Cellar-door lawns, wildlife encounters, brilliant playgrounds and coastal adventures — family days out come easily in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, just 40 minutes south of Adelaide.
Vale & Coast Stories
Welcome to the official newsroom for McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast.
There’s a rhythm to life where the hills meet the sea. This is a collection of our favorite moments—from the first light on a quiet beach to the last glass of Grenache under a summer moon. Explore our curated guides to the hidden corners, local makers, and timeless landscapes of the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast. Let these stories be the beginning of your next journey.
McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Travel Blog
Get the word on McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast with great tips and ideas from our team of local writers.
.mvfc-spring{--green:#263f36;--cream:#f5f1e8;--gold:#b88746;--ink:#252525;--white:#fff;color:var(--ink);line-height:1.65}.mvfc-spring *{box-sizing:border-box}.mvfc-spring h1,.mvfc-spring h2,.mvfc-spring h3{color:var(--green);line-height:1.18}.mvfc-spring h1{font-size:clamp(2rem,5vw,3.4rem);margin:0 0 1rem}.mvfc-spring h2{font-size:clamp(1.55rem,3vw,2.2rem);margin:0 0 .75rem}.mvfc-spring h3{font-size:1.3rem}.mvfc-spring a{color:var(--green);font-weight:700}.mvfc-spring img{display:block;width:100%;height:auto}.mvfc-spring__intro{font-size:1.15rem;max-width:850px;margin:0 auto 2rem}.mvfc-spring__answer{background:var(--cream);border-left:5px solid var(--gold);padding:1.35rem 1.5rem;margin:2rem 0}.mvfc-spring__answer p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.mvfc-spring__section{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) minmax(0,1fr);gap:2.25rem;align-items:center;padding:2.75rem 0;border-bottom:1px solid #ddd}.mvfc-spring__section:nth-of-type(even) .mvfc-spring__image{order:2}.mvfc-spring__image img{aspect-ratio:4/3;object-fit:cover;border-radius:4px}.mvfc-spring__note{background:var(--cream);padding:1rem 1.2rem;margin-top:1.25rem}.mvfc-spring__itinerary{background:var(--green);color:var(--white);padding:2rem;margin:3rem 0}.mvfc-spring__itinerary h2,.mvfc-spring__itinerary h3{color:var(--white)}.mvfc-spring__steps{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);gap:1rem;margin-top:1.5rem}.mvfc-spring__step{border-top:3px solid var(--gold);padding-top:.8rem}.mvfc-spring__step strong{display:block;color:#f3d4a5}.mvfc-spring__cta{text-align:center;background:var(--cream);padding:2.5rem 1.5rem;margin-top:3rem}.mvfc-spring__buttons{display:flex;justify-content:center;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.75rem;margin-top:1.5rem}.mvfc-spring__button{display:inline-block;background:var(--green);color:var(--white)!important;text-decoration:none;padding:.8rem 1.2rem;border-radius:3px}.mvfc-spring__button--outline{background:transparent;color:var(--green)!important;border:2px solid var(--green)}@media(max-width:767px){.mvfc-spring__section{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:1.25rem;padding:2rem 0}.mvfc-spring__section:nth-of-type(even) .mvfc-spring__image{order:0}.mvfc-spring__steps{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.mvfc-spring__intro{font-size:1.05rem}}@media(max-width:480px){.mvfc-spring__steps{grid-template-columns:1fr}.mvfc-spring__answer,.mvfc-spring__itinerary,.mvfc-spring__cta{padding:1.35rem}} What are the best things to do in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast during spring?Follow Route 31 Coastal Drive, visit Willunga Farmers Market, book a McLaren Vale cellar door, attend Grenache & Gourmet, walk through Onkaparinga River National Park and enjoy a seasonal long lunch. The region is approximately 40 minutes south of Adelaide and works well for both day trips and weekend stays.
Beach walks, winery lawns and cafés where your dog is welcome — McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast has plenty of relaxed dog-friendly places to eat, drink and roam, just 40 minutes south of Adelaide.
Ever wished someone else would just… decide for you? No scanning the menu, no "you choose, no you choose," no second-guessing whether you should've got the other thing? Welcome to the joy of the degustation and 'feed me' menu — the region's answer to decision fatigue.
Dining | Discover Fleurieu Coast | Discover McLaren Vale | Family Friendly | Lifestyle | Things to Do
Looking for the best things to do in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast? From wine tasting and long lunches to beach adventures and family-friendly fun, there’s plenty to discover — perfect for school holidays, spring escapes, or a long weekend away.
Discover the Best Scenic Drives Adelaide Has to OfferThey say it's not the destination that matters, but the journey.
Planning ahead for the July 2026 school holidays? McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is one of South Australia's most underrated family destinations — wide open spaces, coastal walks, family-friendly wineries, and enough hidden gems to keep the "I'm bored" chorus at bay all week. Here's your local guide to making the most of it.
Cooler days were made for slow afternoons, generous reds and finding a warm spot by the fire. Just 40 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast brings together cellar doors, vineyard views, country-town charm and 31 kilometres of coastline, making it an easy winter escape for food lovers, wine drinkers and anyone craving a change of pace.
Willunga has been named Australia’s #1 Food & Wine Town by Australian Traveller and ranked No. 7 in Australia’s 100 Best Towns to Travel To.
Beachside dining is a summer essential in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast. Stretching along the coast from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach, the region is home to cafés and coastal dining spots located just steps from the sand, offering relaxed meals with ocean views.
Plan the Perfect Summer Holiday in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu CoastMcLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is the perfect spot to explore for a staycation this summer with some of the best places to visit in the January school holidays.
Imagine a romantic escape full of rolling vineyards, sparkling beaches and views that go on for miles?
A scenic drive in South Australia really does make for the perfect day out!Words and Imagery by Kelly Golding
