Coolangatta Estate is an award-winning winery and resort destination boasting a unique place in contemporary tourism as well as being of great historical significance to the NSW South Coast. It nestles at the foot of Mount Coolangatta, which stands 279 metres tall (a bit over 900 feet) on the northern bank of the Shoalhaven River. Its name meant “splendid view” or “high hill” to the Aborigines, and it is of significance to the European history of the Shoalhaven area as the site of the first farm. A Scotsman, Alexander Berry, in partnership with Edward Wolstencraft, received a land grant of 10,000 acres extending from this river to approximately what is now the town of Berry, and with his allocation of 100 convicts, Berry began to establish what he called “Cullengetty Farm” in July 1822 on the south-eastern lower slope of the mountain.
Today it is possible to step back in history and actually stay, in recently refurbished luxury, in the very same buildings built by Berry’s convicts in the early 19th century. The original exteriors of the structures – the Convict Cottage, the Stables, the Servants Quarters, the Plumbers Shop, the Blacksmith Shop, The Harness Room, The Dairy – have been maintained, while the interiors have been modernised and provide all the trappings one would expect of up-to-date accommodation including TV, air conditioning, free wifi and ensuite bathrooms. Each of these rooms is a short walk from the Cellar Door, where some of the estate’s award-winning wines can be tasted and purchased at any time of day. And all are only a quick stroll from the estate’s restaurant and bistro, the 9-hole golf course, the tennis court, the games room, the croquet lawn, BBQ areas, and the solar-heated swimming pool.
Coolangatta is a name most Australians associate with that southernmost suburb of the Gold Coast in Queensland, but it actually belongs to our own Coolangatta. It was the name of Alexander Berry’s 25-metre, 80-tonne topsail schooner that was wrecked in 1846 at Kirra Beach near the Tweed River while waiting to load a shipment of cedar bound for sale in Sydney. ‘Coolangatta’ today is also widely associated with its award-winning wines, the grapes for all 8 varieties of which are grown on 25 acres of the estate and hand-picked before being sent to the famous Tyrell’s winery in the Hunter Valley of NSW to be turned into 5 white wines – Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Savagnin – and 4 reds (Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and Tempranillo). These are all varieties that do well in the maritime climate of the Shoalhaven, and can withstand humidity and powdery mildew. They offer visitors a unique experience to those who are unfamiliar some of these varieties.
The restaurant serves a selection of local specialities (including superb local Shoalhaven oysters) with lunches Wednesday–Sunday and at dinners Thursday–Saturday.
Coolangatta Estate is also a popular destination for weddings, functions and corporate events, providing the most up-to-date conference facilities and projection equipment.
With it’s historic significance, award-winning winery, natural beauty and fun activities for the whole family, Coolangatta Estate a must-see destination on your next visit to Berry.