Coonawarra with Kids
Wine country and children can absolutely mix — anchor each day with a cave or a crater lake, add a relaxed tasting, and it works for everyone.
Coonawarra with Kids
Wine country and children aren’t an obvious match, but Coonawarra sits at the heart of a region packed with the kind of natural wonders and open space kids love. With a bit of planning — and a nearby cave or crater lake to anchor each day — a family trip here can be genuinely fun for everyone, grown-ups included.
Family Highlights
Naracoorte Caves
Guided cave tours through a World Heritage fossil site — genuinely thrilling for curious kids, about 25 minutes north.
Blue Lake & Crater Walks
Mount Gambier’s cobalt crater lake, sinkhole gardens and easy loop walks, about 40 minutes south.
Historic Penola
A walkable old town with Mary MacKillop heritage, cottages and cafés — easy and interesting with children.
Picnics & Open Space
Big skies, quiet country roads and room to run — a picnic among the vines or by a lake is a highlight in itself.
Tips for Touring with Children
- Anchor each day with one caves or lake outing, then add a short cellar door stop or two
- Take turns: one parent drives and tastes lightly, the other tastes, then swap days
- Keep tasting visits brief and choose cellar doors with space, food or lawns where you can
- Pack layers and closed shoes for the cool caves, plus snacks and water for country drives
- Base in Penola or Mount Gambier for easy access and downtime
- Check attraction opening hours and tour suitability before you set out
For non-drinker ideas too, see Coonawarra beyond the wine.
Coonawarra with Kids — FAQ
Is Coonawarra good for families with kids?
It can be a lovely family trip when you build the days around the region’s natural and historic attractions — the Naracoorte Caves, Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake and open country — alongside a little relaxed tasting for the grown-ups.
What can kids do in Coonawarra?
The standout family stops are the Naracoorte Caves (fascinating guided tours) and Mount Gambier’s crater lakes and sinkhole gardens, plus walks, picnics and Penola’s walkable historic streets. See our beyond the wine guide.
Are cellar doors child-friendly?
Many cellar doors welcome families, with space to move and, at some, food and lawns. Policies vary, so it’s worth checking ahead, and having one parent as the designated non-taster and driver.
Where should families stay?
Penola is the easiest base, with cottages and motels and a walkable centre. Mount Gambier, with more accommodation and services, suits families touring the wider region — see where to stay.
How do we balance wine and kids?
Alternate: one adult drives and does a lighter tasting while the other tastes, then swap another day. Keep tasting stops short, plan a caves or lake outing each day, and build in plenty of downtime.
Coonawarra, Planned Around You
Cellar doors, long lunches, Penola’s heritage and the Limestone Coast beyond — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry