Coonawarra: Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos Day Tour & Lunch

If you’re seeking a well-rounded day exploring some of South Australia’s most iconic sights and flavors, the Coonawarra: Caves, Cabernet, & Kangaroos Day Tour & Lunch promises a comprehensive, engaging experience. This eight-hour shared tour combines natural wonders, world-class wines, local cuisine, and wildlife encounters, creating a balanced snapshot of the Limestone Coast’s best.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to walk through a UNESCO-listed limestone cave — a breathtaking underground world filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and fossils of extinct animals. Second, the chance to sip Coonawarra’s renowned cool climate wines in historic cellars, paired with a delicious regional lunch.

A potential consideration? The tour’s full day packed with activities means a lot of moving parts and a tight schedule. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a busy itinerary and moderate walking. Those curious about South Australia’s natural and vinous treasures will find this tour a rewarding way to spend a day.

Key Points

• Natural Wonders: Explore a UNESCO-listed limestone cave with stunning formations and fossil displays.
• Wildlife Encounters: Visit a private kangaroo sanctuary and interact with native animals in a caring environment.
• Wine & Spirits: Taste icon wines at Wynns Coonawarra and enjoy a unique gin tasting experience.
• Local Cuisine: Savor regional produce during a thoughtfully prepared lunch at Ottelia.
• History & Heritage: Tour the historic Wynns winery, founded in 1896, and learn about the area’s winemaking legacy.
• Comfort & Convenience: Bus transportation and private group size make for a relaxed, personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour offers a carefully curated sequence of highlights that showcase Coonawarra’s natural beauty, legendary wines, and unique wildlife. From the moment you’re picked up at your accommodation—either Penola or Coonawarra—you’ll feel the promise of a day packed with engaging sights and tastes.

Exploring the Naracoorte Caves — A Natural Marvel

We loved the way the tour begins at the Naracoorte Caves National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the two-hour visit, you’ll explore the Victoria Fossil Cave, where impressive stalactites and stalagmites create a surreal environment. The lighting adds just enough glow to highlight the cave’s natural features without overpowering the underground ambiance.

The experience isn’t just about pretty formations; it’s also a window into Australia’s prehistoric past. The cave contains bones of giant extinct animals, including marsupial lions and ancient reptiles. As one reviewer notes, “The fossils and natural beauty blew us away; it felt like stepping back in time.” Expect a combination of self-guided and guided walks, with ample time to take photos and absorb the silence of this underground world.

Lunch at Ottelia — A Taste of the Region

Next, we head to Ottelia, where regional produce takes center stage. The focus on fresh, local ingredients makes this a standout meal. The menu features modern Australian cuisine with international influences—perfect for those who appreciate thoughtfully prepared dishes. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal break before the next wine tasting.

While drinks are at your own expense, the lunch provides a genuine taste of Coonawarra’s bounty. It’s worth noting that many guests find Ottelia’s emphasis on regional flavors enriches the overall experience, adding a culinary dimension that complements the local wine and spirits.

Heritage Wine Tasting at Wynns Coonawarra Estate

A highlight for wine lovers: a private tasting at Wynns Coonawarra, one of the oldest wineries in the region, dating back to 1896. The estate’s history is palpable as you walk through the original cellar, learning about the pioneering spirit of John Riddoch.

The tasting of Wynns’ Icon series is particularly noteworthy, with knowledgeable staff guiding you through their flagship wines. One guest shared, “The wines were exceptional, and the guide’s insights made the tasting all the more memorable.” The historic ambiance, combined with the chance to sample some of Australia’s most celebrated reds, makes this a true highlight.

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Gin Tasting at Parker Estate — A Creative Twist

Adding a contemporary twist, the visit to Parker Estate offers a vertical tasting of three distinct gins: the Signature Dry Gin, Cabernet Gin, and Rose Gin. This private spirits experience showcases the craft and innovation happening in the region.

The knowledgeable team guides you through each gin’s unique characteristics, often describing the flavors with enthusiasm and humor. Many travelers find this tasting both fun and educational, especially if you’re someone who appreciates spirits beyond wine.

Wildlife Encounter — Kangaroos in a Private Sanctuary

The tour concludes with a visit to a private wildlife sanctuary in Penola, home to kangaroos who have lost their parents and can’t survive in the wild. This is a heartwarming and genuine experience that often becomes a highlight, especially for animal lovers.

Visitors have the opportunity to feed and interact with the kangaroos under the owners’ supervision. As one reviewer enthused, “Getting so close to these gentle creatures was such a special moment—I’ll never forget it.” Keep in mind, weather may influence the visit, so it’s good to be flexible.

Practical Details & What to Expect

The entire day moves smoothly thanks to the well-organized itinerary and transportation. The tour’s private group format keeps things intimate and relaxed, allowing for personalized attention from guides.

The tour provides pickup and drop-off at your Penola or Coonawarra accommodation, making logistics simple. The timing is structured to give ample time at each stop—two hours at the caves, 1.5 hours for lunch and wine tasting, and a full hour for spirits and wildlife visits.

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and varying weather conditions. Since the tour involves walking through caves and wineries, moderate physical activity is expected.

Cost-wise, considering the inclusions—multiple tastings, a quality lunch, wildlife interaction, and transportation—the experience provides excellent value for those interested in a broad yet intimate exposure to the region’s highlights.

What Others Say

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides for their friendly, insightful commentary. One guest said, “The guide was so passionate about the region; it made everything more meaningful.” The quality of the wines, especially the Icon series, regularly earns compliments, along with the chance to learn about the history behind the wineries.

Weather & Flexibility

Since weather can impact the wildlife sanctuary visit, it’s advisable to check the forecast beforehand. The tour provider’s cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if weather turns against you.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a mix of natural scenery, history, and food and drink. It’s especially ideal for those who want to combine a bit of adventure underground, a taste of world-class wines, and meaningful wildlife encounters—all in one day.

It caters well to those who appreciate in-depth guided experiences, as the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly manner. It’s also great for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a personalized day out, thanks to the private group setup.

However, it’s worth noting that children under 18 are not suited for this tour, given the adult-focused activities like wine and spirits tasting.

The Sum Up

This tour is a thoughtfully curated introduction to South Australia’s Coonawarra region, balancing natural beauty, historic wineries, and wildlife in a single day. The combination of stunning underground caves, iconic wines, innovative gins, and close-up wildlife experiences makes it a compelling choice for curious travelers who value authenticity and diversity.

The guides’ knowledge, the quality of the tastings, and the unique wildlife encounter ensure you walk away with more than just photos—you’ll have stories and sensations that linger. While the packed schedule might be intense for some, it offers genuine value and a well-rounded glimpse into this special corner of Australia.

Ultimately, this experience is best suited for those who want to see, taste, and feel the heart of Coonawarra in one memorable adventure. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply someone eager to discover South Australia’s diverse charms, this tour will deliver a genuine, enjoyable day out.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from pickup to drop-off, including all stops and activities.

Where does the tour start and end?
Pickups are available from Penola or Coonawarra accommodations, and drop-offs are at the same locations.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and variable weather are recommended.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are at your own cost during lunch and tastings.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 are not permitted on this tour.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I join this tour if I don’t drink wine?
Yes, the tour offers activities like cave exploration, wildlife viewing, and gin tasting that can be enjoyed without wine.

What is the group size?
This is a private group experience, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

This tour offers a well-balanced, enriching day that combines natural beauty, history, and local flavors, perfect for travelers eager to experience the authentic essence of South Australia.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby