Ultimate Limestone Coast Autumn Guide: Exploring the Region (2025 Update)
Autumn has arrived in all its golden glory, bringing perfect weather for exploring the Limestone Coast! With Easter holidays approaching and cooler temperatures making outdoor adventures more pleasant, this Limestone Coast autumn guide is your ideal companion to discover (or rediscover) this magnificent region of South Australia.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or a proper autumn holiday, or maybe you’re passing through on your way to the Gather Round… we’ve updated our Limestone Coast autumn guide with seasonal activities and a few local favourites. Pack your jumper and prepare for crisp mornings, stunning autumn colours, and plenty of wine!
Don’t forget to tag us in your adventures with #KoonaraWines – we’d love to see what you discover!
Penola & Coonawarra:
🍷 Koonara Wines Cellar Door – Penola | 44 Church Street, Penola
Autumn is the perfect time to experience our cellar door and of course taste our award-winning wines. With harvest excitement in the air and cooler weather ideal for enjoying rich reds, our Cellar Door team is ready to guide you through our collection of vegan-friendly, low-sulphur wines.
Autumn Special: Complete our Easter Scavenger Hunt for your chance to win a $250.00 gift basket.
🏠 Petticoat Lane Historic Walk – Penola
Step back in time with a stroll down Penola’s historic Petticoat Lane, which is especially beautiful as the trees change to autumn hues. The 19th-century cottages provide a glimpse into early settler life, and the community produce garden offers seasonal treats. Don’t miss saying hello to Gertie the Alpaca, who’s usually sporting her autumn coat!
☕ Moss & Wild Café – Penola
Part café, part lux fashion and homewares. Situated right across the road from our Cellar Door, be sure to drop in for your coffee, a tasty treat, and some well-deserved retail therapy.
🍂 Coonawarra Rail Trail
The Coonawarra Rail Trail runs from Penola through the Coonawarra Wine region. This picturesque bike and walking trail is approximately 19kms long and has been constructed along the old railway line. Get your E-bike from our mates at the Penola Caravan Park and make an effortless day of it.
🏕️ Bellwether Wines – Coonawarra
The 1868 Glen Roy Shearing Shed conversion creates a cosy autumn retreat. Their seasonal menu perfectly matches local autumn produce with wine. Their “Glamping” experience is particularly magical during autumn when you can wake up to misty vineyard views.
Must-Visit Destinations in Our Limestone Coast Autumn Guide
Naracoorte: Underground Wonders
🦴 Naracoorte World Heritage Caves
South Australia’s only World Heritage site is even more appealing in autumn when the weather is mild and the caves maintain their perfect temperature. These incredible caves preserve a 500,000-year fossil record, including Australia’s megafauna. The Victoria Fossil Cave tour is a must!
Mount Gambier: Home of the beautiful Blue Lake
💙 The Blue Lake
While famous for its summer blue, the lake takes on fascinating colour variations in autumn. The 3.6-kilometre walking track around the lake offers spectacular views framed by autumn foliage, making it a photographer’s dream. Early mornings often bring a mystical mist over the water.
☕ Metro Bakery and Cafe
With its industrial chic atmosphere, Metro Bakery and Cafe serves up GREAT coffee alongside delicious breakfast and lunch options. Open 7 days a week, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights, it’s perfect for early birds and night owls alike. The lovely staff make every visit special, and their seasonal menu often features autumn-inspired treats. It’s a local favourite for good reason and the perfect spot to fuel up before exploring more Limestone Coast attractions.
🛍️ Retail Smorgasbord
After you’ve enjoyed your coffee at Metro, be sure to take a moment and indulge in some great retail therapy in the main street of Mount Gambier! With a handful of fantastic shops all within walking distance, you are spoilt for choice with unique giftware, fashion and homewares. Make sure you stop by our favourites which include Lima and Co (right next door to Metro) as well as Canopy Interiors and Green Door Decor.
🧁 ScRoll Queen
Cinnamon lovers rejoice! ScRoll Queen now boasts two locations to satisfy your sweet cravings. Their city centre shop offers the perfect pit stop during your Mount Gambier explorations, serving up their famous handcrafted ScRolls alongside quality coffee. For the full bakery experience, visit their original Moorak location just 5 minutes past the Blue Lake.
🍺 Little Rippa Brewery
The Little Rippa Brewery and Wood Fire Restaurant is a small batch brewery located on the outskirts of Mount Gambier. This is a quirky, fun, relaxed place to come for a meal and a few drinks. It’s an unassuming, quiet and kid-friendly venue with large grounds for the little ones to run around.
Robe & Surrounds: Coastal Autumn Charm
🌊 Autumn Beach Walks – Robe
The coastline of Robe is arguably even more beautiful in autumn when the summer crowds have departed. Long Beach is perfect for sunset strolls, and the Obelisk walk offers dramatic ocean views with the backdrop of changing autumn skies.
🍽️ Drift Café – Robe
Their autumn menu showcases seasonal local produce, and there’s nothing better than watching the changing weather patterns over the ocean with a hot drink in hand.
🥩 Mayura Station – near Millicent
The ultimate paddock-to-plate experience becomes even more indulgent in cooler weather. Their Wagyu beef tasting experience is the perfect autumn treat – rich, warming and absolutely unforgettable.
🍺 Loophole Brewing – Robe
Their autumn seasonal brews incorporate local ingredients and provide the perfect alternative after wine tasting in Coonawarra. Their brewery tours are a great indoor activity if you encounter a rainy autumn day. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing processes whilst you taste craft beer straight from the tank. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a refreshing brew with one of their expert brewers.
🛍️ Loaves & Fishes – Robe
This special place (once owned by Dru and Nicole!) offers the perfect autumn shopping experience with cosy homewares and gifts. Their autumn collection includes beautiful throws and candles – essential for creating that perfect autumn ambiance at home.
Planning Your Visit with our Limestone Coast Autumn Guide
When you’re the guest, show your appreciation and gratitude with a thoughtful gift. You know we are going to sayWhere to Stay
Autumn is the perfect time to find accommodation deals after the summer rush. From vineyard cottages in Penola and the Coonawarra to coastal retreats down in Robe, prices are often more reasonable and availability is better. You can also look to base yourself in Mount Gambier as all of these places are just a short drive away.
Getting Around
The Limestone Coast is best explored by car, allowing you to enjoy the stunning autumn landscapes at your own pace. The drive between towns is particularly beautiful as the countryside takes on golden and auburn hues.
Packing Tips
Autumn in the Limestone Coast means variable weather – pack layers, including a warm jumper and light raincoat. Don’t forget your camera to capture those stunning autumn colours!
We hope this Limestone Coast autumn guide inspires your adventures in our beautiful region. There’s truly something magical about experiencing this area as the seasons change.
Don’t forget to stop by our Cellar Door in Penola to say hello and stock up on our premium wines to enjoy throughout autumn and beyond!
Have we missed your favourite autumn activity in the Limestone Coast? Let us know in the comments below!
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