Sand driving on Aldinga Beach, SA
As the gateway to South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, McLaren Vale overflows with places to sip, dip and explore.
Australia has some exceptional wine districts, and we would certainly put South Australia’s McLaren Vale region up there with the best. But we’ve found world class wines are only the beginning of what this eclectic destination offers. Travelling south from the Adelaide CBD, this historic region is the gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula where the vines meet the sea. It offers fascinating history, art galleries, top notch eateries and cafes, natural attractions, luxury accommodation, plus shady caravan parks and campsites. Add to the mix some of the most spectacular coastline in South Australia, and you’ve got a destination that’s bound to delight the young and young at heart.
Cellar doors galore
When Englishman, John Reynell planted some grapevines in an outlying suburb in 1838, little did he know the McLaren Vale wine region would become Australia’s oldest. It has a mediterranean style climate, and is generally best known for producing world-class shiraz, cabernet and grenache. Although the region has seen a few changes during the past 10–15 years, it’s not uncommon to find winemakers now also producing mediterranean grape varieties that are well suited to the climate. These newcomer varietals like vermentino, fiano, barbera, Montepulciano and tempranillo are well on their way to making their mark and becoming increasingly popular with wine aficionados.
A scenic drive through the McLaren Vale vines
To get in on some wine tasting action, there are more than 50 cellar doors where you can sip a drop or two. And you don’t need to travel vast distances to visit when one of the best things about McLaren Vale is the proximity and ease you can get around. Between the cellar doors located in historical rustic buildings to modern architecturally designed works of art cellar doors, you’ll find the experiences offered diverse and plentiful. But wine isn’t the only drink making a splash. Numerous boutique brewers and distillers crafting award-winning gins, beers and other spirits also share the cellar door spotlight. Even the quirky names of some brews are sure to pique interest, like Shifty Lizard, Full Mongrel, and our favourite, Stouty McStout Face.
Winemaker Drew Noon from Noon Winery is well-renowned for producing full-bodied red wines
McLaren Vale’s food scene
The gastronomic delights of the region also reign supreme especially when you find it’s a melting pot of cuisines. Many restaurants, cafes and cellar doors draw inspiration from seasonal and local produce, so rest assured you won’t go hungry. Winery platters are a popular cellar door option, and a glass of wine with a mixed platter from wineries like Richard Hamilton Wines, Hastwell & Lightfoot Wine or Beresford Estate are a few of our favourites. When topping that experience off with stunning views over vibrant green vineyards, we think life’s pretty good. Modern restaurant cuisine shines exceptionally bright in McLaren Vale too and choosing where to dine when there’s many top-notch eateries isn’t an easy task. The Salopian Inn and d'Arenberg Cube are just two of the icons in the region, with visitors lured from far and wide.
Beresford Estate is a must-visit destination
Mouth-watering platters at Richard Hamilton Wines
But you can’t dismiss McLaren Vale’s main street having its fair share of popular eats, cafes and bakeries, with some housed in elegant 20th century style historic buildings. Our go-to eatery each visit is the Tin Shed Cafe — a local institution for hungry-eyed locals and visitors alike. Our shared big brekkie and pancakes always hit the spot, and the coffee appeases that caffeine hit we crave. And for any sweet tooths like us, McLaren Vale’s got you well covered with chocolate. There are plenty of decadent delicacies to attract the most discerning chocoholic along the main street at Bracegirdle’s and Robern Menz.
A short 15-minute drive from McLaren Vale, you’ll come to the nearby historical village of Willunga. With its blend of cafes and other eateries lining its main street, this quaint town surprisingly has three 19th century pubs only a few hundred metres apart. But if there is one thing Willunga is renowned for, it’s the local farmers markets which are a fabulous way to taste the region. Here you’ll find vendors selling everything from locally grown fresh fruits, meats, vegetables, herbs and baked goods, dairy products, honey, eggs and gourmet products. The markets are held each Saturday from 8am until 12noon, but our tip is to arrive no later than 8.30am. The markets are very popular with locals and those visiting from the city. You won’t want to miss out!
The Glass Studio at Willunga supports local artists
Explore the McLaren Vale
There are endless options for getting out and about in the region, so you can be as active (or inactive) as you like. Cyclists will be in their element as McLaren Vale sits at the end of the Coast to Vines Rail Trail. It’s a 37km trail that winds its way from Marino Rocks Railway Station and finishes at Willunga with the picturesque scenery along the way a highlight. However, if the thought of that many kilometres makes your head spin, then the 8km Shiraz Trail between McLaren Vale and Willunga could be another option. Taking in the passing vineyards and farm paddocks while cycling this old disused rail line can be a relaxing way to see the area. And what a great excuse to swing by one of the many cellar doors along the way to take a break.
Using pedal power along the 8km Shiraz Trail
While creativity abounds within the region through its amazing food and cellar doors, there’s also a thriving art scene. With a dozen or more exceptional galleries dotted around the area, it’s not uncommon to meet the artist at their studio when you visit. Places like the iconic five-storey d'Arenberg Cube structure is a work of art, with numerous paintings and sculptures dotted throughout the building and extended gardens. Besides the cube, you’ll find curated artworks including paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, glass and jewellery, which are just some of the types of art available at local galleries.
The d'Arenberg Cube is a stone’s throw from McLaren Vale
To really experience the outdoors and get among some nature-based attractions, then we’d recommend a visit to the Onkaparinga River National Park. It’s only minutes from McLaren Vale where there are numerous bike and bushwalking trails, plenty of opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting, plus areas for kayaking and canoeing. You’ll find a steep and rugged gorge located within the national park and is something that’s popular with rock climbers and abseilers. But if you’d like to get close to some local wildlife, make a beeline for Woodstock Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s located on the grounds of the Woodstock Wine estate and visitors can join in with the daily kangaroo feeding session.
One of the many historic buildings in the region
Best beaches to visit
With the nearby coastline home to some of South Australia’s best beaches, you can take your pick. Soaking up the sun at beautiful beaches like Silver Sands, Moana and Aldinga is quite unique for this southern coastline because you can drive your vehicle right onto the sand (check the rules and restrictions before going). Moana Beach is a favourite with families, plus it’s the perfect place to be if you’re hoping to catch a wave and do some body surfing. A little closer to McLaren Vale is the popular Port Noarlunga Beach where its jetty area is a great spot for snorkellers and scuba divers.
As you travel this area of coastline, you may come across the renowned Maslin Beach. Having its claim to fame as Australia’s first nudist beach in 1975, you can wander down to the beach’s southern end to drop your clobber if you’re inclined to bare all. But if that’s not your cup of tea, check out Port Willunga Beach. This beach must have the most beautiful shoreline along the coast. The bright sandstone-coloured cliffs, old jetty pylons popping out from the water and caves dotted along the white sandy beach are something to behold. Taking in this location when the afternoon sun glows is a must.
Soaking up the sunset at Port Willunga Beach
Where to stay with your caravan
There’s certainly no shortage of options here, as the area is dotted with places to camp, glamp and stay in luxury. If you’d like to stay in the heart of the region, the McLaren Vale Cabin Caravan Park is conveniently located just off the village’s main street. Then, with the beach and coastlines one of the region’s major drawcards, there are plenty of opportunities to stay close to the water. At the southern end of this region, you’ll find two options — the family-style BIG4 Port Willunga Tourist Park and Aldinga Beach Holiday Park. Alternatively, there’s the Moana Beach Tourist Park and the Christies Beach Tourist Park located to McLaren Vale’s north.
However, if you’d like to disconnect and get back to nature, you can always camp in the Onkaparinga River National Park. The Pink River Gum Campground has 11 campsites and accommodates caravans, camper trailers and tents. The campground facilities are basic with a flushing toilet, wash-up facility and fire pits, although fire restrictions apply from November to April. As with many national parks these days, you need to book online before your stay and fees apply.
Shade and grass are plentiful at the McLaren Vale Caravan Park
The picturesque view from Punchbowl Lookout in the Onkaparinga River National Park
After spending time in the McLaren Vale region, we’ve wined, dined, played, explored and simply relaxed. With everything we’ve discovered and experienced during our stay, we have no doubt it’s an all-around amazing road trip destination for those travelling with a caravan or camper.
Travel planner for the McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre
P: 08 8323 9944 / 1800 628 410
E: visitorcentre@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
G’Day Parks McLaren Vale Cabin & Caravan Park
P: 08 8323 9255
E: reception@mclarenvalecaravanpark.com.au
P: 08 8323 8830
E: info@richardhamiltonwines.com
P: 08 8323 7343
E: tinshedcafe@gmail.com
P: 08 8383 0156
E: woodstock@woodstockwine.com.au
P: 08 8556 4297
E: info@willungafarmersmarket.com.au
Onkaparinga River National Park
P: 08 7133 7300
E: DEW.NPWSSouthMetro@sa.gov.au
Early morning shoppers at Willunga Markets
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