The 12 best family-friendly wineries around Australia

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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

Montalto Wines
Meander the Montalto Wines sculpture trail.

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 tasting platter
Kimbolton Wines tasting platter.

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

Woodstock Wines
Meet the locals at Woodstock Wines.

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
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
Glenarty Road encapsulates the Margaret River energy.

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. wines
Come sample each of the Scarborough Wine Co. wines

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

Bago maze and winery
Follow up your wine adventure with a visit into the Bago Maze

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, Tamar Valley
Pinot the pig enjoying his apples

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.

6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

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Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
Catch live music and more.

2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

11-13 July, 2025

Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo  – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events
See supercars take over Townsville.

3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 Aug 2025

Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events,  The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events
Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Wedgwood teacup
See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

6. Wallabies v Argentina

6 September

Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville
See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .