Words by Glam Adelaide
As you make your way through McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast in 2021, you'll come across their gorgeous villages, each filled with charm, character, and impressive dining.
Whether you’re driving along the glorious coastline, making your way through the hills, or venturing into vineyards, the villages have a whole lot to offer, sowe thought we’d point out some of our favourite spots to check out for your winter getaway.
Aldinga is simultaneously quaint and coastal - a vibrant and eclectic village and home to one of the few beaches in Australia where cars can drive on the sand. Renowned for its safe swimming and epic surf, the visitors flock in the summertime. Retail therapy is also a mustat fashion house icon Miss Gladys on Sea as well as an eclectic collection of shops along Old Coach Road.
Eat & Drink: Enjoy excellent seaside dining at Breeze Café and SOURC’D Wine & Coffee Bar is also a fabulous spot with a gorgeous viewand we can’t forgetthe iconic Star of Greece restaurant (along the Esplanade and overlooking Port Willunga)
Do: Aldinga is famed for its spectacular sites to scuba dive and snorkel, with a unique aquatic reserve put in place to protect the rare reef, being one of South Australia’s most popular spots. Keen divers will also find a pretty incredible underwater cliff (or drop off) to explore
Perhaps most famous for itsbakery, this village boasts preserved 1800’s stone architecture and is surrounded by picturesque hills. Clarendon is picture perfect and a great hidden gem. It is also one of the best scenic routes you can take to explore the McLaren Vale Wine Region.
Eat & Drink: This one goes to Clarendon Bakery (of course) or the Royal Oak Hotel if you’re after a pub vibe.
Do: Have a picnic at The Riverbend Reserve, an ideal spot for families and solo travellers alike. Sit by the Onkaparinga River and enjoy the many surrounding gum trees. For the shopping inclined, a visit to EmpradesVintage + Design will be fruitful.
This popular summer destination combines beachside shopping with a postcard-like coastand offers a range of quirky cafes.
Eat & Drink: The Ripple and Swirl Café on the Esplanade – think authentic, beach shack café at its best. Christies (as the locals call it) also has a couple of the best bakeries in region – The Espy and CJ’s Bakery.
Do: Spend some time shopping the quirky seaside stripwhere you can search for gems uniqueto this beautiful beach spot.
Ah McLaren Vale, the internationally renowned gateway to one of the country’s most acclaimed wine regions. Whilst those who’ve visited McLaren Vale may have their tried and tested spots, we’d suggest getting out of your comfort zone and explore a little more as this village has a few hidden delights.
Eat & Drink: Whilst in town there are great casual spots to enjoy like Mullygrub Café, Oscars Restaurant, Tin Shed Café and Bracegirdlesfor everything chocolate (and food and wine too). When venturing into the wine region there are great ‘feed me’ or ‘chef selection’ options to be enjoyed across a range of restaurants with vineyard views.
Home to one of the regions wine icons – Hardy's Tintarawith its manicured lawn and a great deck out the back to enjoy a glass or two (the Fleurieu Art House is also here too). There’s also Shingleback Wines, Five Geese Winesand Australian Boutique Premium Wines to start your wine adventure. The McLaren Vale Wine Region is home to over 80 cellar doors, so you are certainly spoilt for choice.
Do: Make a stop at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or a first timer, the staff will point you in the right direction for whatever you feel like doing that day. There’s also an on-site café (supported by their kitchen garden), gallery and Mclaren Vale III Associates in the cellar door - known for their squid ink shiraz.
A more peaceful stop as far as the villages go, Old Noarlunga is a place for history and tranquillity. Nestled on the banks of the Onkaparinga River, much of Old Noarlunga is untouched terrain.
Eat & Drink: The Old Noarlunga Hotel has recently undergone a revamp, but remains a classic, Aussie country pub. The Coffee at Long Shot & Co. is well worth trying too just across from the Market Square! A hidden gem accessible from Victor Harbor Road is Victors Place, offering a winery (award winning Varney Wines), brewery and restaurant, it is fast becoming a visitor hotspot!
Do: Head to Perry’s Bend and go kayaking or canoeing as you soak up this unique township. If land is more your thing, head to the Onkaparinga River National Park for a hike.
A splendid seaside village, Port Noarlunga is an ideal Summer destination for swimming, relaxing, fishing, eating, exploring, and much more.
Eat & Drink: Agatha’s Café, The Flour Store, Port Burger, and The Fleurieu Pantry – we could go on … For the best beach views, it has to be Hortas Restaurant, overlooking the Port Noarlunga Jetty with great food and wine on offer – ask about their specialty dish.
Do: Port Noarlunga will appeal to the art-lovers as well as the beach-lovers. The village plays host to a number of impressive and quirky galleries, including Sauerbier House (an innovative art space), The Port Noarlunga Arts Centre, as well as a number of street murals and public art pieces. ‘The Goggles’ sculpture lit at night is amazing.
Old Reynella celebrates its pioneering and winemaking heritage, with its name a homage to the three generations of Reynell family winemakers that called the village home. Check out the village’s delightful main street which isfilled with health and wellness shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Eat & Drink: Esculent and Mr Indiaare great choices. Close by are Horndale Distillery for the fortified-lovers, and Geoff Merrill Wines for those keen on an excellent drop.
Do: For those inclined to walking, head along the Panalatinga Creek and join the much-loved Coast to Vines Rail Trail.
Home to South Australia’s very first (and some would say best) farmers’ market. This gorgeous village is one of the oldest towns in the region and has much to offer from chocolate shops to breweries, to historical sites.
Eat & Drink: Sweet-tooths, head to Four Winds Chocolate (Saturday mornings only) or Tealicious Cakes, (currently closed) think pink Parisian heaven, but if you are more savoury-focussed, check out the iconic Russell’s Pizza (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)or The Redwood Oven.There are also great cafes including vegan and organic options. For the beer lovers, Shifty Lizard Brewery and South Coast Brewing are the go, with Hither and Yonand Aphellion Wines are both excellent choices for wine.
Do: We can’t go past the Willunga Farmers’ Market. It’s busy, vibrantand filled with more fresh produce and tasty treats than you can imagine.