Koonwarra: Nature, Wine and Farmers Market

In Koonwarra, nature goes hand in hand with wine and food. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Koonwarra, these different highlights can help you plan: Would you like to explore trails and habitats, learn about winegrowing, or plan some culinary experiences and a market day? The places and activities below offer distinct starting points.

Nature trails, wetlands and fossils

The Koonwarra Biodiversity Walk follows the Koonwarra–Meeniyan section of the Great Southern Rail Trail and is approximately two kilometres long. The interpretive walk takes in the Tarwin River, biodiverse wetlands, and a variety of flora and fauna. It also includes the Koonwarra fossil beds, which contain internationally significant specimens, including the giant flea fossil. The trail brings nature watching and Koonwarra’s fossil heritage together along one route.

The longest walking trail in Koonwarra Nature Reserve is approximately 1.2 kilometres long and takes about 20 minutes; the reserve is located on Koonwarra–Inverloch Road. The approximate walking time for this trail offers a different planning measure from the approximate length of the two-kilometre Biodiversity Walk, an interpretive walk that follows the Rail Trail section. Koonwarra Bushland Reserve has walking trails showcasing a wide variety of flora and fauna, and is important for conservation. The Koonwarra–Meeniyan section of the Great Southern Rail Trail is accessible to people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. Before your visit, check whether there have been any temporary changes to the surface or facilities.

Wine and culinary events

At The Wine Farm, the wines are grown, made and bottled on site. The farm is transitioning to biodynamic farming in partnership with Demeter Australia. During the summer months, you can book a special tasting experience at the vineyard bar. Production and the ongoing transition describe the winemaking background; the tasting is a separate seasonal visitor experience. If this experience is important to your travel dates, check availability for your preferred date in advance.

Milly & Romeo’s offers cooking classes and a home-style pantry. If you’d like to include a class in your plans, check availability with the provider. Koonwarra’s original Farmers Market in the region takes place on the first Saturday of each month. It offers fresh vegetables, farm eggs and artisan breads. The market has a different focus from Milly & Romeo’s: fresh produce is at its heart, while the cooking classes and pantry are food-oriented. The offerings have different scheduling requirements: tastings are available during the summer months, class availability should be checked with the provider, and the market takes place on the first Saturday of each month.

Discover more destinations: Wye River, Berrys Creek, Junortoun, Cape Otway, Trentham East, Violet Town, Quambatook, Myrrhee.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.