10 must-visit Australian wine regions
This country bursts with glorious grape-growing areas that are ripe for exploration and indulgence.
And it’s hard to beat an outing sipping tasty wine while overlooking vineyard-cloaked backdrops.
Looking for inspiration?
We’ve unearthed some of the best wine regions in Australia, from the iconic to the hidden gems.
Tamar Valley wine region, TAS
Where is it: Starting from just 15km north of Launceston.
In a nutshell: The state’s oldest and largest wine district offers a sensational cellar-door trail with mostly boutique wineries dotted either side of the picturesque Tamar River. There are plenty of cute villages and enthralling attractions within the area, leading to immense appeal that extends far beyond crushed grapes.
Signature varieties: Sparkling, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc.
Key Tamar Valley wineries: Jansz and neighbouring Pipers Brook, Grey Sands, Moores Hill, Tamar Ridge.
Book now: BIG4 Kelso Sands Holiday and Native Wildlife Park, BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park or BIG4 Low Head Tourist Park.
Swan Valley wine region, WA
Where is it: 25km northeast of Perth (but only 10km from BIG4 Perth Midland!).
In a nutshell: WA’s oldest wine region delivers an immediately relaxing ambience, which contradicts its proximity to bustling Perth. Alongside the generous gathering of cellar doors are microbreweries, cideries, distilleries, and chocolatiers. It all makes for one seriously satisfying escape.
Signature varieties: Verdelho, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon.
Key Swan Valley wineries: Sandalford, Lancaster, Upper Reach, Edgecombe Brothers.
Book now: BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park or Perth Central Caravan Park.
Bellarine Peninsula, VIC
Where is it: 100km southwest of Melbourne.
In a nutshell: The Bellarine oozes spectacular scenery and is a long-time favourite for holidaymakers. Its appeal is enriched by a super selection of cool-climate wineries that are dotted from coast to coast. It all makes for one memorable escape easily enjoyed from Melbourne.
Signature varieties: Pinot noir, shiraz, chardonnay.
Key Bellarine Peninsula wineries: Jack Rabbit, Lethbridge @ Hat Rock, Bennetts on Bellarine, Banks Road.
Book now: BIG4 Bellarine Holiday Park or BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.
Mudgee wine region, NSW
Where is it: 270km northwest of Sydney.
In a nutshell: This historical cool-climate district is a favourite with many and is home to some of the best wineries in NSW. Dozens of cellar doors are clustered around the picturesque town. And the heritage-rich villages that neighbour Mudgee provide even more reason to reach this Central NSW location.
Signature varieties: Robust reds alongside chardonnay.
Key Mudgee wineries: Lowe Wines, Logan, Short Sheep, Huntington Estate, Cellar by Gilbert.
Book now: BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park.
Barossa wine region, SA
Where is it: 70km northeast of Adelaide.
In a nutshell: The Barossa is Australia’s most famous wine region and should be on the bucket list of every vino lover. Comprising two distinct sub-areas – the Barossa and Eden valleys – it’s crammed with some of the biggest names in the game. To be disappointed by cellar-door hopping here is to be impossible to please.
Signature varieties: Shiraz in Barossa Valley, riesling in Eden Valley.
Key Barossa wineries: Chateau Tanunda, Jacob’s Creek, Seppeltsfield, Peter Lehmann, Grant Burge, etc, etc.
Book now: BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park.
Granite Belt wine region, QLD
Where is it: 220km southwest of Brisbane.
In a nutshell: The Granite Belt is regarded as QLD’s premier wine region and is positioned among spectacular rural landscapes. As well as being a pronounced cool-climate grape-growing district, it’s highly regarded for a wide variety of local produce that pleases most palates.
Signature varieties: Shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay.
Key Granite Belt wineries: Tobin, Heritage Estate, Savina Lane, Ballandean Estate, Symphony Hill.
Book now: Nearby BIG4 Freedom Lifestyle Holiday Park Warwick or Country Style Holiday Park.
Margaret River wine region, WA
Where is it: 270km south of Perth.
In a nutshell: With a reputation of Australia’s fine wine capital, the Margaret River is firmly entrenched on the map. Joining the cellar doors is a generous assortment of microbreweries. And Mother Nature was generous to this area, too. Stunning coastline and beaches, towering forests, caves, and so much more make this a region truly enchanting.
Note: In early October, Jetstar announced a new route direct from Melbourne to Busselton, so it’s even easier to access for eastern state visitors.
Signature varieties: Cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon.
Key Margaret River wineries: Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate, Jarvis Estate.
Book now: BIG4 Breeze - Busselton, BIG4 Bunbury Riverside, RAC Busselton Holiday Park, Mandalay Holiday Resort, Tasman - Yallingup Beach or Tasman - Yallingup Caves.
Coal River Valley wine region, TAS
Where is it: 25km east of Hobart.
In a nutshell: How this cool-climate district avoids a larger slice of the spotlight is a mystery. So easily reached from Hobart and centred around the charming historical town of Richmond, Coal River Valley is dotted with charming boutique wineries.
Signature varieties: Pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling.
Key Coal River Valley wineries: Frogmore Creek, Pooley, Puddleduck, Nocton.
Book now: BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park.
Langhorne Creek wine region, SA
Where is it: 65km southeast of Adelaide.
In a nutshell: While often overshadowed by the likes of the Barossa and McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek thoroughly deserves its place in the spotlight. This historical grape-growing area is nestled on the Fleurieu Peninsula and its cluster of largely family-owned wineries help create intimate cellar-door experiences.
Signature varieties: Cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, malbec.
Key Langhorne Creek wineries: Lake Breeze, Bremerton, Bleasdale.
Book now: BIG4 The Bend, BIG4 Mount Compass, BIG4 Normanville Jetty, BIG4 Port Elliot or NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront.
Rutherglen wine region, VIC
Where is it: 295km northeast of Melbourne.
In a nutshell: Situated near the Murray River, Rutherglen is a gorgeous area regarded as Australia’s capital of fortified wines. It’s another region with an extensive wine-making past, in this case dating back to the 1850s. In fact, many of its winemakers are continuing a family craft that has existed for several generations.
Signature varieties: Muscat, topaque, and robust reds led by shiraz.
Key Rutherglen wineries: Campbells, Rutherglen Estates, Pfeiffer.
Note: Visit in early June for the famed Rutherglen Winery Walkabout weekend.
Book now: BIG4 Rutherglen Holiday Park
Isn’t it time you had a grape escape? Book your next BIG4 break now.
