Coonawarra Experiences Caves, Cabernet & Kangaroos

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A private full-day tour of the Limestone Coast for 2 to 4 guests, with the UNESCO World Heritage Naracoorte Caves, Coonawarra cool-climate wines, lunch at Ottelia and a private kangaroo sanctuary.

Days

Full day, 8 hours

Age

Adults only

Group size

Private, 2 to 4 guests

Start / finish

Penola / Penola

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Private tour vehicle from Penola

Meals

Lunch at Ottelia

Route

Map of Coonawarra Experiences Caves, Cabernet & Kangaroos

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Included experiences

Naracoorte Caves — Victoria Fossil Cave and its fossils
Ottelia — lunch and wine tasting
Coonawarra Railway Siding — railway history
Wynns Coonawarra Estate — private icon tasting in the original cellar
Parker Estate — gin flight
Penola — private kangaroo sanctuary, with feeding

Coonawarra Experiences Caves, Cabernet & Kangaroos

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: NARACOORTE CAVES

Your private day starts in Penola around 9am with a drive of about 30 minutes north to the Naracoorte Caves, World Heritage-listed since 1994 for one of the richest fossil records on earth. Your own guide takes you through the Victoria Fossil Cave, past stalactites and stalagmites, to the chamber where cavers broke through to a huge fossil bed in 1969. Animals fell into these caves for hundreds of thousands of years, and the bones here include the marsupial lion Thylacoleo, giant short-faced kangaroos and other long-extinct megafauna.

MIDDAY: LUNCH AT OTTELIA

Then it's south to Coonawarra for a hosted tasting and a seasonal set-menu lunch at Ottelia, usually built around fresh local produce and wood-fired pizzas. Dietary needs are catered for if you mention them when booking. On some days lunch moves to Parker Coonawarra Estate instead, depending on availability. Drinks with lunch are your own.

EARLY AFTERNOON: THE SIDING AND WYNNS

After lunch there's a stop at the old Coonawarra Railway Siding for a photo and the story of the line that carried grapes and barrels out to the world. Next is Wynns Coonawarra Estate, where John Riddoch built the district's first winery in 1891, the triple-gabled stone building drawn on every Wynns label. Senior staff pour the Wynns Icon Series at the tasting bench, then take you on a private tour down into the original cellar.

LATE AFTERNOON: OLIVES AND KANGAROOS

At Confido Coonawarra the owners show you round their working olive grove, explain how extra virgin olive oil is made and how to tell a good one, and lead a tasting of their small-batch oils. The last stop is a private kangaroo sanctuary near Penola, not open to the public, where carers raise orphaned joeys that couldn't survive in the wild on their own. You meet the carers, hear the joeys' stories and help with a feed. You're back in Penola by about 5pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: 19 Arthur Street, Penola.
Suits: Adults only.
Dietary needs: Ottelia caters for all dietary preferences, including vegetarians.
Please note: The kangaroo sanctuary is on private property not open to the public. This part of the tour is subject to availability and will be replaced with another activity if unavailable.

What is included

Private tour for 2 to 4 guests
Naracoorte Victoria Fossil Cave guided visit
Lunch at Ottelia, with a tasting of Ottelia wines
Wynns Coonawarra private icon tasting
Gin flight at Parker Estate
Private kangaroo sanctuary visit

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

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