Heritage & Hidden Treasures: Naracoorte Caves & Yallum Park Private Tour

Heritage & Hidden Treasures: Naracoorte Caves & Yallum Park Private Tour

Exclusive Experience
Tour :
9AM - 5PM | From $595 per person

Highlights

  • Exclusive Adventure: Discover the history within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves on this curated private tour.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Access: Explore the renowned Victoria Fossil Cave and active fossil dig sites with a senior guide, offering insights into ancient history.
  • Gourmet Dining: After your cave exploration, savour a delightful set menu lunch at Ottelia, a renowned restaurant in Coonawarra.
  • Private Yallum Park Mansion Tour: A hosted tour of the mansion built for Coonawarra founder, John Riddoch in 1880.

Tour Overview

Embark on a remarkable journey that immerses you in the rich history of ancient discoveries and the storied past of the Limestone Coast. Our exclusive private tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Naracoorte Caves is perfect for those passionate about palaeontology and unique, immersive experiences.

Your adventure begins with a 3-hour private exploration of the Naracoorte Caves, led by an experienced national park expert. This rare opportunity takes you ‘under the ledge’ to active fossil digs, including the renowned Victoria Fossil Cave and Blanche Cave, typically off-limits to the public. You might even encounter scientists at work, eager to share their fascinating discoveries.

The tour also includes a visit to the Fossil Lab, where you may observe researchers in action and get up close with fossil collections, deepening your understanding of the ancient world.

After your cave exploration, unwind with a gourmet set menu lunch at the award-winning Ottelia restaurant in Coonawarra, where local produce meets culinary excellence.

Your day concludes with an exclusive tour of Yallum Park, one of Australia’s best-preserved Victorian-era homesteads, located just outside Penola. Built in the late 19th century for Coonawarra founder John Riddoch, this magnificent mansion boasts grand interiors featuring 14-foot high ceilings, marble mantelpieces, and large stained glass windows. The estate is also home to an extensive collection of original English wallpapers, adding to its historic charm.

Experience this exclusive, intimate journey tailored just for you, no large groups, only a thoughtfully designed tour that offers unparalleled access to the hidden treasures of the Limestone Coast.

What's Included

  • Private Cave Tour: Experience a 3-hour private tour of the Naracoorte Caves, including access to restricted areas and active fossil digs.
  • Gourmet Lunch: Enjoy a delicious set menu lunch at Ottelia, located in the heart of Coonawarra.
  • Private Mansion Tour: End your day with a private tour of the historic Yallum Park mansion in Penola. This Victorian-era gem boasts 14-foot ceilings, marble mantelpieces, stained glass windows, and original English wallpapers.
  • Luxury Transportation: Travel in our V-Class Mercedes-Benz for a comfortable and stylish journey.
  • Convenient Pickup: Pickup service from your Penola/Coonawarra/Naracoorte accommodation.
  • Expert Guidance: Learn from a senior guide with deep knowledge of the Naracoorte Caves and its palaeontological significance.

Session Details:

  • Group Size: The experience is tailored for intimate groups with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 4 guests.
  • Availability: Thursday to Monday.
  • Departure: 9:00 AM from Penola, Coonawarra, Naracoorte returning by 5:00 PM.
  • Booking: Click the "Enquire Now" button to check availability for your preferred tour date.
  • Accommodation: Looking for a place to stay? Book this tour and enjoy a special offer on a two-night stay in our Penola apartment—save $80 when you enquire at the time of booking!
Coonawarra Experiences as featured on Hello SA
Fossilised skeletons of prehistoric animals on display inside Naracoorte Caves, with shadows cast on the cave walls.
A skeleton of a prehistoric animal displayed inside Naracoorte Caves, with a shadow cast on the cave wall behind.
Close-up of stalactites hanging from a cave ceiling, highlighted by earthy tones and rugged textures, showcasing natural cave formations.
A group of tourists walking through Naracoorte Caves, observing the rock formations and taking photos.
Entrance area of Naracoorte Caves, showcasing large stalactites and rock formations with a pathway leading into the cave.
A wide view of the interior of Naracoorte Caves, featuring rocky formations and a large open area with a platform in the centre.
Close-up of intricate limestone formations inside Naracoorte Caves.
An excavation pit inside Naracoorte Caves, surrounded by a safety barrier.
A hand holding a small brush, working on a tray of dirt and small rocks, simulating an archaeological dig.

Tour Inclusions

  • Private access to the UNSECO World Heritage Naracoorte Caves
  • A unique opportunity to go ‘under the ledge’ and visit the working fossil digs in the park
  • Visit the caves Fossil Lab and discuss the science of the fossils at length with your guide.
  • Enjoy a stunning seasonal set menu for lunch
  • Go back in history and enjoy a walk through a Victorian mansion
  • Private Mercedes Benz transport driven by your experienced hosts

Prices and Bookings

Join us for an exclusive private tour of the UNESCO-listed Naracoorte Caves, exploring hidden fossil digs and areas typically off-limits. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Ottelia in Coonawarra before ending your day with a private tour of Yallum Park, a stunning Victorian-era mansion in Penola with grand interiors and beautiful gardens. This intimate experience blends history, science, and luxury for a truly unforgettable day.

  • 2 Participants: $795 per person
  • 3 Participants: $695 per person
  • 4 Participants: $595 per person
From AUD:
$595 per person
A Lovely Day With Kerry
Kerry, our host picked us up at Penola Caravan Park, and imparted history of the region. The wineries we visited, we were met by cheerful staff, and tasted an array of wines. Lunch was delicious a ploughman’s lunch, best ever. Thank you Kerry for making our day so special.
Denise M , Direct June 2024

Tour Details

Please see the itemised details relating to this exclusive day tour below.

For lunch, the fantastic crew at Ottelia will put on a bit of a feast for us, which usually includes fresh seasonal produce and wood-fired pizzas.

Drinks are not included with lunch, but you are welcome to order off the menu and pay as you go.

Dietary requirements can be catered for, just let us know what you need.

Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

*A Public Holiday surcharge may apply 

Yallum Park mansion exterior with a Coonawarra Experiences van parked outside.
A hallway with arched doorways and Victorian-era decor at Yallum Park.
A parlour room with Victorian furniture, a piano, and intricate wallpaper at Yallum Park.
A parlour room with Victorian-era furniture, a piano, and intricate wallpaper at Yallum Park.
A grand dining room with a long table and Victorian-era decor at Yallum Park.
A vintage snooker table in a dimly lit room with large windows at Yallum Park.
Chicken wings and small appetizers garnished with microgreens at Ottelia Coonawarra.
Rolled chicken with sauce, garnished with microgreens at Ottelia.
Three wood-fired pizzas with various toppings on white plates at Ottelia Coonawarra.

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