McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Travel Blog
Winter School Holiday Fun in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast
Enjoy the School Holidays in the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast!
Looking for easy ways to fill the winter school holidays? McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast has hands-on fun, wide-open spaces, and a few surprises to keep the whole family smiling.
Get Creative at Red Poles (9–11 July)
Back by popular demand, the Red Poles school holiday art program is packed with hands-on fun. Kids aged 4–13 can paint mugs, design book bags or build fairy gardens—plus there’s lunch options available for full-day participants.
📍 Red Poles, McLaren Vale
💰 $25 per session
🔗 View the full program & book
Explore the Jetty and Reef in Port Noarlunga
Rug up and take a stroll along the iconic Port Noarlunga jetty. It’s the perfect spot for wildlife spotting, wave watching, and a bit of reef-side exploring at low tide. Bring the camera—this one’s a winter wonder!
📍 Port Noarlunga Jetty & Reef
👟 Great for coastal walks & beachcombing
🔗 Discover more coastal spots
Coast to Vines Rail Trail: Ride, Walk & Explore
Get outdoors on this flat, family-friendly trail stretching from Marino to Willunga. Pack snacks, hop on bikes and soak up the coastal views, vineyards and wildlife spotting along the way.
🚲 BYO bikes or hire locally
📍 Access via Willunga, McLaren Vale or Moana
🔗 Explore the trail
A range of hire options are also available, including eBikes, Harley Davidson Motorbike, or even an eTukTuk!
Playgrounds with a View
From coastal climbing frames to giant rope towers, the region is packed with playgrounds that keeps your kids busy and adults caffeinated. Local favourites include:
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Jubilee Park, Port Noarlunga South – giant giraffe, flying fox & shaded picnic spots
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Moana Adventure Playground – near the beach with skate park and climbing zones
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Wilfred Taylor Reserve – nature play meets water zones
- McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre. - Savour a coffee while the kids get their nature play fix
Family-friendly wineries & breweries.
Yes, you can enjoy a glass of something local with the kids in tow. Many cellar doors and breweries in the region go the extra mile to welcome families with big backyards, lawn games, kid menus and space to roam.
Here’s just a taste:
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Down the Rabbit Hole – Known for its relaxed atmosphere with lawn games and beanbags. The converted bus cellar door adds a whimsical touch that appeals to both adults and children.
- Vale Brewing & Taphouse - Situated atop a hill with panoramic views, this taphouse provides ample outdoor space for families. The menu includes options that cater to both adults and children.
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Kick Back Brewing - With a great menu of handcrafted beers, delicious food, huge, fully-fenced beer garden scattered with giant lawn games and plenty of seating perfectly placed to keep an eye on them, this laidback brewery will keep the whole family happy.
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Woodstock Wines - meet kangaroos in the wildlife sanctuary, enjoy the playground, and relax under the gums
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Red Poles – Combines art, food, and wine with a spacious lawn area. They often host art workshops suitable for children, making it a creative stop for families
(Image - Vale Brewing Taphouse)
Where to Eat with Kids
No one wants to wrestle with a hangry toddler, so we’ve rounded up some top picks where kids are welcome and grown-ups can still enjoy good coffee, wine or local produce.
Beach Road Wines - McLaren Vale
Grab a wood-fired pizza and let the kids roam the open lawns while you soak up vineyard views.
Beck's Bakehouse - Port Noarlunga
A bakery and café offering a range of pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. It's a casual spot where families can enjoy quick and tasty meals.
Big lawn? Tick. Kid-approved pizza? Absolutely. This laid-back, family-run Italian spot is perfect for relaxed lunches while the kids play—and don’t miss the in-house gelato bar for dessert!
Goodness Coffee Co - Aldinga
This spot is perfect for families with younger kids. There’s a relaxed indoor space, good coffee, a kids’ play corner, and a simple menu that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
Or maybe something a little different?
Spend an hour or two checking out some fabulous local art at The Arts Centre in Port Noarlunga.
Make your kids’ dreams come true at Bracegirdle’s in McLaren Vale, with a hot chocolate made from the finest melty Belgian chocolate (plus a few extra chocolatey treats to take home!)
Watch the vintage Adelaide Biplanes take off and land at the Aldinga Airfield, while you enjoy a coffee in the onsite café.
Let the kids create their own fairy garden or prehistoric dinosaur jungle terrarium at Botanista's one-of-a-kind build-your-own terrarium bar, as you browse the gorgeous range of boutique teas and giftware.
Step back in time and enjoy an indulgent high tea or fancy cupcake at Tealicious Cakes in Willunga - the kids will love the home-style pink lemonade and cupcakes too!
So if you’re dreading the thought of hearing "I'm bored" every five minutes, we have you covered!
Come and enjoy all the family-friendly activities McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast has to offer!
See more of what you can get up to in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast!
