Last updated December 2024
Ever dreamed of a place where a pristine coastline meets rolling vineyards? A place filled with mouth-watering local produce, spectacular cliff-lined sandy beaches, and quirky local villages just waiting to welcome you?
We’re here to tell you this place exists, in all its discoverable glory, just 40 minutes from the Adelaide CBD. It’s the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast.
Home to many wineries, an award-winning foodie scene, coastal walks and nature-based adventures, the region is loved by locals and visitors alike. With so much to offer, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do when planning a visit, so we’ve put together our bucket list items to help you make the most of a trip to this spectacular region.
1. Start at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre
The local specialists will point you in the right direction, offering a wine-tasting experience with Ginny Pig Distillery, and casual fare at the Stump Hill Café (which is best enjoyed on the deck overlooking the vineyard valley). The Gallery features local and regional exhibitions and a nature playground for little ones. This is a great first place to visit.
For more information, click here.
2. Discover Maxwell Wines (and conquer their maze!)
Carved into a limestone hill at the heart of McLaren Vale is Maxwell Wines. With many cellar-door food and wine experiences available, you’re sure to find a unique offering to tantalise the taste buds. Adjacent to the cellar door is Maxwell Restaurant, where head chef Fabian Lehmann and pastry chef Jason Brown prepare a range of menu experiences featuring seasonal produce from the estate gardens. Up for a little adventure? Why not lose yourself in Maxwell’s conifer maze.
For more information, click here.
3. Spend a Saturday morning at the Willunga Farmers Market
Known as South Australia’s premier regional farmers market, Willunga hosts over 80 stalls selling seasonal and regional produce championing the Fleurieu Peninsula. The market is a chance to get a taste of the region and enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, baked goods, plants, coffee, and of course, breakfast or brunch.
For more information, click here.
4. Spend time at the breathtakingly beautiful Chalk Hill Collective
Chalk Hill Wines, Never Never Distilling Co, and Cucina di Strada make up the Chalk Hill Collective, a destination for small-batch, hand-crafted wines, rich and complex gins, and delectable pizzas. The trio are connected in a familial way, with the teams having made options from all three businesses readily available for patrons. Trust us, the view from the sprawling grass has to be seen to be believed.
For more information, click here.
5. Walk or cycle the magnificent Coast to Vines Rail Trail
The Coast to Vines Rail Trail is perhaps the perfect way to explore the diverse attractions of this magical region, as you wind along coastal cliffs through to the foothills of Willunga. The Shiraz Trail between McLaren Vale and Willunga is also a must, with many food and wine temptations close by.
For more information, click here.
6. Eat fish and chips by the seaside at Star of Greece
A jewel on the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu coast, Star of Greece is all about good wine, really good food, and great views. From fish and chips in the kiosk to a four-course meal in the restaurant, things are kept simple, local and fresh. Named after a long-remembered shipwreck, this South Aussie spot is a must for stunning coastal views and laid-back vibes.
For more information, click here.
7. Check out Down the Rabbit Hole’s double-decker bus cellar door
Down the Rabbit Hole’s powder blue, double-decker bus is apart of the winery’s cellar door, and it’s the epitome of Instagram-worthy. Local produce is used for the platters on offer, and McLaren Vale grapes are utilised to make Down the Rabbit Hole’s crisp, contemporary wines.
For more information, click here.
8. Kayak along the Onkaparinga River
The Onkaparinga River National Park is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. The waters meander along burnt orange cliff faces from Port Noarlunga through Old Noarlunga to the surrounds of Clarendon, and the scenery is stunning.
For more information, click here.
9. Explore the award-winning d’Arenberg Cube
Each of the five levels of the d’Arenberg Cube were carefully designed to entice the senses. Think a wine sensory room, a virtual fermenter, Alternate Realities Museum and current Salvador Dali Exhibition. Plus, d’Arenberg’s popular Singapore Circus restaurant has a few dates for its exclusive Sunset Dinners this summer, offering a truly magical dining experience with stunning sunset views. Located on the third level of the d’Arenberg Cube, the Singapore Circus dining space showcases panoramic views of McLaren Vale, the Willunga Hills, and the Gulf St Vincent.
For more information, click here.
10. Spend the day at Port Willunga Beach
Port Willunga Beach is a stunning spot, known for its golden cliffs, clear waters, and soft white sands. The beach forms a natural cove, making it perfect for swimming, with calm waters ideal for young swimmers and water activities like paddleboarding. Early mornings offer a peaceful, glass-like surface.
You can explore the Willunga Basin Trail via the cliffs, or stay on the beach to see the historic jetty and fishermen’s caves. For a relaxing meal, the Star of Greece restaurant on the clifftop offers beautiful views and a great atmosphere.
For more information, click here.
11. Stop at Goodieson Brewery for views and beverages
Overlooking Mt Lofty Ranges in McLaren Vale, you’ll find Goodieson Brewery. Home to award-winning beer, the brewery is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy classics like Pilsner and Pale Ale or try an experimental brew such as Lemon Pale and Chocolate Stout (dogs are welcome).
For more information, click here.
12. Have a meal at the eclectic Salopian Inn
The Salopian Inn in McLaren Vale serves eclectic handcrafted, contemporary Australian cuisine, made from scratch with seasonal produce from their Kitchen Garden. For wine-lovers, anticipate an exceptional local and international cellar, and an exotic gin list.
For more information, click here.
13. Enjoy a wine tasting at Coriole Vineyard
Coriole is a long-standing foodie favourite in the region. The team at Gather (Coriole’s restaurant) serve quintessentially Australian cuisine and are passionate about showcasing native ingredients. If you’re looking for a seated tasting experience, book the Collective Wine Flight, held in Coriole’s ‘Top House’ with stunning views of vineyards.
For more information, click here.
14. Explore Port Noarlunga Reef
One of South Australia’s most popular dive sites, this gorgeous area is home to more than 200 species of marine plants and animals, and more than 50 species of fish. For land based lovers, views of the reef are best enjoyed from the Jetty (a stones throw from the reef).
For more information, click here.
15. Discover the diversity of the arts and culture scene
There is no shortage of visual inspiration for the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast artisans and creatives, with studios, galleries, street art, murals and sculptures dotted across the villages. Hidden gems include Port Noarlunga’s Arts Centre and Saurbier House, the Salt Yoga Mural in Christies Beach.
The works of South Australian Aboriginal artists are also showcased at Red Poles Gallery in McLaren Vale. Of course, with The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region being so expansive, and oh so beautiful, this is a mere beginning to the bucket list experiences on offer.
For more information, click here.
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