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.
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.
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.
Want to see the region from a different perspective? Take it all in from the air! At the Aldinga Airfield you can take a scenic flight over the southern beaches with views stretching all the way to Kangaroo Island.
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
Explore the Beaches of McLaren Vale & Fleurieu CoastWhether its sunrise or sunset, soak up some of South Australia’s best beaches or enjoy the coastal serenity along the breathtaking coastline whilst exploring Route 31 Coastal Drive.
The LandAldinga is a beautiful place known to the Kaurna Miyurna (people) as “Ngaltingga”. Ngaltingga is brimming with history where even today you can walk around and find well-trodden Kaurna walking paths throughout. Whether it’s putting your feet in the sand or walking through the scrublands, you can sense the ancient spirit of the place. Surrounded by hills to southeast and water to the southwest, Ngaltingga sustained Kaurna Miyurna for many thousands of years.
