Here's what’s open in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast today. A great way to support local.
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.
Have a staycation in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast this Summer!
Plan the Perfect Summer Holiday in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast
McLaren 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.
Here are some of our best tips:
Hit the beach on Route 31 Coastal Drive!
Route 31 Coastal Drive takes in the 31kms of our beautiful coastline (yes, you guessed it, that’s the connection to the name), from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach and everywhere in between. From holiday favourites to hidden gems, this stunning stretch of coastline is a must visit for your next road trip or staycation. (Image Harry Vick)
Here are a few of our most popular beaches:
Aldinga Beach
Home to one of the region’s drive-on beaches, it is also one of South Australia’s best dive locations, with the spectacular Aldinga Reef and ‘Drop Off’. It is made for family fun, great for swimming, and if course beach cricket! There is also plenty of seaside cafes and restaurants to enjoy, including the Pizzateca pop-up located on the foreshore. Enjoy the summer sunsets and seaside picnics all summer!
Christies Beach
Christies Beach is a popular beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It is home to a unique beachside shopping precinct where you can get your retail therapy fix, as well as some hidden local gems, from bakeries and restaurants to health food outlets and shops.
A visit to the SandBAR on the esplanade is also a must do, bringing back an array of local craft beers, wines, spirits and local beers all summer long!
This is a great spot to park the car. If you love to live like a local, then take a stroll from Christies Beach to Port Noarlunga. It’s picture perfect any time of the day, but spectacular at sunrise or sunset.
Port Noarlunga Beach
Port Noarlunga Beach is a true aquatic paradise. You can snorkel the reef and spot some of the sea life or hire a kayak from Easy Kayaks and discover the beautiful Onkaparinga River.
Keep an eye out for Hortas Restaurant Cabana Club on the beachfront over summer when the heart of Brazil comes to Adelaide, think cocktails, food and dancing!
This sandy stretch of the coastal drive is a local hot spot and a great place to stop, wander and enjoy.
For the aquatic enthusiast, choose from swimming, paddling a kayak, snorkelling the reef or why not drop a line at the jetty and try your hand catching fresh fish for lunch or dinner, all within walking distance from the seaside village.
For the land lovers, Port Noarlunga is also home to a delightful main street, full of that coastal village vibe, that has mouth-watering eateries (think bakeries, seafood, burgers, cafes, restaurants, healthy eating and more) as well as an impressive range of retail shops to enjoy.
Top Tip – hire your kayaks and SUP’s, lessons are also available and it's your chance to see (or sea) the landscape from a new perspective.
Port Willunga Beach
Home to the famous Star of Greece Shipwreck, Port Willunga Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Australia. Known for its golden cliff faces, crystal clear waters and soft white sands, you can’t help but hop out of the car to capture one of the regions’ most photographed locations.
You can also swim here at any time of the day because the beach is protected by a natural cove. The waves are minimal, making the water safe for little swimmers and ideal if you enjoy paddle-boarding and kayaking.
Or if you want to relax and enjoy the views atop the cliff top, stunning seaside dining at the Star of Greece Restaurant is a must.
Top Tip - SUP hire and lessons available during the warmer months, and for the adventurous SUP Yoga is great.
Fancy a spot of fishing?
There are lots of great fishing locations across the spectacular 31kms of coastline, here's a few tips to get you started.
- Port Noarlunga jetty
- Southport beach (at Onkaparinga River mouth)
- Sellicks Beach boat ramp
- Onkaparinga River
- Moana Beach
- Aldinga Beach
What’s New in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast?
Love to have your finger on the pulse? Summer holidays will be sun-sational with all the new spots to enjoy. Here’s a few to explore!
Oliver’s Taranga
Oliver's Taranga in McLaren Vale has totally transformed their cellar door The offering now focuses on wine education and Oliver’s Taranga is known for hosting convivial food and wine events (like their regular Porchetta Party) – so the addition of a commercial kitchen is exciting. The view from the new floor-to-ceiling windows looks out over the family’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga and Shiraz vines.
Dandelion Vineyards
Spring 2022 marked an exciting moment for the Dandelion Vineyards team. That’s when their new Wonder Room opened. It offers a unique wine tasting experience with delectable pairings with authentic Bulgarian dishes inspired by winemaker Elena Brooks’ heritage. The wine list features drops grown on site and wines across South Australia.
Vale Brewing Tap House and Beresford Luxury Pavilions
There’s a new jewel in McLaren Vale’s crown and it comes in the form of The Vale Brewing Tap House and Beresford Luxury Pavilions.
The impressive new build comprises a state-of-the-art microbrewing facility, visitor centre and commercial restaurant, set amongst the existing Beresford Estate. The Tap house is home to the internationally recognised Vale Brewing and the restaurant will showcases South Australian regional produce.
There are also 15 new premium, environmentally sustainable Beresford Luxury Pavilions. It’s really quite something and a great place to kick back, relax and rest your head.
Frankie Italo Dining & Disco Lounge
The latest experience at Mitolo Wines is the fabulous Frankie Italo Dining & Disco Lounge. Frankie is the perfect place to kick your feet up, let your hair down and feast. Perhaps a Roman style pizza or handmade pasta, Frankie’s menu has been carefully curated to share.
On your bike
Recharge and reconnect with a healthy body and mind as you spend time on the new trails around McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast.
Check out the new Flat to Vale Trail Run, walk, ride or cycle – whatever your preference. This 3.6km trail leads you past stunning vistas between McLaren Flat and McLaren Vale where it connects with the Shiraz Trail.
If you need to hire a bike, The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre is a great place to start, you can hire a ‘push’ bike or an e-bike, which is able to get up to 25 km/h. No matter your preference, we have you covered.
There are also other great trails around the region to explore too like the Coast to Vines Trail, Willunga Basin Trail, McLaren Vale Cellar Door Tree Trail just to name a few.
What’s On in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast?
It’s summer and the memories are just waiting to happen, so with an endless array of events on offer, you wont want to miss them!
Encore presents a summer series of pop-up activations throughout the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region. Bringing 90 Days of summer vibes, ranging from twilight markets to pop-up dining and bars, live music, entertainment, and wellness experiences. Whether you're a local, new in town or just visiting, there is something for everyone and most activations are free entry and family friendly.
Discover all Encore summer activations
Gin and Yoga – yes please! Nestled on the lawns at Prohibition Gin at Penny’s Hill Vineyard, enjoy an immersive sensory yin practice and the aromatics of Gin, all in the stunning McLaren Vale.
Wine Machine returns this year to Serafino Wines, with their biggest line up ever! Think, Flight Facilities, San Cisco, Sumner, Jimi the Kween, Cut Copy and more!
Relax and Unwind
Throughout McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, there is an abundance of accommodation options to choose from when staying in the region. Think luxury shipping container micro hotel, B&B’s set among the rolling vineyards, seaside vistas, coastal caravan parks and more.
Whatever you need, there's truly something for everyone.
Summer is ready and waiting for you! Head to our website to start planning your stay!
