McLaren Vale was the birthplace of South Australia’s wine industry and has more boutique wineries and restaurants than you can raise a glass to.
Along with sampling the region’s fabulous food and fine wines, you can explore trails winding through untouched Australian bushland, stroll through lush green vineyards and admire the region’s stunning scenery at Onkaparinga River National Park. McLaren Vale might only be 45 minutes from downtown Adelaide but it offers a wonderful rural escape and feels like a world away. Here are some of the best things to do in McLaren Vale on your next trip to South Australia.
1. Cycle the Coast to Vines Rail Trail
The Coast to Vines Rail Trail is also known as the Shiraz Trail and has been built along a disused rail corridor. This scenic vehicle-free trail takes you past glorious scenery and superb wineries. Make an extended stop at the acclaimed Wirra Wirra Winery for a platter lunch and exclusive tasting and tour. Wirra Wirra is an Aboriginal name meaning “among the gum tree” and the 125-year-old ironstone winery is still surrounded by the trees today.
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2. Onkaparinga River National Park
Take a drive to Onkaparinga River National Park where a short walk reveals views over McLaren Vale and the rugged cliffs that make up the park’s many gorges. This National Park is home to one of the finest examples of South Adelaide’s original landscape and filled with crystal clear rock pools and native wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, and possums. Keep an eye out for the heritage-listed huts that date back to the 1800s and reveal the area’s farming history.
3. See Port Willunga
Port Willunga jetty is known locally as ‘the sticks’ as not much of it remains but it remains one of the most photographed spots in South Australia. You’ll find one of South Australia’s most photographed beaches here as well with golden sands, steep cliffs and water that beckons travellers to dive in when the weather is warm. It’s hard to believe this beautiful spot was once one of South Australia’s largest ports.
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4. Drop into the Star of Greece
Drive past the aptly named Silver Sands, where the sparkling beach and ocean meet, and follow the coast to Port Willunga which offers views out to Kangaroo Island on a clear day. Perched high on a hill you’ll find the iconic Star of Greece restaurant, one of South Australia’s most famous dining spots. It might look like a simple café but this breezy coastal restaurant offers much more than a casual bite to eat with a sophisticated menu and a wine list that makes it tempting to linger over another glass of wine from the local area.
5. Shop ‘til you drop
Shop for local delicacies like juicy cherries, crusty sourdough and avocados from the Adelaide Hills as you stroll around the lively Willunga Farmer’s Markets which has been operating for more than 20 years. Revive along the way at wineries and micro-breweries then drop into a café or a winery restaurant for lunch. After you’ve browsed unique jewellery and handmade clothing and accessories at McLaren Vale’s boutiques, stop for a coffee and a delicious pastry.
6. Skinny dip at Maslin Beach
Maslin Beach which is famous for being Australia’s very first official nudist beach. The calm blue waters are great for swimming and snorkelling and also enjoying a skinny dip provided you stick to the southern end of the beach. The rest of this vast stretch of golden sand enclosed within tall cliffs isn’t ‘clothing optional’ so don’t strip off your gear and dive into the water unless you’re in the right spot. The sand dunes take on a beautiful glow as the sun starts going down.
