Coonawarra

In the heart of the Red Centre, Coonawarra might surprise you — not with red dust and rock, but with rich terra rossa soil and a cool climate that produces some of Australia's most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon. This tiny wine region, hugged by the Stuart Highway, is a lush oasis of vines and blue gums, where cellar doors sit among the vines and the pace of life is dictated by the seasons. It’s an unexpected detour for wine lovers exploring the Northern Territory, offering a taste of elegance in the outback.

Highlights & What to See

• Cellar-door hopping along the Coonawarra Wine Region — taste bold Cabernets and elegant Shiraz at iconic wineries like Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Penley Estate, and Katnook Estate.
• The Coonawarra Vignerons’ Trail — a self-drive route that weaves through the vineyards, with interpretive signs explaining the unique terra rossa soil.
• Rymill Coonawarra — a historic property where you can explore the underground cellars and sample their award-winning reds.
• Kilsby Sinkhole — a dramatic limestone sinkhole filled with crystal-clear water, popular for snorkelling and diving (permit required).
• Morialta Conservation Park — just north of the wine region, offering bushwalks with views over the red gum forests and the Murray River floodplain.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan a full day to explore Coonawarra’s cellar doors and vineyards, ideally on a self-drive tour. Start mid-morning at a winery for a tasting, then meander along the Vignerons’ Trail, stopping for lunch at a vineyard café. In the afternoon, visit Kilsby Sinkhole or take a short walk in Morialta Conservation Park. Wine lovers could easily stretch this into two days, staying overnight at a local bed-and-breakfast to experience the region’s quiet charm without rushing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mount Gambier — a 40-minute drive south, with the stunning Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole.
• Naracoorte Caves National Park — a World Heritage-listed fossil site and cave system, about 30 minutes north.
• Penola — a historic town with charming stone buildings, galleries, and the Yallum Park homestead.
• Limestone Coast — the broader region encompassing volcanic lakes, coastal lagoons, and the Coorong National Park.
• Robe — a seaside town on the Southern Ocean, an hour’s drive away, with beautiful beaches and fishing.

Please check official sources for current details.