For the Family of Explorers
The Brief
The task set for us was to create a memorable holiday experience for a multigenerational family who explore a new region of Australia each year. Their brief included sourcing premium accommodation in Penola and designing a 4 day itinerary that blended hosted and self-drive activities. The experiences needed to cater to all age groups, incorporate the natural beauty of the Limestone Coast, and include the region’s best wine offerings to ensure a well-rounded and unforgettable getaway.
What we put together
We began our guests’ private itinerary with a captivating Indigenous experience alongside Uncle Ken Jones, exploring Port MacDonnell’s stunning coastline. Uncle Ken shared the rich heritage and traditions of his Boandik elders, who lived harmoniously in this region for thousands of years, fishing, hunting, gathering fresh produce, and sourcing water from natural rock pools. A heartwarming touch at the end of the tour was Uncle Ken presenting the children with storybooks he had written, recounting the experiences and tales of his ancestors.
Our journey through the Limestone Coast’s natural wonders continued with visits to the awe-inspiring Blue Lake and the enchanting Umpherston Sinkhole, where the area’s beauty truly came to life. Over the following days, we arranged private wine tastings at renowned Coonawarra wineries, indulged in exquisite à la carte dining, interacted with local wildlife, and enjoyed so much more.
The family stayed in the heart of Penola at the Merlot & Verdelho Residences, a cosy and elegant retreat where they could relax and reflect after each day of exploring the remarkable treasures of our region.
My wife and I were looking at coming down to the Limestone coast for our honeymoon, which is how we discovered Coonawarra Experiences. Straight from the beginning, Simon & Kerry were exceptional with their communication via text, call and email back and forth organising an itinerary and accommodation for us during a difficult COVID-19 time. Once we had finalised our plans and arrived in Penola, we were chauffeured around to the various events we had booked including: a chefs table at Mayura Station, meeting winemakers, and staff taking us through their wineries and tastings, degustation lunches etc. It was an absolute pleasure to be looked after by Simon and Kerry. We have learnt so much about the history of the Limestone Coast and what goes into winemaking. We will definitely be back
I’m interested in a bespoke journey
At Coonawarra Experiences, it would be our pleasure to design a tour which connects you with the people and places most aligned with your interests.