Coonawarra Beyond the Wine
You don’t have to be a wine lover to love Coonawarra — World Heritage caves, a crater lake, a historic saint’s town and open country for everyone.
Coonawarra Beyond the Wine
Coonawarra is famous for Cabernet, but you don’t have to be a wine lover — or a drinker at all — to enjoy it. Sitting at the heart of the Limestone Coast, the region is surrounded by World Heritage caves, a startling crater lake, one of Australia’s great heritage towns and a quiet, open landscape. For families, non-drinkers or anyone who wants more than tastings, here’s how to fill the days.
Beyond the Cellar Door
Naracoorte Caves
World Heritage fossils and guided cave tours that fascinate all ages, ~25 minutes north.
Naracoorte Caves → 💧 Natural wonderMount Gambier & Blue Lake
The cobalt crater lake, sinkhole gardens and crater walking trails, ~40 minutes south.
Mount Gambier → ⛪ HeritagePenola & Mary MacKillop
A walkable historic town and the story of Australia’s first saint.
Penola → 🌊 CoastLimestone Coast Attractions
Beaches and seaside towns at Robe and Beachport, and wetlands at Bool Lagoon.
Limestone Coast →Tips for Non-Drinkers & Families
- Build each day around one nature or heritage highlight plus a relaxed lunch
- A non-drinking driver keeps the group together — or book a tour so nobody has to choose
- The caves and Blue Lake are the standout stops for children
- Pack for the outdoors: closed shoes for the caves, layers for cool chambers and lake walks
- Penola’s walkable centre is easy with kids, with cafés and open space
- Check current opening hours and tour times before you set out — regional attractions vary by season
Travelling with children? See our dedicated Coonawarra with kids guide.
Related Guides
Beyond the Wine — FAQ
Is Coonawarra worth visiting if you don’t drink wine?
Yes. The region sits at the heart of the Limestone Coast, so non-drinkers can enjoy the World Heritage Naracoorte Caves, Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake, historic Penola and the coast — plenty to fill a day or two without a tasting.
Is Coonawarra good for families with children?
It can be a lovely family trip when you build the day around the caves, the Blue Lake, Penola’s heritage and open country. Many cellar doors welcome families, though the experiences here lean toward nature and history for kids.
What can non-drinkers do while others taste?
Plenty — explore Penola on foot, visit the Mary MacKillop heritage sites, walk the crater lakes at Mount Gambier, or take in the caves. A designated non-taster can also drive, letting the group tour together.
Are there outdoor activities around Coonawarra?
Yes — walking and cycling trails around the Mount Gambier crater lakes, birdwatching at Bool Lagoon after good rains, and the beaches and coastal walks at Robe and Beachport a little further afield.
Is Coonawarra just about Cabernet?
Cabernet is the star, but the region is also about heritage, deep-time geology, natural wonders and a slow country pace — there’s a whole trip here beyond the glass.
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