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
A Family Weekend Adventure in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast
Just 40 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast is one of South Australia's best-kept family secrets — and once you've been, you'll wonder why it took you so long. This is a region where parents get world-class wine, food and coastal scenery, and the kids get beaches, bike trails, playgrounds, farm experiences and enough adventures to keep them talking long after you've headed home. Whether you're driving down from Adelaide for the weekend, heading here for the school holidays, or flying in from Melbourne or Sydney for a long weekend escape, this guide covers everything your family needs for an unforgettable trip. (header image SATC)
At a Glance: A Family Weekend in McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu Coast
- Distance from Adelaide CBD: 40 minutes south via the Southern Expressway
- Best time to visit: Year-round — summer and autumn are especially popular for beach and harvest season
- Top family experiences: Beaches, cycling trails, Willunga Farmers Market, Gemtree Eco Trail, Jubilee Park, Morphett Vale Railway
- Family-friendly dining: Vigna Bottin, Willunga Hotel, Mamma Carmela, Pizzateca, Tin Shed Café, The Cottage Bakery
- Accommodation options: Tourist parks, beachside apartments, vineyard cottages, motels
- Dog-friendly: Yes — several beaches, parks and venues welcome well-behaved dogs on a leash
- Ideal for: Families with kids of all ages, school holiday trips, long weekend escapes, interstate visitors
Why Is McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Perfect for Families?
Most wine regions ask families to choose — the adults get the good stuff and the kids get bored. McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is genuinely different. The region combines one of Australia's most celebrated wine and food destinations with a stunning stretch of South Australian coastline, all within a compact, easy-to-navigate area. Cellar doors with playgrounds and lawn games sit alongside patrolled swimming beaches, riverside playgrounds and scenic cycling trails. There's a real sense that families are welcomed here, not just tolerated.
For interstate families flying into Adelaide, the proximity to the city is a major drawcard — you're in wine country and at the beach within 45 minutes of landing. For South Australian families, it's the perfect distance for a proper escape that doesn't feel like a full expedition.
Getting Here: Travel Tips for Interstate and Local Families
Flying in from Melbourne or Sydney
Adelaide Airport is well-serviced from Melbourne (around one hour) and Sydney (around two hours) on Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar. From the airport, McLaren Vale is a straightforward 45-minute drive south. Book your hire car well in advance — long weekends and school holidays are peak rental periods and availability drops quickly, particularly for larger family vehicles.
Driving from Adelaide
Head south on the Southern Expressway and follow the signs to McLaren Vale. From the CBD it's 40–45 minutes; from the southern suburbs, as little as 20 minutes. Easy.
Driving from Melbourne
The Melbourne to McLaren Vale road trip is approximately 730 kilometres via the Western Highway — allow around 8 hours. Many families break the trip at Bordertown or Murray Bridge. It's a long drive but a rewarding one, and arriving into the region after a big travel day makes the first cold glass of local wine taste even better.
Friday: Arrive, Get the Lay of the Land and Wind Down
Before you check in, stop into the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre. The volunteers there have decades of combined local knowledge and can point you towards family-friendly experiences, events and hidden gems that won't show up in a generic search. It's the kind of local intel that genuinely makes a weekend.
Where Should Families Stay in McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu Coast?
The region has excellent family accommodation across a range of budgets and styles:
Moana Beach Tourist Park — right on Moana Beach, dog-friendly at some sites, with go-karts and bikes for hire and a large camp kitchen. Great for active families who want to be on the sand from the moment they wake up.
Christies Beach Tourist Park — on a popular surf beach with a playground, barbecue facilities and gorgeous sea views. The kind of place where you gather around the barbecue as the sun goes down and feel instantly on holiday.
Big4 Port Willunga Tourist Park — swimming pool, mini golf, tennis courts and easy access to the coast. A genuinely well-rounded family option with plenty to keep kids busy between beach trips.
McLaren Vale Motel & Apartments — in the heart of the wine region, with a solar-heated saltwater pool and movie nights on the big screen TV. Perfect for families who want to be central to the cellar doors.
Coast Motel and Apartments at Port Noarlunga South — right across from the beach, ideal for families who want sunrise and sunset walks as part of their daily routine.
👉 Browse all family-friendly accommodation across McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu Coast
Friday Night Dinner With the Kids
Vigna Bottin, Willunga — homestyle Italian share food for the adults, and homemade pasta with Nonna's secret meatball recipe for the kids. An absolute crowd-pleaser from the first bite. (image SATC)
Willunga Hotel — great pub fare, a solid kids' menu, beer garden, local wines and gin, and dessert sundaes that will make you a hero with the whole table.
Saturday: Markets, Bikes, Beaches and Family-Friendly Wineries
Morning: Willunga Farmers Market
Start Saturday at the Willunga Farmers Market — one of South Australia's best. Local producers, freshly squeezed juice, artisan coffee, kombucha and exceptional regional food fill the stalls each Saturday morning. Load up on supplies for a picnic lunch later in the day, and do not leave without the lavender brownies.
After the market, wander through the Willunga township — boutiques, gift shops and cafés at an unhurried pace, followed by the rose garden maze, playground, skate park and BMX track for the kids to burn off their market energy.
What Are the Best Cycling Trails for Families Near McLaren Vale?
The region has two excellent family cycling options. The Shiraz Trail between McLaren Vale and Willunga is a local favourite — scenic, manageable and beautiful through the vine rows. The Flat to Vale Trail from McLaren Flat to McLaren Vale is another great choice. Both are suitable for families with older kids. SA eBikes at the Visitor Centre hire e-bikes, which make the trails accessible for all fitness levels — a genuine game-changer for family groups.
Afternoon: The Fleurieu Coast and Route 31
Head west to the coast and take in the Route 31 Coastal Drive. This is South Australian beach life at its best, and the region has a brilliant spread of options all within the City of Onkaparinga:
Port Willunga — explore the sea caves, swim, or hire a stand-up paddleboard through SUP Down South. One of the most memorable ways to experience the crystal-clear gulf waters.
Sellicks Beach, Aldinga Beach, Silver Sands and Moana — all drive-on beaches, so no lugging gear across the sand. Practical and brilliant.
Aldinga Beach, Moana, South Port, Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach — all patrolled by surf lifesavers on weekends during warmer months. Peace of mind for parents with younger swimmers.
Port Noarlunga Reef — snorkelling, scuba diving, jetty fishing or kayaking. The kind of afternoon that generates the best holiday photos.
Are There Wineries in McLaren Vale That Are Good for Families?
Absolutely — and these two are standouts:
Gemtree Wines is a genuinely special family experience. Take the kids along the Gemtree Eco Trail through restored native bushland and wetlands, then use the playground and barbecue facilities surrounded by views that stretch from the vineyard all the way to the sea. Certified organic and biodynamic wines for the grown-ups, a nature adventure for the kids.
Woodstock Wines is another must for families. There's loads of space for the kids to run, an outdoor playground, a restaurant with a kids' menu, and wine tasting facilities all within easy reach. But the best bit? A wildlife sanctuary where the kids can feed the kangaroos — an experience that consistently steals the show. Afterwards, settle into the Pergola Bar, set amongst towering gums and lush native gardens, for a casual platter and a glass of something local. Live music plays every Sunday, making it a brilliant way to round out a weekend afternoon.
Saturday Night Dinner
Mamma Carmela, Port Noarlunga — overlooks the beach, kids' classics on the menu (nuggets, schnitzel, fish, pizza, pasta), relaxed and delicious.
Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale — for families of foodies. The dumplings alone are worth the trip. Seasonal share plates, 230+ gins and a historic wine cellar. Book ahead.
Pizzateca, McLaren Vale — Southern Italian pizza made with locally sourced SA ingredients and generational technique. A perennial local favourite and always a hit with kids. (Image SATC)
Or pack a picnic, head to the beach, watch the sunset, and let the kids run free. Sometimes the best family dinners have sand between their toes.
Sunday: Slow Mornings, Playgrounds and One Last Ride
Morning Fuel
Tin Shed Café, McLaren Vale — brilliant burgers (try the Carnivore or the Jalapeño Cheeseburger), vegetarian options available, and the kind of relaxed vibe that suits a Sunday morning perfectly.
The Cottage Bakery, McLaren Vale — chunky steak pies, butter chicken pies, waffles with Nutella and ice cream, homemade cakes and slices. A non-negotiable bakery stop on any family getaway.
What Is the Best Playground in McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu Coast?
Jubilee Park at Port Noarlunga is the standout. Castles, forts, slippery dips, swings and ball game spaces — the kind of playground where kids disappear for hours. Situated on the banks of the Onkaparinga River with barbecue facilities, shelter, seating, and walking and cycling tracks extending along the river. And don't forget to say hello to Geronimo, the life-size giraffe who has delighted kids in the region for years.
Meet the Highland Cows at The Farm — Clarendon
For a Sunday morning experience the kids will talk about for years, head to The Farm — Clarendon, nestled in the picturesque rolling pastures just a short drive from McLaren Vale. This working farm offers families a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and experience the magic of authentic farm life — and the star attraction is the Highland cattle fold. Visitors can lead, feed and interact with these calm and gentle animals, from the majestic adults right through to the adorable seasonal calves.
For something extra special, book one of the signature experiences: a Bedford Truck Picnic with local delicacies enjoyed against a backdrop of rolling hills and coastal views, a Professional Photoshoot, or a Cuddle A Cow hands-on session that little ones absolutely love. The farm is fully insured and operates as a private experience, making it ideal for families celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for something genuinely out of the ordinary on a Sunday morning. (Image SATC)
All Aboard: Morphett Vale Miniature Railway
Every second and fourth Sunday, the Morphett Vale Railway runs miniature rail rides aboard brightly coloured, lovingly restored locomotives through Wilfred Taylor Reserve — almost two kilometres of track that will absolutely capture younger kids' imaginations. One of those wonderful local gems that makes a family weekend in this region genuinely special. Check the schedule before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Weekends in McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu Coast
How far is McLaren Vale from Adelaide for a family day trip or weekend?
McLaren Vale is approximately 40 minutes south of Adelaide's CBD via the Southern Expressway, making it one of the most accessible family weekend getaways in South Australia. From the southern suburbs of Adelaide, you can be there in as little as 20 minutes.
Is McLaren Vale good for families with young children?
Yes — the region is excellent for families with kids of all ages. There are patrolled swimming beaches, a fantastic riverside playground at Jubilee Park in Port Noarlunga, family-friendly cellar doors like Fox Creek Wines and Gemtree Wines with outdoor spaces and activities, and a miniature railway that runs on selected Sundays. The region also has a strong café and dining culture with good kids' menus throughout.
What are the best beaches for families on the Fleurieu Coast?
For families with younger children, the patrolled beaches at Aldinga Beach, Moana, Port Noarlunga, South Port and Christies Beach are the safest options on weekends during the warmer months. For drive-on beach convenience, Sellicks Beach, Aldinga, Silver Sands and Moana allow you to pull up right to the sand. Port Willunga is a favourite for its sea caves and stand-up paddleboarding experiences.
Can we bring our dog to McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast?
Yes — several beaches, parks and venues in the region welcome dogs on a leash. Always check current local council rules for specific beaches, as restrictions can apply in some areas during peak season.
When is the best time to visit McLaren Vale with kids?
The region is enjoyable year-round, but late summer and autumn (February to May) is a particularly special time — the beaches are still warm, the crowds are manageable, and McLaren Vale is in the middle of harvest season, which adds a wonderful energy to the wine region. School holiday periods in April and October are also popular with families.
Do I need to book activities in advance for a family weekend?
For popular experiences like cellar door lunches, SUP Down South paddleboard hire, and accommodation during school holidays and long weekends, booking ahead is strongly recommended. Walk-in visits to most cellar doors for tastings are generally fine, but dining reservations at venues like the Salopian Inn and Vigna Bottin should be made in advance.
Plan Your Family Weekend in McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu Coast
From vineyard picnics to beachside sunsets, farmers markets to miniature railways, bike trails to castle playgrounds — a family weekend in McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast is one of those getaways that reminds you why holidays matter. And with everything just 40 minutes from Adelaide, it's one of the most rewarding and accessible family escapes in South Australia.
Start planning now and book early to lock in your preferred accommodation.
👉 Explore things to do with kids in the region
👉 Find family-friendly cellar doors in McLaren Vale
👉 Discover the best beaches on the Fleurieu Coast
McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast is located just 40 minutes south of Adelaide, South Australia. For visitor information, event listings, accommodation and more, visit mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au.
