Sun, Sips, and Summer Fun: Discover the Best of Rutherglen This Season! 🌞🍇
What to do
Looking for the ultimate summer escape with sunshine, wine, and a splash of adventure? Rutherglen has you covered! This charming wine region, known for its big reds and even bigger heart, is buzzing with fun, from vineyard hopping to lazy lake days. Here’s your guide to the quirkiest, must-do activities to soak up every drop of summer magic in Rutherglen and the surrounding area.
1. Sip, Sip, Hooray! The Ultimate Wine Crawl 🍷
Rutherglen isn’t just about wine; it’s about legendary wine. Home to some of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, this town is famous for its bold reds and delicious Muscat. Start your summer sipping tour at All Saints Estate or Stanton & Killeen, where you’ll find cozy cellar doors and lush vineyard views. For something unique, try Campbells Wines’ iconic Muscat or taste a refreshing rosé at Cofield Wines. And don’t miss the chance to tour a winery by bicycle – it’s fun, eco-friendly, and gives you serious local cred!
2. Lake Moodemere – Your Summer Chill Spot 🚣♂️🌊
Cool off at Lake Moodemere, a local favorite for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. This serene spot is perfect for those lazy summer days when you just want to unwind and catch some rays. Bring a picnic basket or snag a spot for a lakeside BBQ, then hit the water! You can even spot the odd pelican or two gliding by. For early risers, the sunrise over the lake is well worth the alarm.
3. Pedal, Paddle, Picnic – Rutherglen’s Newest Outdoor Combo 🚴🥖
If you’re feeling adventurous, try Rutherglen’s popular “Pedal, Paddle, Picnic” experience. This unique activity lets you explore the Murray River and its picturesque surroundings by bike and kayak! Start by cycling through wine country, take a scenic paddle along the river, and then dig into a gourmet picnic basket filled with local goodies. It’s like summer in a basket – and a blast for families or couples.
4. Follow the Rutherglen Art Trail – with a Twist! 🎨
Art meets adventure on the Rutherglen Art Trail. This self-guided tour leads you to quirky sculptures, galleries, and murals around town, where every corner has a story. Don’t miss the iconic “Big Wine Bottle” sculpture, because, let’s be real, what’s a wine region without a big bottle? Wind your way through local galleries, catch live performances, and maybe even bring home a piece of local art as a memory of your trip.
5. Treat Yourself at the Summer Farmers Market 🍑🧀
Nothing says summer like a good farmers market, and Rutherglen has one of the best! Browse stalls piled high with fresh berries, artisanal cheeses, honey, olives, and more. Grab a coffee, sample some treats, and pick up picnic provisions. With so many fresh, local goodies, you might just need a second basket.
6. Take in the Views at Rutherglen’s Lookouts 🏞️
For a small-town thrill, head up to one of Rutherglen’s lookout points for a panoramic view of the vineyards and beyond. The best view? “Mount Prior” – the highest point in the region, where you can watch the sun set over fields of grapevines with a glass of wine in hand, of course. It’s the perfect romantic spot or simply a peaceful end to a sun-soaked day.
7. Lakeview Cabins – Glamping with a Vineyard Twist 🌅
If you’re staying overnight, check into the new lakeview cabins at Rutherglen Holiday Park. With easy access to nearby wineries, lakes, and trails, these cabins offer a cozy, modern retreat. Wake up to views of the water, sip coffee on the deck, and relax into Rutherglen’s laid-back vibe. And, yes, they’re fully equipped for lazy mornings and sunset happy hours!
Soak Up Summer in Rutherglen! ☀️
Rutherglen and its surrounds are packed with quirky, sunny adventures, from wine tasting to lake lounging and artsy escapes. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer getaway, there’s always another glass to raise, a trail to follow, or a lake to dip into. So grab your sunnies, slip on your flip-flops, and come experience the unforgettable summer fun that only Rutherglen can offer.