Plan a relaxed day trip to Coonawarra this summer
If you’re holidaying along the Limestone Coast – Robe, Beachport, Kingston or surrounds – you’ll know there are days when the wind picks up, the water’s chilly, or the kids are simply ready for something different.
That’s when an easy inland escape makes perfect sense.
Just over an hour from the coast, Zema Estate in Coonawarra offers a relaxed, welcoming place to slow down, enjoy a glass of wine, and let everyone stretch their legs – no rush, no pressure, just good wine and open space.
Your always welcome at Zema Estate
Zema Estate is a family-owned winery, and that sense of family carries through to every visit. Guests are invited to slow down and relax, with outdoor seating overlooking the vineyards and a warm, welcoming tasting room that reflects the Zema family’s Italian heritage and hospitality.
Parents can enjoy a guided wine tasting, while kids have space to move, colour in, or enjoy a juice and snack. It’s a place where families feel comfortable – and where adults still get to enjoy the reason they came.
Add a gourmet platter, a glass of Coonawarra Cabernet, and a slower pace, and it quickly becomes one of those holiday days everyone remembers. Dogs are welcome outdoors on a lead.
Cellar Door Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Weekends: 10am – 4pm
Holiday Trading Hours
Christmas Eve (24 December): 9am – 5pm
Christmas Day (25 December): Closed
Boxing Day (26 December): 10am – 4pm
New Year’s Eve (31 December): 10am – 4pm
New Year’s Day (1 January 2026): 10am – 4pm
Australia Day (Monday 26 January 2026): 10am – 4pm
BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TASTING
Stretch Your Legs on the Coonawarra Walking Trail
Zema Estate is one of six wineries featured on the Coonawarra Walking Trail – a flat, easy 5km path that winds its way through vineyards and along the historic railway line.
If you allow around 20 minutes at each winery, the full trail takes approximately three hours to complete. Many visitors choose to take their time, factor in a longer stop for lunch at Ottelia, or enjoy a relaxed platter at Zema Estate along the way.
All wineries on the trail are dog friendly, so you can bring the entire family – four-legged members included.
To enhance the experience, download the Coonawarra Walking Trail App, which shares insights into the region’s history, viticulture and winemaking practices, and explains what makes Coonawarra such a special place to explore.
The trail stops at:
- Redman Wines
- Brand’s Laira Coonawarra
- Ottelia | Book lunch at the award winning restaurant
- Wynns Coonawarra Estate
- DiGiorgio Family Wines
- Zema Estate
Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission
A perfect half-day itinerary from the Coast
10:00am: Leave Robe or Beachport and enjoy the scenic drive inland.
11:15am: Arrive at Zema Estate. Parents can relax with a guided wine tasting and a gourmet platter featuring local produce, while kids settle in with colouring, space to roam, or a cool fruit box.
12:30pm: Stretch your legs on the Coonawarra Walking Trail, taking in vineyard views and fresh country air. Kids are welcome to bring their bikes, dogs are welcome on lead, and for those keen to explore further, e-bikes can be hired in Penola. Here is one provider: Roosters Ride Hire – $59 / 4 hours or $79 / 8 hours
2:30pm: Head into Penola for a refreshing swim at the Penola Swimming Pool, grab an ice cream from Toffee & Treats of Penola, or enjoy a gentle wander down the historic Petticoat Lane.
4:00pm: Return to the coast in time for dinner – refreshed and relaxed.
Cool off at the Penola Swimming Pool
If the kids are keen for a swim, the Penola Swimming Pool is a fantastic stop – and a real local favourite.
Located on Bowden Street in Penola, the pool has been upgraded in recent years and now offers a high-quality, family-friendly facility. The main pool is a heated 30-metre pool with five lanes, making it suitable for both casual swimmers and those wanting a few relaxed laps.
For younger children, there’s a separate toddler pool, complete with a shade sail, along with shady grassed areas that are perfect for parents to relax nearby. Hot showers are available on site (please bring $1 coins).
Best of all, entry to the Penola Swimming Pool is free, making it an easy and affordable addition to a Coonawarra day trip – especially on warmer or breezy days when the beach isn’t appealing.
Opening Times
- Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 3pm – 6pm
- Weekends, Public Holidays & School Holidays: 1pm – 6pm
Please note the pool opens when the forecast temperature is 20°C or above, with extended hours on very hot days.
A qualified lifeguard is on duty during public opening hours, and children aged 12 and under must be supervised by a responsible adult.
It’s an easy add-on to a Coonawarra visit and a great way to round out the afternoon before heading back to the coast.
Practical Information
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Drive time: Approximately 60–75 minutes from Robe, Beachport or Kingston
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Zema Estate opening hours: Weekdays 9am–5pm | Weekends 10am–4pm
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Bookings: Recommended for tastings during school holidays + for groups of 8+ please book here
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Food: Gourmet platters available
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Dogs: Welcome outdoors on a lead
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Nearby attractions: Coonawarra Walking Trail, Penola Swimming Pool, Penola township, Coonawarra Siding
