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 kilometres) 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 kilometres) from Adelaide, while Coonawarra is about 230 miles (370 kilometres) away. To experience Padthaway and Coonawarra’s scenic splendour, 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.
