The Best Family Friendly Wineries Around Australia

Family holidays don’t have to be all about the kids. Set your sights on wineries where the kids are welcome so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

You’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to choose between family time and wine time on your next holiday. Here is a round-up of the best wineries and cellar doors to keep the little ones entertained while you’re otherwise occupied.

1. Green Olive, Red Hill, Vic

Address: 1180 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge, Vic

Green Olive serves some of the best views in the Mornington Peninsula.

This cool-climate vineyard serves some of the best afternoon views on the Mornington Peninsula. Come for the all-day tapas menu and stay for the sparkling, pinot grigio, chardonnay, rose, pinot noir and shiraz. A hops paddock has recently been planted, so expect to see locally brewed beer added to the Green Olive repertoire in the near future.

Shopping is also on the agenda here, with olives, oils, chutneys, relishes, jams, sauces and natural body products available, all made from produce harvested at the farm. You can also partake in a cooking class, food and wine experience, picnic or sustainable farm tour.

Parents will love: the tasting paddle with four wines, including a side of olives.
Kids will love: the expansive veggie patch and adjoining farm complete with a Shetland pony, chickens, sheep and resident ducks. There’s also an in-ground, Olympic-sized trampoline you’ll probably have to pry them off.

2. Montalto Wines, Vic

Address: 33 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South, Vic

Although Montalto ’s cool-climate wines are no less than exceptional, those who make the journey are rewarded with more than a drink. This is a true wine-lover’s playground, where you can (and should) dine at the much-lauded restaurant, which has been awarded 21 Good Food Chef’s Hats since opening in 2002. You should also make time to stroll the onsite olive grove and sculpture garden and take a behind-the-scenes winery tour.

Parents will love: the private picnic experience. There are 10 secluded spots on the property that you can reserve for two to eight people, with beautifully set tables and a menu starring local produce.
Kids will love: the one-kilometre sculpture trail that cuts through grassy lawns, vines and wetlands. There are more than 30 permanent sculptures that are featured along the self-guided walk.

3. Mount Langi Ghiran Vineyard, Grampians, Vic

Address: 80 Vine Rd, Bayindeen, Vic

Heritage Estate Wines, Granite Belt — The Mount Langi Ghiran vineyard is truly unique.

The Mount Langi Ghiran vineyard is truly unique in that it has vines planted across 70 hectares of land and is one of the most isolated vineyards in Australia. The raw elements of climate, soil and vine combine to create the ‘Old Block,’ which produces one of the most distinctive and distinguished wines in the country, the Langi shiraz.

A selection of local cheese and charcuterie produce is available to enjoy with a glass of your favourite wine, or allow the vineyard to curate a matched flight to your taste.

Parents will love: the $10 self-catered picnic experience. Spend the day enjoying a picnic feast (BYO or purchased onsite), magnificent views and sensational wine amongst the vines. Select your favourite wine by the glass or purchase a bottle to enjoy together.
Kids will love: The hectares of vines to explore on foot or the expansive property via bicycle.

4. Kimbolton Wines, Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

Address: 29 Burleigh St, Langhorne Creek, SA

Kimbolton Wines is located just under an hour’s drive from Adelaide, and its idyllic surroundings and top-notch drops affirm its claim to being one of the best family-friendly wineries in the region. The architecturally designed cellar door is made from re-purposed shopping containers, modern ply and recycled timber and is nestled snuggly among gum trees.

Visit to enjoy a carefully curated selection of seasonal wine and cheese flights, showcasing four local artisan cheeses, meticulously paired to suit four of the Kimbolton wines.

Parents will love: the rooftop deck with views across Langhorne Creek’s vineyards.
Kids will love: tasting their way through a cheese and cordial flight, served in pint-sized plates with a set of colouring pencils and activity sheet.

5. Woodstock Wines, McLaren Vale. SA

Address: 215 Douglas Gully Rd, McLaren Flat, SA

You know you’ve hit the parent jackpot when a winery comes, complete with an onsite wildlife sanctuary. Woodstock Wines are as sturdy as the stocks they were named after; the team here have been committed to bottling the essence of their regional home since 1973.

Parents will love: the Woodstock Tasting Room, which breaks down the barriers of your traditional cellar door experience. Built for banter and wine tasting, wrapped in history, but both modern and comfortable.
Kids will love: spotting the long-nosed potoroos, brush-tailed bettongs, red-necked wallabies, swamp wallabies, Tamar wallabies, emus and the kangaroos – and bottle-feeding the ‘roos on weekends. They might even catch a glimpse of rehabilitated koalas that are released onsite by conservationists.

6. Z WINE, Barossa Valley, SA

Address: 109-111 Murray St, Tanunda, SA

Z Wines, Barossa Valley — Kids will love tucking into their own tasting plank.

Z WINE is seriously dedicated to making some of Barossa Valley’s best wine. The owners, Janelle and Kristen Zerk, are fifth-generation Barossans and the only sister duo in the Barossa Valley who produce, own and operate their business. Their ancestors were one of the pioneering families of Barossa Valley back in 1846 and are also the inspiration behind the name – the Z is for Zerk.

Their cellar door and wine bar on the main street of Tanunda is popular with locals and visitors alike, offering regional produce and live music to accompany the selection of distinct wines.

Parents will love: the urban setting and convenience of plonking yourself at a winery right in the centre of town.
Kids will love: tucking into their own tasting plank featuring local produce (smoked fritz and fairy bread on Apex Bakery bread) served with juice, milk and water.

7. Aravina Estate, Margaret River, WA

Address: 61 Thornton Rd, Yallingup, WA

Aravina Estate plays host to the WA surf museum.

The picturesque grounds of Aravina Estate set the scene for a feast of the senses. The winery plays host to the cellar door and restaurant, a homewares and produce shop, plus a surfing gallery.

Relax and let one of the experienced staff guide you through the award-winning range of wines. Choose from a structured tasting or a five-course degustation lunch.

Parents will love: the covered outdoor dining terrace. It offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the expansive vineyards set among natural bushland.
Kids will love: the WA Surf Gallery . This is the first and only official collection of surfing memorabilia in Western Australia, ideally located in one of the nation’s most iconic surfing spots.

8. Glenarty Road, Margaret River, WA

Address: 70 Glenarty Rd, Karridale, WA

Glenarty Road has been in the family for five generations. The little patch of land has been through quite the evolution over the years, from native bushland to a sheep farm, then a vineyard with a farm shop and a cellar door.

This place embodies the very essence of Margaret River hospitality, welcoming a plethora of different age groups who need multiple vibes fulfilled. Tables here are set under the shade of the surrounding trees with working vegetable patches in sight – providing the ingredients for the meal set on the plate before you.

Parents will love: the Sunday lunch at Glenarty Road’s is considered a local favourite.
Kids will love: the junior farm feast – a three-course meal made to inspire the next generation of farmers. Kids will indulge in a farm-to-table feast that reflects wholesome and honest flavours.

9. Scarborough Wine Co., Hunter Valley, NSW

Address: 179 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin, NSW

Scarborough Wine Co. is a family-owned heavy-hitter loved for its range of exceptional wines and effusive hospitality. Here, winemaking is a way of life; the family turned out their first vintage in 1987 from the garage, where the cellar door still stands today.

Come sample each of the Scarborough Wine Co. wines – including semillon, verdelho, vermentino, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz – under the guidance of the very knowledgeable cellar door staff.

Parents will love: the complimentary cheese plate with your wine tasting.
Kids will love: the dedicated kids’ zone, equipped with hoola hoops, skipping ropes, Jenga and more.

10. Heifer Station Wines, Orange, NSW

Address: 1034 The Escort Way, Orange, NSW

Heifer Station, Orange — Make friends at Heifer Station

In a wine region where altitude is everything, Heifer Station enjoys a nice balance of elevation and sunshine, the perfect conditions for producing cool climate wines starring chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris, merlot and shiraz.

Heifer Station Wines runs its cellar door out of an old woolshed. It’s a proud family business and one that plays a big role in the local community.

Parents will love: A Day on the Green, which is held on the property.
Kids will love: the onsite petting zoo and farm that’s home to a small herd of alpacas, highland cattle, goats and Tilly the mini Shetland pony.

11. Bago Maze and Winery, Port Macquarie, NSW

Address: Milligans Rd, Wauchope, NSW

Nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees, rolling countryside and acres of vines, Bago Maze and Winery is an ideal spot to sit and take in the Port Macquarie scenery.

Enjoy a wine tasting and then relax with a glass of wine or coffee, or indulge in a cheese/meat platter offering local produce from around the region. Follow it up with an adventure into the Bago Maze.

Parents will love: the selection of chocolates from Baba Lila, manufactured onsite at Bago Maze and winery.
Kids will love: the two kilometres of pathways and bridges within one of the world’s largest hedge mazes.

12. Holm Oak Vineyards, Tamar Valley, Tas

Address: 11 W Bay Rd, Rowella, Tas

Holm Oak Vineyards has a real point of difference from other wineries in the Tamar Valley. This small boutique winery located just outside of Launceston is known for producing arneis – a wine made from an Italian white grape that is native to the Piedmont Region. Holm Oak is the only winery in the state to grow this vine, so be sure to sample a glass… or two.

Parents will love: the seclusion. From the moment you pull into the driveway, you’ll feel like you have discovered your own secret winery.
Kids will love: Pinot Junior the Pig. Kids can grab a bag of apples and feed him while they’re there.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

The 12 best family-friendly wineries around Australia