes, a maze and flying fox, free barbecues... Find out moreDiving and snorkelling - Port Campbell, Peterborough and Warrnambool 240 km
Best known in diving circles for its multitude of shipwrecks, most of which are reached by boat dives, this area also has some great snorkelling and shore dives. Recommended spots include the Port Campbell jetty, Wild... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Port Fairy Golf Club 174 km
An endearing quality of the great links layouts of Britain and Ireland is their natural setting. Wild, windswept holes rolling between sand dunes that have stood tall for centuries are the norm. The links of Port... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
One of the few good eateries in the Coonawarra, fodder is the place to go to for a more casual meal.
Owned and run by husband and wife team Melissa and John Innes, the focus of this cafe/restaurant is actually on wines... Find out more
Kitchen @ The Poplars is nothing if practical. This multi-purpose space acts as a cellar door, produce outlet and all-day cafe rolled into one. Breakfasts include luscious French toast with berries or a savoury... Find out more
Coonawarra might be great for grapes but from a scenic standpoint it’s a little on the flat side. This acclaimed winery restaurant solves the problem by going up, so diners gaze at row upon row of vines – or... Find out more
Kitchen @ The Poplars is nothing if practical. This multi-purpose space acts as a cellar door, produce outlet and all-day cafe rolled into one. Breakfasts include luscious French toast with berries or a savoury... Find out more
Coonawarra might be great for grapes but from a scenic standpoint it’s a little on the flat side. This acclaimed winery restaurant solves the problem by going up, so diners gaze at row upon row of vines – or... Find out more
Nearby breweries
Flying Horse Brewery 192 km
Whales and ales are now the twin attractions for the pretty seaside Victorian city of Warrnambool, following the development of the sprawling Flying Horse Bar & Brewery complex by joint owners Matt Monk, Matt Stewart... Find out morePurrumbete Brewing Company (Red Duck) 236 km
Scott and Vanessa Wilson-Browne are another couple of ‘ale changers’ who swapped busy Melbourne careers to move to the country, bring up their young family, and brew and market craft ales. Along the way, they... Find out moreCampsites around town
Hacks Peninsula camping area 23 km
Signposted access to this camping area is 27 km south of Naracoorte via Bool Lagoon Rd. There is a self-registration station for permits; gas/fuel stoves only.... Find out moreNaracoorte Caves Caravan Park 27 km
This fully equipped park with extensive tent site options is on Caves Rd, 14 km south of Naracoorte. Laundry facilities are available, along with other accommodation options.... Find out moreBaileys Rocks picnic and camping area 30 km
Baileys Rocks, in the Bogalara block of Dergholm State Park, are so-called for the ancient granite tors found here. Aside from ogling the impressive stonework, you can also follow the Rocky Creek walking track, which... Find out moreBig Heath camping area (bush camping) 31 km
Located 35 km south-west of Naracoorte via Bool Lagoon Rd, there are no marked tracks or campsites here. Details and permit are available from the NPWSA.... Find out moreEdenhope Lakeside Tourist Park 50 km
Right in the middle of the small township of Edenhope is Lake Wallace, on the southern shore of which you’ll find a tourist park with shady camping sites as well as onsite cabins and vans. When it has enough water,... Find out moreFairview camping area (bush camping) 64 km
Remote wilderness camping for self-sufficient bushwalkers is situated 45 km north-west of Naracoorte, signposted from Wolumbool Rd. The NPWSA can provide further details and a permit.... Find out moreGeltwood Beach camping area 67 km
This campground for self-sufficient campers offers coastal access for conventional vehicles, accessed from Oil Rig Square Track off Canunda Causeway Rd, 14 km west of Millicent. The 4 sites are 700 m west of the... Find out moreLake Charlegrark Holiday Cottages and Caravan Park 68 km
Among the activities hosted at Lake Charlegrark are fishing, swimming and boating. Campsite availability is generally not an issue here, a major exception being in late Feb when a popular, long-running country music... Find out moreNal-a-wort camping area 70 km
There is more self-sufficient camping around 100 m further along the Bevilaqua Ford Track, next door to the Kotgee camping area.... Find out moreKotgee camping area 70 km
There are 7 sites here for self-sufficient campers, 2.6 km south-east of Southend via Boozy Gully access road. The sites are 400 m along Bevilaqua Ford Track.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Millicent Lakeside Caravan Park 55 km
This is a spacious, neat and tidy park with good basic facilities. A convenient, wellstocked shop is adjacent, at the town’s excellent swimming complex (an artificial lake). Bookings are required in peak periods,... Find out moreKalganyi Holiday Park 57 km
This is a very good park set in a quiet, treed area on the northern outskirts of Mount Gambier. It has extensive facilities including ensuite sites. This is a good base from which to explore the Mount Gambier region.... Find out moreBlue Lake Holiday Park 62 km
Located south of the city centre, this wellshaded quality park adjoins the golf course and is adjacent to Mount Gambier’s premier attraction, the spectacular Blue Lake. This is a fabulous base for exploring the... Find out moreBeachport’s Southern Ocean Tourist Park 76 km
This large, spacious park in a popular resort town has very good amenities and sites are reasonably priced. It is situated in an area where fishing and recreational water activities are the main attractions. Bookings are... Find out moreKywong Caravan Park 84 km
Located on the northern side of town, this large budget-priced park has good facilities. It is about 1.5 km from the centre of the small township. There is good value here. Bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and... Find out morePort MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park 85 km
A good value, budget-priced park situated on the beachfront, about 1.5 km from the centre of Port MacDonnell, this place has good facilities and is an ideal location from which to explore the historic region. There is a... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Robe 95 km
This good quality park is an easy walk across the road from a popular beach, about 2 km from the centre of the coastal resort town. This is a great place to stay. Bookings are required at Christmas, Easter and long... Find out moreLakeside Tourist Park 96 km
This spacious lakeside park is located about 1 km from the centre of the popular coastal town of Robe. There is plenty of green grass and good facilities at a reasonable price. Bookings are required in peak times and a... Find out moreSea Vu Caravan Park 97 km
This park is a short walk to the beach and just 1 km from the centre of Robe. Areas of the park are elevated with views out to sea. Bookings are required at Christmas and Easter, when there is a minimum-stay period. Pets... Find out moreKaniva Caravan Park 107 km
This is a budget-priced, council-owned caravan park with no full-time attendee. Take a site and the caretaker will call by. The park, with basic facilities and nice grassy sites, is situated next door to the town pool;... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Bold architectural design and brilliant execution create a winery estate encounter of great panache. Each of the four generous bedrooms have private entrances, outdoor decks, ensuite facilities and seductive vineyard... Find out more
This stunning contemporary accommodation is named in homage to Yalumba’s top-shelf cabernet sauvignon. The moment you enter the dramatic open-plan living area, you know these digs are a fitting tribute to a great... Find out more
This stunning contemporary accommodation is named in homage to Yalumba’s top-shelf cabernet sauvignon. The moment you enter the dramatic open-plan living area, you know these digs are a fitting tribute to a great... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Little Desert Nature Lodge, Nhill 119 km
Set on 117 hectares of bushland beside Little Desert National Park, the lodge has 24 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, or 16 bunkrooms with shared facilities. By staying here, you are helping support projects such as the... Find out morePomponderoo Bush Retreat, Dimboola 139 km
With solar power, rainwater tanks and tree planting to offset carbon emissions, these three self-contained timber cabins are a great accommodation option near the north-eastern edge of Little Desert National Park.... Find out moreGrampians Eco YHA 150 km
At this eco-hostel you sleep under roof tiles that are actually solar panels. Any extra power generated is fed back to the electricity grid. The passive solar building, featuring rammed earth walls, also has solar... Find out moreCoorong Wilderness Lodge 202 km
Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out moreRest areas around town
Coonawarra Rest Area 3 km
38 km S of Naracoorte (R) or 13 km N of Penola (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 16.128 E140 50.215 ... Find out moreFather Woods Rest Area 11 km
31 km S of Naracoorte (L) or 20 km N of Penola (R) Large area just off the road. Good shade. GPS: S37 11.757 E140 50.645 ... Find out moreGreenrise Lake Park Area 12 km
3 km S of Penola (R) or 48 km N of Mt Gambier (L) Large open grassed area around a few trees just off the highway on the shores of the lake. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S37 23.802 E140 50.194... Find out morePenola South Rest Area 20 km
12 km S of Penola (R) or 39 km N of Mt Gambier (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 28.586 E140 49.717... Find out moreBool Lagoon Turnoff Rest Area 21 km
18 km S of Naracoorte (L) or 33 km N of Penola (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 06.163 E140 47.576... Find out moreBool Lagoon Camp Area 23 km
T/O 18 km S of Naracoorte (R) or 33 km N of Penola (L) Large open grassed camp area located 7 kilometres west of the highway at the lagoon. GPS: S37 06.333 E140 43.217... Find out moreForestry Info Rest Area 24 km
16 km S of Penola (L) or 35 km N of Mt Gambier (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S37 30.652 E140 49.105 ... Find out moreBlack Cockatoo Bush Camp 47 km
T/O at Naracoorte Large campground in a natural bush setting 14 kilometres north-east of Naracoorte via Cadgee Road and Chapples Road. Good facilities and shade. Some powered sites and other accommodation available.... Find out moreClay Wells Rest Area 54 km
77 km S of Kingston (R) or 28 km N of Millicent (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 23.36 E140 14.15 ... Find out moreMount Gambier Park Area 59 km
North-east side of town Parking area at the Lady Nelson Visitor Information Centre. GPS: S37 49.570 E140 47.267... Find out moreCasterton Park Area 60 km
East side of town Large grassed area under trees on the eastern bank of the Glenelg River. Good shade. GPS: S37 34.938 E141 24.600 ... Find out moreSouth Australian-Victorian Border Rest Area 62 km
18 km SE of Mt Gambier (L) or 70 km NW of Heywood (R) Small area just off the highway among some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S37 50.29 E140 58.42 ... Find out moreMorambro Creek Rest Area 63 km
83 km S of Keith (L) or 25 km N of Naracoorte (R) Large area just off the highway under some large trees at the junction with Bordertown Road. Good shade. GPS: S36 44.924 E140 37.724... Find out morePrincess Margaret Rose Caves Camp Area 78 km
T/O 12 km SE of Mt Gambier (R) or 76 km NW of Heywood (L) Small area located in a pleasant natural bush setting near the river 19 kilometres south of the highway in Lower Glenelg National Park. Good facilities and... Find out moreGlenelg River Park Area 80 km
48 km SE of Mt Gambier (L) or 40 km NW of Heywood (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 55.40 E141 16.37 ... Find out moreFort O'Hare Camp Area 81 km
T/O at Dartmoor Large grassed area well off the highway among numerous large trees. Very good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 55.33 E141 17.06 ... Find out morePadthaway Park Area 82 km
South side of town Parking area just off the highway via the service road. Good facilities. GPS: S36 36.152 E140 29.734 ... Find out moreKingston South Rest Area 91 km
11 km E of Kingston (L) or 94 km N of Millicent (R) Small area just off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 51.01 E139 58.21 ... Find out moreWinavon Rest Area 96 km
48 km S of Keith (R) or 60 km N of Naracoorte (L) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 30.399 E140 23.619... Find out moreWannon Falls Camp Area 98 km
Henty Highway, Portland to Calder Highway - 16 km W of Hamilton via Glenelg Highway Glenelg Highway, Princes Highway to Ballarat - 46 km E of Casterton (R) or 17 km W of Hamilton (L) Large secluded area well off... Find out moreAnnya Road Rest Area 104 km
T/O km 81 km E of Mt Gambier (L) or 7 km W of Heywood (R) Large secluded area located 7.5 kilometres north of the highway among numerous trees in the forest. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S38 01.07 E141... Find out moreNigretta Falls Camp Area 104 km
Henty Highway, Portland to Calder Highway - T/O 8 km N of Hamilton (L) or 124 km S of Horsham (R) Glenelg Highway, Princes Highway to Ballarat - T/O 46 km E of Casterton (L) or 17 km W of Hamilton (R) Large open... Find out moreBranxholme Park Area 106 km
Middle of town Large area just off the highway adjacent to the recreation area. Limited shade. Good facilities. GPS: S37 51.29 E141 48.09 ... Find out moreVictorian-South Australian Border Rest Area 106 km
18 km E of Bordertown (R) or 25 km W of Kaniva (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees at the state border. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S36 20.40 E140 58.10... Find out moreWillalooka Park Area 109 km
34 km S of Keith (R) or 74 km N of Naracoorte (L) Parking area adjacent to the highway opposite the roadhouse. Good facilities. GPS: S36 23.551 E140 21.032 ... Find out moreBordertown Park Area 109 km
Middle of town Small town park off the highway on the main road through town. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S36 18.30 E140 46.31... Find out moreCavendish Rest Area 110 km
North side of town Large area 300 metres off the highway among the trees adjacent to the recreation area. Good facilities and reasonable shade. Fees payable to caretaker for overnight stay. GPS: S37 31.22 E142 02.46... Find out moreHynes Reservoir Camp Area 113 km
T/O 68 km N of Hamilton (L) or 64 km S of Horsham (R) Large secluded campground located 9 kilometres west of the highway near the reservoir. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S37 13.29 E142 06.18 ... Find out moreCoorong Rest Area 114 km
120 km S of Meningie (R) or 24 km N of Kingston (L) Large area around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 37.15 E139 52.36 ... Find out moreCamerons Reserve Rest Area 117 km
26 km E of Kaniva (R) or 14 km W of Nhill (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S36 23.19 E141 30.34 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Coonawarra Cup: Jan.
Coonawarra After Dark: cellar doors open in the evenings; Apr.
Penola Coonawarra Festival: arts, food and wine; May.
Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers: July.
Cabernet Celebrations: Oct.
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