Follow Route 31 Coastal Drive
Windows down, playlist on.
The 31-kilometre Route 31 Coastal Drive follows the coastline from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach, connecting beaches, clifftop views, cafés and coastal townships along the way.
Stop at Port Noarlunga to walk the Witton Bluff Base Trail, grab a coffee at Christies Beach, take in the view over Port Willunga or take an extra stroll on the sand at Moana or Aldinga Beach.
Historic Willunga also makes an easy inland detour for lunch, shopping or a wander along the mainstreet.
Make it happen: Download the Route 31 Coastal Drive map and choose a few stops rather than trying to rush the entire route.
Start Saturday at Willunga Farmers Market
Saturday mornings in Willunga are made for browsing.
Willunga Farmers Market brings together seasonal fruit and vegetables, baked goods, cheeses and produce from farmers and makers across the Fleurieu Peninsula. Pick up something for a picnic, chat with local producers or stay for breakfast before exploring the town.
Allow time to browse Willunga’s shops and galleries or continue into McLaren Vale for an afternoon among the vineyards.
Before you go: Check the market’s current opening hours and any special spring activities.
See McLaren Vale’s Vineyards Come to Life
Spring brings fresh green growth to McLaren Vale’s vineyards, making it a particularly lovely time to settle in at a cellar door.
Book a tasting, share a regional platter or find a table outside and enjoy the view. Dandelion Vineyards, Berg Herring, Coriole Vineyards and Gemtree Wines are among the places where the landscape is as much a part of the experience as the wine.
Many cellar doors become busy on spring weekends, so book ahead—particularly if you are planning to stay for lunch.
Travelling with a group? Organise a designated driver or book a local tour or transfer before you begin tasting.
Make a Weekend of the Spring Events
Spring brings a busy program of food, wine, music, arts and community events to McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast.
Grenache & Gourmet - 18 September - 5 October
Enjoy one of the season’s major drawcards, celebrating the region’s signature varietal through tastings, lunches and special events at participating venues. You will also find live music, exhibitions, workshops and smaller events happening throughout the region.
Players Series South Australia - 22 October - 25 October
Willunga Golf Course will once again host this jam packed event! Bringing top male and female players, elite professionals and juniors from all over Australia and New Zealand.
Programs and availability change, so check our What’s On calendar and book popular events early.
Walk Through National Parks and Coastal Reserves
Spring is prime walking weather: mild temperatures, longer daylight hours and plenty happening in the landscape.
Explore the cliffs, river gorge and native vegetation of Onkaparinga River National Park, take a peaceful walk through Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park or discover the coastal environment at Moana Sands Conservation Park.
For an accessible coastal option, follow the Witton Bluff Base Trail between Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga. The 1.1-kilometre shared-use trail offers uninterrupted views across Gulf St Vincent and connects easily with cafés at either end.
Walking tip: Head out early or later in the afternoon, carry water and check park alerts and weather conditions before setting off.
Taste the Season
Fresh regional produce and outdoor tables are a very good combination.
Spring menus across McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast showcase local vegetables, seafood, meats, cheeses and wines. Book a long lunch at The Currant Shed, Salopian Inn or Maxwell Wines, or build a more relaxed day around cafés, bakeries and smaller local venues.
Bookings are strongly recommended for weekend lunches. If you have dietary requirements or are visiting with children, check with the venue when reserving your table.
Image (SATC)
Explore Local Art and Creative Spaces
Wine may be McLaren Vale’s best-known creative output, but it is far from the only one.
Spend time at Fleurieu Arthouse, browse Artisan’s Lane in Willunga or look for studios, exhibitions and public artworks throughout the region. Many galleries sit close to cellar doors, cafés and restaurants, making it easy to create your own art-and-food trail.
Check opening hours before visiting, particularly for smaller galleries and artist studios.
Pack a Picnic
Not every spring outing needs a booking.
Pick up local bread, cheese, fruit and something sweet, then find a spot to slow down. McLaren Vale and Willunga have several parks and reserves suited to a relaxed picnic, while the coastal foreshore offers plenty of places to enjoy lunch with a sea view.
If you are looking for spring colour, the Willunga Rose Garden is especially lovely when the roses are flowering.
Remember that alcohol restrictions may apply in public places, so check local signage before opening any wine.
Build Your Spring Day
Use this easy itinerary as a starting point and adjust it to suit your pace.
Turn Your Spring Day Trip Into a Getaway
You can see plenty in a day, but staying overnight means you won’t have to choose between the coast, the vineyards and that second long lunch.
Pair a Route 31 Coastal Drive road trip with a night near the beach, stay among the vines in McLaren Vale or base yourself close to Willunga’s markets and mainstreet. Then wake up and do it all again—at a much slower pace.
