Caves > Cabernet > Coast

3 nights/3 days

Fitness - Moderate, this country is relatively flat and easy to traverse.

Immerse - Explore - Delight

Walking, food, wine and nature – Boandik Country

Experience the landscape and produce of South Australia’s Limestone Coast. World Heritage Caves showcasing fascinating fossils, woodlands and forests, lush farming country, terra rossa soil creating bold cabernets, volcanic craters, ground water dependant ecosystems, and intriguing coastline. 

Your senses will be heightened when you taste the produce of the region as you dine in restaurants and visit outstanding wineries. Soak in the colours of the forests, woodlands and wetlands, smell the crisp cool country air, listen to the peaceful sounds of the bush, and experience the rich history of the region.

Each day you will enjoy a good walk working up an appetite for the local fare, as we head from the Caves to the Coast over three days. You will experience the rich natural history of the Naracoorte Caves, walk bushland paths among the eucalypts; explore the famous Coonawarra, climb a volcano and follow the flow of vital groundwater to the ocean.

Local produce features on our plates, and we visit a couple of wineries who take us behind the scenes to offer a bespoke wine experience. Even if you don’t drink wine the history and story of wine making in the Coonawarra is enticing. 

Throughout these four enriching days you will have seen and tasted some of the best the Limestone Coast has to offer, leaving you wanting to return and explore the rest.

Please note, we require a minimum of 4 participants for this tour to proceed.

ITINERARY

Caves > Cabernet > Coast

Duration 3 nights and days, all meals and accommodation included, carry day pack only. 

• Locally owned and operated
• 3 nights accommodation in motels
• Fully catered local produce meals
• Private tour of World Heritage Victoria Fossil Cave
• Wine tasting in the Coonawarra
• Luggage and wine purchase transfer
• Visit to local brewery and gin distiller
• Private transfers
• Sinkhole snorkel (optional)
• Local experienced ecotourism guide
• National Park admission fees
• Full carbon offset for your trip

Exclusions

• Travel insurance
• Beverages, other than the tastings

DAY 1 - WORLD HERITAGE FOSSIL CAVE SITE NARACOORTE, COONAWARRA, PENOLA

Your guide will meet you and fellow travellers at the central meeting place over a cuppa to discuss the day prior to transfer to the World Heritage Naracoorte Caves National Park.

You will enjoy a walk deep into the park to Mosquito Creek, the key supplier of water to the Ramsar listed Bool Lagoon wetland, to understand the lay of the land and this ancient landscape prior to a private guided tour of Victoria Fossil Cave. Here you will be taken back in time, viewing a large fossil deposit containing the remains of extinct Australian mega fauna. 

After the tour you shall enjoy a specially prepared local produce lunch at Caves Café and be introduced to the Wrattonbully wine region and wines.

After lunch we ventured to the famous Coonawarra wine region stopping at the historic Glen Roy Shearing shed to meet wine maker and owner of Bellwether Wines. This beautifully restored 1868 shearing shed and gardens is a welcome stop on our way to our evening destination in Penola, home to some of Australia's most significant national heritage sites.

DAY 2 - PENOLA, COONAWARRA, MT GAMBIER

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to wander Penola perhaps a stroll down Petticoat Lane.

Today you shall stretch you legs on the sealed Penola - Coonawarra rail trail walking to the iconic Coonawarra railway siding and into the town for a tantalising dining experience at Ottelia in the heart of Coonawarra.

From here you will be transferred to the city of Mt Gambier, this volcanic landscape is full of sinkholes and natural wonders. Tonight you will be dining and staying on the outskirts of town at The Barn.

DAY 3 -  MT SCHANK (PARREEN), HELLS HOLE, PICCANINNIE PONDS 

Today will comprise a few short walks as we explore this amazing limestone coast country and follow the flow of the regions precious ground water to the ocean.

This morning we head to the coast to Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, home to unique groundwater dependant ecosystems and a cave divers paradise. Here freshwater bubbles up through the sand and you will experience a special ocean inspired lunch.

On our way back to Mt Gambier you have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal clear waters of a sinkhole or relax back with a locally crafted gin. 

We may have time to swing past a local brewery prior to checking in to our accommodation for the night and indulging in another inspiring dinner by a regional chef know for his new-age dining approach.

Contact Us button Walk the Limestone Coast home page