Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos
A small-group curated experience showcasing history, wine, and wildlife.
Naracoorte Caves – A Prehistoric Wonder
Begin your day with a scenic drive (30 minutes from Penola) to the UNESCO World Heritage Naracoorte Caves. Explore the Victoria Fossil Cave, where stunning stalactites and fossil-rich chambers reveal the secrets of extinct megafauna. Your guide will explain the discovery of ancient species, including the marsupial lion and giant kangaroos.
Lunch at Ottelia, Coonawarra
Enjoy a seasonal set menu at Ottelia, featuring locally sourced produce. Dishes highlight modern Australian cuisine with international influences, catering to all dietary preferences. A guided wine tasting accompanies your meal, offering a chance to discover new favourites from Ottelia’s range.
Coonawarra Railway Siding
After lunch, visit the historic Coonawarra Railway Siding, a landmark that played a vital role in the region’s wine industry. Learn how it helped connect local vineyards to markets worldwide and take a memorable photo at this iconic site.
Wynns Coonawarra – Private Tasting
Visit Coonawarra’s first winery, founded in 1896. Begin with a glass of Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon before a private tour of the historic Gables building. Continue to the original underground wine cellar for an exclusive tasting of Wynns' Icon Series, including John Riddoch Cabernet, Michael Shiraz, and other single-vineyard classics.
Vertical Gin Tasting at Parker Coonawarra
Parker Coonawarra offers more than fine wine. Here, experience a guided gin tasting, featuring the Signature Dry Gin, Cabernet Gin, and Aromatic Rose Gin. Each is crafted with unique botanicals, showcasing distinct regional influences.
Private Kangaroo Sanctuary Visit (Subject to Availability)
End the day with a visit to a private wildlife sanctuary in Penola, where orphaned kangaroos are cared for. Under the guidance of the property’s owners, you may have the chance to feed the kangaroos and learn about their rehabilitation. This rare experience offers an intimate connection with Australia’s native wildlife.
Tour Inclusions
- All tasting fees and entry fees
- Set menu lunch with wine at Ottelia
- Private guided experiences throughout the day
Private Tour Option: $649 per person
Enjoy a fully hosted, all-inclusive experience tailored just for you and your partner.
Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission & Tourism Australia - Naracoorte Caves - Adam Bruzzone
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.
Tour Details
Your small tour group will commence at 9 AM and depart Penola for the Naracoote Caves and your Victoria Fossil Cave tour. You will then head to Coonawarra to enjoy your stunning chef-prepared luncheon at Ottelia.
After a lovely luncheon, we'll outline some of the Coonawarra history at a number of historic locations. These also provide some memorable photo opportunities so have your camera at the ready. Wynns Coonawarra Estate is the home of the first winery in the region and was built in 1896. You'll be surrounded by Coonawarra wine history as you sip on the finest wines ever made in the region.
We'll then wake up your palette with a flight of delicious gins from our friends at Parker Coonawarra Estate. Each gin is unique and refreshing and we'll also provide a few snacks to pair with the tasting.
We then have the most wonderful experience to round out the day with a visit to a private kangaroo sanctuary. You'll get up close and personal with some of our sweet native mates and even get the chance to feed them some healthy treats!
The exact locations may vary depending on the day, but we always use our extensive local knowledge and connections to create a memorable experience for you.
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.
*A Public Holiday surcharge may applyÂ
