Limestone Coast Guides Attractions Events in South Australia

Beachport is an isthmus with the sea on two sides and Lake George beside it. Sandy beaches stretch around Rivoli Bay offering great surf and safe swimming, while Bowman Scenic Drive allows visitors to explore the coastal dunes offering spectacular views of the rugged coast of the Southern Ocean.

The Beachport jetty is the second longest in South Australia. The jetty reaches out into the bay and is a popular spot for local and visiting anglers of all ages.

For the more adventurous explore Beachport Conservation Park by four wheel drive. Take in the coastal scenery, escape to secluded beaches and see intriguing shell middens. Take some time to explore Lake George and the magnificent bird life. Be sure to call into the Beachport Visitor Information Centre and collect a copy of their new four wheel drive maps and for up to date information.

'The Old Wool and Grain Store' National Trust museum tells the story of the district's past and provides an insight into the whaling history.

Woakwine Cutting 10 kilometres north of Beachport is where you will find Australia's biggest one-man engineering feat. The Cutting was created to drain swampland for pastoral use. A viewing platform has been erected and the accomplishment documented for all visitors to read.

Beachport also boasts a number of walking trails offering uninterrupted views of the picturesque bay and rugged coastline. The walks around town including the popular Lighthouse walk and lookout, or the Lagoon walk, Lanky's Walk, Wendy's Walk and the Jack and Hilda McArthur Walk.

Play the excellent golf course, sample some fine fare at local eateries or simply float your cares away at the Pool of Siloam. The Pool of Siloam is fed by underground springs with the water seven times saltier than seawater which provides fantastic buoyancy. Swim pontoons are provided at the pool.

Beachport has a variety of excellent accommodation ranging from classic beach holiday houses to four-star bed and breakfasts and provides the perfect stopover destination or base for day trips with major attractions and towns all within a short drive.

Situated on the Dukes Highway, Bordertown is the entry point from Victoria for many visitors to the Limestone Coast. Birthplace of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and home to Australia's only known colony of white kangaroos Bordertown is ideal as a stopover point or as a touring base for the surrounding Tatiara district.

Visit the Bob Hawke Gallery in Woolshed Street, pick up a copy of the interpretive walk from the Visitor Information Centre in beautiful Tolmer Park or travel to nearby Poocher Swamp, a wetlands reserve set among magnificent red gums several centuries old, for a picnic or spot of yabbying.

Bordertown is also the Southern Gateway to Ngarjat and Big Desert National Parks offering four wheel drive enthusiasts a chance to see the beautiful, rugged environment up close.

Nestled on the southern tip of Lacepede Bay, Cape Jaffa offers a peaceful alternative to the busier Kingston and Robe. This seaside village provides the ideal setting for a relaxed family holiday, offering plenty of scope for many water activities such as fishing, swimming and scuba diving over the wonderful reefs and snorkelling around the safe swimming beaches. For an experience to remember, explore the underwater world and varied life of Margaret Brock Reef. Seals, dolphins and penguins can often be seen close to shore.

The Mount Benson wine region is one of the Limestone Coast's newest official wine regions, boasting more than 600 hectares of vines and seven cellar doors. The moderate climate, together with the terra rossa soil, produce premium Cabernet, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.

So what are you waiting for? Don some diving gear and explore Margaret Brock Reef, catch dinner off the jetty and enjoy a local wine with the evening meal.

Carpenter Rocks is situated on the coastline, 37 kilometres west of Mount Gambier on the Limestone Coast.

It has a beautiful bay, which provides a safe haven for the many fishing boats moored there.

Cape Banks Lighthouse sits approximately four kilometres from the town and is the area where the Admella was wrecked in 1859, resulting in the loss of 84 lives.

Also nearby are Canunda National Park and Lake Bonney. The lake is ideal for sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, skiing, boating and fishing.

Located on the Dukes Highway, between Tailem Bend and Tintinara, Coonalpyn is central to an emerging olive industry - which is perfectly suited to its semi-arid climate. In town, the train line underpass to the dog exercise park is well worth a look and contains the artwork "Tunnel Vision". The series of murals depicting the town history were painted by students and community groups.

If you like rich, colourful wines, you’ll love Coonawarra. Coonawarra is the Limestone Coast’s main wine region. Often called Australia’s “other red centre”, its premium red wines have won many awards. Its Cabernet Sauvignon is internationally renowned and its Shiraz isn’t far behind. The region’s terra rossa soil (red soil found on limestone) is perfect for grape growing.

Coonawarra is a small region, only 20 kilometres in length and two kilometres in diameter. Despite this, it is home to more than 24 cellar doors. They’re close together and well signposted, so you’ll find them easily.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate produced the first vintage in 1896 and is now one of the region’s most recognisable wineries. Make your own blend on a unique winemaking experience. Take home your own personalised bottle.

Taste several Coonawarra labels under one roof at the Coonawarra Wine Gallery. Try Jamieson’s Run, Mildara and Lindeman’s Coonawarra range. There’s also a cheese platter, tea, coffee and ales.

Hollick Wines’ cellar door is modern and features a restaurant. Its floor to ceiling windows enable visitors to see into its barrel shed.

Watch the winemakers at work at Leconfield Wines. Leconfield is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is more fruit than oak-driven.

Stay overnight at the Yalumba Menzies Retreat. With beautiful views over the surrounding environment, taste the premium Menzies’ wine range.
Zema Estate is a family owned and operated winery. The family proudly uses the “vine to wine” process, hand pruning the vines, bottling and packaging it on-site.

Relax on the decking and admire the roses at Balnaves of Coonawarra. Try award-winning wine at its cellar door.

Two bronze stallions mark the entrance to Rymill Coonawarra. See the winemaking process unfold from the elevated viewing platforms.

With a big reputation for reds, Coonawarra is the perfect place to compare them. Its wineries are so close together, it’s easy to visit a few in a day.

Of course, you could stay longer.

Once known as the railway town, the rural community of Frances is now famous for the annual Frances Folk Gathering. Held every February, Australia's only participation-based Folk Festival features music awards, workshops, song writing, dancing and poetry. More than 3000 people get involved each year.

Enjoy bushwalks and picnics at Little Desert National Park, just five minutes from the town centre. Gaze in wonderment at the majestic red gums and rich bird life at Mullinger Swamp Conservation Park. One 800-year old tree is so large that a family is said to have once lived in its hollowed out base!

Frances is located between Bordertown and Naracoorte.

Regarded as the Lucerne capital of Australia, the modern country township of Keith is located between Bordertown and Tintinara on the Dukes Highway.

Heritage Street, lying parallel to the Dukes Highway, is where you will find an outstanding traveller's rest area with a heritage style rotunda, lawn picnic area, toilet facilities and playground with monorail train.

Bike trails, an 18-hole golf course with resident kangaroos, craft shops, quality accommodation and excellent country bakeries are all nearby.

The AMP Memorial is located by the Dukes Highway in the parklands on the eastern outskirts of Keith. It is of heritage value as a monument to the land clearance scheme which greatly expanded the agricultural potential of the Keith district in the 1950s. The unique Landrover On A Pole monument in the same location.

Keith also provides an excellent base to explore the surrounding conservation parks, boasting many excellent walks and off-road experiences. Visit the Mount Rescue Conservation Park and take a day four wheel drive vehicle adventure loop past Mount Rescue and Goose Hill.

Referred to as the Gateway to the South East, Kingston is a coastal town nestled on the picturesque waters of Lacapede Bay at the southern end of the Coorong.

Lacapede Bay, with its relative calmness, offers families the safety of its waters and long stretches of sandy shores. It is an invitation to beach goers to enjoy a wide range of water sports and fishing opportunities.

Visit the historic Cape Jaffa Lighthouse. Once situated on the Margaret Brock Reef, off the shores of Cape Jaffa, it was dismantled and re-erected on the Kingston foreshore and is now open for inspection and tours. For those interested in history, the township of Kingston was officially established in 1858. Many historic buildings still stand as a reminder of the past.

Kingston is home to an Analematic Sundial, the second in Australia and one of only eight in the world.

It is also home to Larry the Lobster, a 17 metre high, 15 metre long structure at the front of the Visitor Information Centre who stands as a tribute to the fishing industry based in the town. Legend has it that although imperial measurements for the creature were given to the builder, he used metric instead, resulting in a threefold increase in size. Make sure you have a photo with Larry whilst you are in town.

The area south of Kingston is flourishing with the establishment of numerous wineries, so for lovers of fine wines, a visit to this new and exciting area will offer a selection of cellar doors.

The locals joke it took 26 million years to make the Limestone Coast. Check out the sites here and you’ll agree it’s been time well spent!

Formed by tonnes of marine life falling to the sea floor, the Limestone Coast is book-ended by rivers. The coast heads south from the Coorong at the Murray River mouth and east to the Glenelg River. It's a treasure trove of natural wonders.

The Limestone Coast features 20 sites of international or national significance. Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake fills the crater of a dormant volcano. The Pool of Siloam at Beachport is seven times saltier than the sea. The mega fauna fossils in the World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Caves are around half a million years old. The list goes on.

The traditional home of the Ngarrindjeri and Booandik people is simply bursting with experiences that have put South Australia on the international map.
There are natural wonders like the unique Coorong, the stunning Blue Lake and the World Heritage Listed Naracooorte Caves. We’re proud of the famous Coonawarra wines but nowhere demonstrates the human spirit like Penola, home of Australia’s first Saint, Mary MacKillop.

The Coorong National Park is an incredible spot for four wheel driving (4WD), fishing and boating. Birdwatchers, you’re in for a real treat. More than 80 species live in this series of long, shallow saltwater lagoons. Towering white sand dunes separate the Coorong from the wilds of the Southern Ocean.

History is proudly celebrated on the Limestone Coast and continues to be made here. The Coonawarra is Australia's top producer of premium red wines. Cruise this 12 kilometre strip of precious terra rossa soil, then sample wine from the cellar doors in Wrattonbully, Mount Benson or Padthaway.

To help your planning, Visitor Information Centres are dotted around the region, including at Bordertown, Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Penola and Robe.

The Limestone Coast will give you memories good enough to bottle.

A strong vibrant community big on hospitality, Lucindale is located in the heart of the Limestone Coast. The small country town is surrounded by lakes, natural parklands and Conservation Parks. It plays host to a range of significant events, including the South East Field Day, Great Southern Muster and Limestone Coast Camp Draft.

Discover the area's diverse and dynamic history at the Lucindale Museum. See cheese being made at the Lucindale Cheese Factory, have a picnic at Avenue Emu Farm and sample Emu Mettwurst. Visit the Country Club and play a round of golf at the magnificent 18-hole course.

Set on the shores of Lake Albert, Meningie is known as the northern gateway to the Coorong. Stroll along the foreshore of Lake Albert, swim, fish or relax and take in the fabulous sunsets. Meningie also boasts a pleasant playground and barbecue area and a range of accommodation offerings.

A short walk to Meningie Hill Lookout provides uninterrupted views of Lake Albert and surrounding properties. The Wetland Bird Sanctuary serves as a haven for many of the birds seen in the Coorong, providing unrestricted viewing.

The Meningie Cheese Factory and Museum offers a good insight into the area, showcasing both historical and present-day artefacts, as well as cheese tastings and sales.

Once you arrive in Millicent, a trip to the Millicent Visitor Information Centre is a must. The centre provides extensive, up-to-date information on the region, souvenirs, local arts, crafts, maps, internet access and local publications. The centre also holds many displays and exhibitions, as well as being the entrance to the award-winning Living History Museum.

The award winning Living History Museum evolved around an old school house and has over twenty, beautifully restored horse-drawn vehicles. It is the largest collection in South Australia. Also included in the fantastic museum is the Shipwreck Room, a display replica of Aboriginal Rock Art unique to the district, a T-class locomotive and the exciting new interactive display of South East Drainage.

Whilst in Millicent, visit Lake McIntyre, a reclaimed quarry that has become a natural wonderland for birds and native wildlife. It's a terrific spot to stop for a family picnic and take a walk through the native foliage.

Off in the distance, you can see the Woakwine Wind Farms - the largest wind farm development in the Southern Hemisphere. Well worth a closer look, the Woakwine Range Wind Farm Drive takes you right to the base of these engineering wonders, as they generate power for the national grid.
The drive also encompasses fantastic attractions, such as Vistara Trout Farm, which has fresh fish, tours and other local produce for sale. Lake Bonney, South Australia's largest fresh water lake and Canunda National Park, South Australia's second largest coastal park, stretches 40 kilometres from Southend to Carpenter Rocks. This park is a four-wheel driver's delight, encompassing spectacular walking trails, boardwalks and lookouts. It has splendid panoramic views of the lakes, costal environment and wildlife. Other local attractions include the Tantanoola Caves

Described as the city of 'craters, lakes and caves', Mount Gambier was built on the slopes of an extinct volcano. See the remarkable Blue Lake. It has filled the largest of three volcanic craters and puts on a real show from November, when the water becomes a brilliant turquoise blue.

Begin your visit at 'The Lady Nelson' Visitor and Discovery Centre, where staff will provide you with all the information you require for your holiday. They will help you to choose the most suitable activities for yourself and your family. Be sure to take a self-guided tour of the Discovery Centre, which presents the history and geology of the area, using a series of exciting interactive displays.

Mount Gambier is an ideal family holiday destination, with many free-of-charge fun attractions. Walk to the Centenary Tower for a remarkable view. Picnic at the Valley Lake Crater, with its wildlife park and boardwalk. Stroll among the beautiful roses in the Cave Gardens. Marvel as the possums come out for an evening feed at the Umpherston Sinkhole. Take the City Centre Walk and discover an impressive array of heritage buildings, while catching a glimpse of Mount Gambier's history. On your journey, stop and explore the many art galleries, studios and markets and sample local wines and cheese.

Boasting a wide range of accommodation types, extensive and modern shopping precincts, a variety of restaurants, pubs and cafes, adventure playgrounds, boat and canoe hire and more; Mount Gambier truly is a splendid family destination and an ideal base for your next holiday to the Limestone Coast.

Take a step back in time when you visit the small, rural farming town of Mundulla. The town is located in the heart of big, red gum country, a few kilometres south west of Bordertown. A perfect example of rural dwellings architecture over the twentieth century, Mundulla is home to many houses dating back to the early 1900s, including the historic heritage-listed Old Mundulla Hotel.

Visit Mundulla on the first weekend of March for the Moot Yang Gunya Festival. Take a historic walk around the town. Explore the Moot Yang Gunya Swamp Eco Trail, or visit the adventure playground - an ideal family picnic spot and fun for children of all ages.

Located in the heart of the Limestone Coast, Naracoorte is home to the famous World Heritage Listed Fossil Site, Bool Lagoon and wetlands, museums, galleries, playgrounds and parks, a unique swimming lake and a variety of shops and accommodation properties.

Many caves and sinkholes surround Naracoorte, including the incredible World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Caves Fossil Site. Inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1994 for its rich deposits of fossil mammals, it is the only natural World Heritage Site in South Australia.

Guests can experience the fossil site in a range of ways. The Wonambi Fossil Centre recreates the environment and landscape, from approximately 200,000 years ago. Inside, visitors step back in time and experience what it may have been like and what the Mega Fauna may have looked like. Fully-guided interpretative cave tours allow visitors to view the spectacular cave formations, bats and real fossil sites. The more adventurous can explore the remote areas of the cave system. These areas house many other fossil sites. Book an adventure caving tour to explore the remote areas.

Visit Bool Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands, home to a vast array of birdlife. Boardwalks allow visitors to get up close and see more than 150 species of birds in their natural habitat. The lagoon has one of the largest populations of Brolgas in South Australia, with 47 of the 75 recorded water bird species known to breed in the surrounding wetlands. In years of high water, up to 10,000 Ibis breed. Entry to the Lagoon is via a self registration permit at the gate.

Naracoorte is a rich agricultural centre that produces fine wines, outstanding meat and livestock produce. Local produce can be sampled in many of the local restaurants and cafes. Cellar doors allow you to sample some of the fine Wrattonbully wine produce.

The award-winning Sheep Back Museum is located in the heritage listed 1870s Simpson Flour Mill. It is also home to the town's Visitor Information Centre. The centre gives a great insight into the region's development and outstanding local production.

Naracoorte proves an ideal base for your next holiday. It is surrounded by three premium wine growing regions and is central to the coastal beaches and inland attractions. It is home to many fine bed and breakfasts and self-contained accommodation houses. Supported by a wide range of motels, hotels, caravan parks and campgrounds, travellers are sure to have a great stay in the heart of the Limestone Coast.

A quiet seaside town, Nene Valley boasts good fishing and spectacular swimming beaches ideal for beach-combing and walking.

An early survey of the area completed in about 1885 shows a creek nearby as Nyn Valley Creek. This name appeared on the Land Office plan of the Hundred of Kongorong.

Shacks were built along the coast known as Maggoty Point, often referred to as Maggoty by the locals. Large quantities of maggots bred in the seaweed on the beach, providing food for the birds and fish, hence the name.

The Limestone Coast itself is home to spectacular natural sites including the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves and Coorong National Park.

Enjoy picturesque port towns and watersports. Tour impressive volcanic craters, mountain lakes and spectacular caving sites.

These same natural forces created the Coorong National Park, with its sandy coast and lagoons. They also created the 'terra rossa' soils at Coonawarra, which provide the ideal environment for producing world class wines.

It may have taken 26 million years to create the Limestone Coast. But good things are worth the wait.

Padthaway is about a thirty minute drive south of Keith. It’s close to the Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Mount Benson wine regions. Rows of vineyards thread down either side of the Riddoch Highway.

Padthaway, like many South Australian wine regions, has a warm climate and good rainfall. Its terra rossa soil gives grapes a special flavour, due to limestone layers. This produces wine with great flavour and intensity. Grape vines span more than 62 kilometres of land.

Padthaway has a cluster of small shops located in the heart of town, with a park, playground and skate park.

There are a couple of cellar doors in the region, where you can taste the renowned Padthaway Shiraz and Chardonnay. These are Henry's Drive Cellar Door and Padthaway Estate Cellar Door. The Padthaway General Store Bottle Shop is fully stocked with the beautiful local “drop”.

While you’re here, explore Padthaway Conservation Park or play a round of golf at Padthaway Golf Course.

Padthaway, there’s great wine and plenty to explore.

When visiting historic Penola and the renowned Coonawarra wine region, make sure you stop at the John Riddoch Centre. Visitors will discover the fascinating economic, agricultural and social history of the area. This complex also incorporates the Penola/Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre which offers a wide range of brochures, maps and souvenirs, the Hydrocarbon Centre, and the prize-winning John Shaw Neilson Acquisitive Art Gallery.

Take a Walk with History in Penola, the ideal way to visit the historic and heritage sites within the town. Beginning at the John Riddoch Centre, this walk takes in the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre and School House, Petticoat Lane, historic buildings, cottages and churches. Then journey onto the Victorian Mansion, Yallum Park, one of the best preserved homes in the country.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unwind at one of the many Parks or Gardens in the area. The Penola Conservation Park, Greenrise Recreational Park, Penola War Memorial Park and the Coonawarra Centenary Sculpture Park and popular spots for BBQs, walks and picnics.

Soak in the history of the village as you stroll down the main street, do some shopping, have a coffee and visit one of the many small art galleries. The town is also home to a variety of accommodation offerings ranging from charming bed and breakfasts, convenient caravan parks and grand hotels to stylish self-contained apartments.

With spectacular coastal features and lookouts along the coastline, visit Port MacDonnell to soak up the Limestone Coast experience.

Seaside drives allow you to view the rugged coastline and penguin rookery. Sheltered from the southern ocean, the harbour provides excellent fishing options for children and adults, from jetties or small boats. A boat ramp provides launching for boats of all sizes to enter the southern ocean area. The Port MacDonnell Off Shore Fishing Club provides services to those boats wishing to go off shore. The club should be contacted before attempting these trips.

The town has a strong seafaring history, detailed at the Maritime Museum. Many shipwrecks along the coast are now dive sites and can be toured with local dive tour companies. The town is also home to Australia's largest southern rock lobster fleet.

Poet Adam Lindsay Gordon, also called Port MacDonnell home and his cottage is maintained at Dingley Dell. Open to the public, it is a great way to learn about his poetry and local exploits.

The historic seaside resort of Robe lies at the southern end of Guichen Bay. Experience the charm and fine hospitality of this year-round holiday destination, amidst the stunning beaches and rugged cliffs, tranquil lakes and mountainous sand dunes. Laze on Long Beach or indulge in the distinctive local wines, fresh seafood and regional produce. Explore the diverse coast or encounter Robe's seafaring past, its heritage buildings and their legends. Take some time to join in activities for all ages, interest and weather conditions.

A fantastic shopping strip features friendly pubs, groovy cafes, trendy homewares, tasteful galleries and clothing outlets oozing coastal chic. A range of museums, cottages and historic walking trails bring to life the local maritime culture. Be sure to visit the Obelisk shipping marker on Cape Dombey, the Old Goal and the Chinese Gold Trail monument.

Everyone knows Robe for its crayfish and you can purchase the best catch from local outlets, or order it at local hotels and restaurants. Thrill your palate with the distinctive flavours of Mount Benson and Robe regional wines. Savour succulent Robe barramundi and Atlantic salmon, spring lamb and high grade beef together with the region's olives, almonds, berries and herbs. Feast in a summer courtyard, by the beach, or bask in front of a raging winter fire.

Anglers will delight at the quality and choice of fishing locations. Rock fishing in Guichen Bay, surf fishing at Long Gully through West Beach and Wrights Bay, wharf fishing at Lake Butler Boat Haven Channel or off the new jetty. Alternatively, try your luck at boat fishing. Be sure to ask at the local Visitor Information Centre for the best locations.

Nature lovers are well catered for. Robe is surrounded by conservation parks and offers outstanding off-road experiences. Drive along the famous 17 kilometer Long Beach, a fantastic spot for fishing, swimming and surfing. Explore the many four-wheel drive vehicle tracks through Little Dip Conservation Park. It is another popular spot for anglers, walkers, four-wheel drive vehicle enthusiasts and bird watchers. The park provides peace, solitude and a truly Australian escape - allowing visitors the opportunity to see the beautiful, rugged environment up close. Stay on the tracks to avoid damage to the sensitive coastal ecosystem.

Take some time and play a round of golf at the 14-hole Robe Public Golf Course. Go surfing at Third Ramp off Long Beach, or try Stoney's Rise for large ocean surf. Take the kids down to the local skate ramp for some outdoor fun, or visit Lake Fellmongery for a picnic and a variety of water sports, including water skiing, canoeing and sailing.

Robe offers a wide variety of accommodation. Take a couple of days and discover the boundless attractions of the Limestone Coast.

Salt Creek marks the entrance into the more remote southern stretches of the Coorong National Park. It is home to the Coorong National Park Information Centre. Tourist information and camping permits are available from the township's two highway roadhouses.

Salt Creek is also the perfect departure point for several good walks, including the Ngrugie Ngoppun (a good walk) and the Lakes Nature Trail. This is a short interpretive walk, which allows the visitor to experience the full range of native vegetation in the district and excellent bird watching. Travellers can view pelicans at nearby Jacks Point Pelican Observatory, or take a step back in time at Chinaman's Well historic site.

Located on the Southern Ports Highway just south of Beachport, Southend was the first seaport in the region. Now a working crayfish port and holiday village, Southend offers you safe sheltered swimming beaches and good surf.

You'll find a wide variety of water activities here, including great fishing. Enjoy the rugged coastal scenery and a mix of exhilarating four-wheel drive vehicle and walking trails.

Boasting a variety of accommodation properties, Southend is also a great base for day trips through neighbouring Canunda National Park and the surrounding coastal ports.

Nearby Beachport has the second longest jetty in South Australia (approximately 772 metres). The jetty reaches out into the bay and is a popular location for local and visiting anglers of all ages. Take a walk or do a spot of fishing.

For the more adventurous, explore Beachport Conservation Park by four-wheel drive. Take in the coastal scenery, escape to secluded beaches and see intriguing shell middens. Take some time to explore Lake George and the magnificent bird life. Be sure to call into the Beachport Visitor Information Centre and collect a copy of their new 4WD maps and for up to date information. "The Old Wool & Grain Store" National Trust museum tells the story of the district's past and provides an insight into its whaling history.

Southend and Beachport - two great Limestone Coast destinations.

Tantanoola is a small town located between Mount Gambier and Millicent. Drop in to the Tantanoola Hotel and see the Tantanoola Tiger and hear the full story; it is a story passed down from publican to publican.

Explore the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park, located in the side of an ancient cliff and shoreline. Tantanoola Cave is one of the only pink dolomite caves in Australia and features easy access pathways, which are suitable for wheelchair and pusher access.

While in the area take a short detour and drive along the expansive ridge of the Woakwine Range Wind Farms, the largest wind farm development in the southern hemisphere.

Tintinara is the heart of what was once referred to as the Ninety Mile Desert. Known as the 'Heart of Parks' Tintinara is central to 10 National Parks, most notably Coorong National Park and Ngarkat, Messent and Mount Boothy Conservation Parks.

Tintinara Heart of the Parks Visitor Information Outlet is the tourist information stop for the upper Limestone Coast and offers a treasure trove of locally produced art and crafts. Located on the main street in the old railway building. It is easily recognised by the railway-themed mural. Out the front are scuptures depicting typical rural life including a farmer and his dogs rounding up the sheep.

Golf enthusiasts will find an excellent 18-hole golf course, 10 kilometres south east along the Duke's Highway.

If you like good wine, you’ll love Wrattonbully. It’s on the Limestone Coast between Padthaway and Coonawarra.

Wrattonbully is a young wine region with a long history.

Fruit growers planted the first vines in 1885 and started selling grapes to Glen Ewin Jams. By the 1920s, there were five acres of vines. In the 1960s, winemakers planted the first wine grapes. By the 1990s, there were over 20 hectares. The region then expanded, as growers went on a planting spree.

The region is now home to 2,600 hectares of vineyards, 50 grape growers and 20 wine producers.

It’s no surprise that many of the top names in the Australian wine industry scrambled to get a piece of Wrattonbully. It has all the elements of a successful wine region. The soil is an extension of the Coonawarra’s renowned terra rossa, the red soil found on limestone. Its altitude makes for long growing seasons and there is plenty of good quality, underground water.

Try local Orlando wines at the Russet Ridge Winery and cellar door. Food platters are available. Admire the view and enjoy a tasting.

Wrattonbully specialises in four main wine varieties.

Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the region. It makes up almost half of the grapes planted in Wrattonbully. The wine is soft and red berry fruited.

Shiraz is the second most popular. The region’s long growing season brings these grapes to their ideal ripeness.

Merlot is another. These grapes produce soft, rich and fruit flavoured wines.

The region also produces great Chardonnay, even though it’s mainly a red grape area. It typically tastes of apricots and grapefruit.

There’s plenty of great food. Stop in Naracoorte for something to eat.

Try a meal and some local wine at the Highlander Restaurant. Enjoy country service and quality coffee at Maddies Café. Let the kids loose in the play area at Settlers Café.

The time is ripe to visit Wrattonbully.