McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast
McLaren Vale
Beautiful McLaren Vale
The picturesque township of McLaren Vale is the gateway to arguably South Australia’s favourite and most accessible wine region.
A mere 40 minutes from Adelaide, the McLaren Vale wine region hosts more than 80 cellar doors that encompass a wide variety of award-winning wines including world-class Shiraz and Grenache, and where you will discover styles of red such as Tempranillo, Marsanne, Rousanne and Sangiovese and white varietals like Vermentino and Fiano.
Experience McLaren Vale Main Street's Vibrant New Landmark.
Big news for McLaren Vale's mainstreet! They are home to a brand new art installation from South Australian artist Sam Songailo, and it's an absolute burst of joy! This piece is mega-bold, super-bright, and seriously unmissable. It's a happy wave of colour and energy that'll spark your curiosity during the day and fill you with wonder when the lights come on at night. Come on down and see what all the buzz is about! (image Harry Vick)

A ‘must stop’ for McLaren Vale
First timers and seasoned frequenters to the area should make a stop at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre for up-to-the-minute info, plus an on-site café for the hungry (supported by their kitchen garden), gallery as well as Ginny Pig products for sale.
Eat, drink, shop and wander
The main road invites visitors with its boulevard-like feel and street plantings of rosemary, grape vines and bushy roses.The township is a popular spot, offering visitors an eclectic mix of local businesses.
There are plenty of places for breakfast, lunch and dinner offered by cafés, restaurants, and hidden-away eateries tempting passers by. Look out too for providores, plus a diverse range of yummy goodies that include the likes of dried fruit and nuts, chocolate, cheese, olives, coffee, wine (of course), bakery goods, and more.
For the basics, there’s a Coles and Foodland, discount stores, quality butchers, greengrocers and bakeries galore at the township’s two shopping precincts.
Meandering is a way of life here, and you can start you day early in McLaren Vale. Between bites, visit art galleries, indulge yourself at a beauty salon or day spa, peruse homeware and garden centres, browse furniture and craft shops, or for the fashionistas (male and female), shop in one of the many clothing and footwear boutiques.
Relax, stay and play
And while it might seem like a bustling regional centre, there are also plenty of parks and other pockets of peace to take time out and relax. Be sure to visit pretty Ellis Park, the Piazza della Valle, and let the kids run wild in Gemmel Tassie Park with its huge army tank, playground, skate park and BMX track.
Those wishing to stay and play for more than a day, accommodation offerings are plentiful in McLaren Vale. Think apartments, motels, caravan park, cottage stays, B&Bs and so much more.
For the love of wine, craft beer, spirits and coffee
The township is just the beginning of the McLaren Vale story. A feast for the senses awaits visitors in the immediate region where wine aficionados can look forward to sampling some of Australia’s and the world’s best wines.
The region continues to surprise with unique, innovative and inspiring cellar doors incorporating some of the region’s best culinary experiences.
And with breweries, distilleries and even coffee roasters dotted throughout the region, along with dining sensations, places to stay, adventure activities, galleries, and many nature experiences, it’s no wonder McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast has long been a destination that keeps drawing visitors back time and time again.
To ensure you have the best experience, we strongly suggest you make a booking with your chosen café, restaurant, brewery, distillery or cellar door.
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Clarendon
Your Historic Gateway to McLaren Vale
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 1800s village, perfectly positioned as your scenic entry point to the McLaren Vale wine region.
Why Visit Clarendon
Discover one of South Australia's most charming historic villages, where meticulously maintained colonial stone architecture from the 1840s creates a picture-perfect English countryside setting. Just 25 minutes from Adelaide, Clarendon offers the perfect introduction to your McLaren Vale adventure.
Perfect for: Heritage enthusiasts • Scenic drive lovers • Families • Food lovers • Couples seeking charmWhat to See & Do
Historic Architecture & Heritage Trail
Wander the self-guided Clarendon Heritage Trail and discover:
- Original 1840s buildings: Gothic courthouse and police station, Oddfellows Hall, Methodist churches, and the historic general store
- Colonial streetscapes: Beautifully preserved 1880s architecture throughout the village
- Heritage significance: Many buildings listed on the National Estate Register
Local Experiences
Emprades Vintage and Design Browse curated vintage treasures in a lovingly restored 1870s building. Chat with Des, whose local stories bring Clarendon's history to life.
Clarendon Bakery Famous for their legendary pasties and doughnuts. A local institution that's perfect for takeaway treats.
Royal Oak Hotel Enjoy a meal with regional views from the deck of this historic pub, a cornerstone of Clarendon since the 1800s.
Parks & Nature
- Clarendon Bicentennial Park: Perfect for picnics opposite the bakery
- Riverbend Park: Peaceful riverside setting along the Onkaparinga River
- Onkaparinga River walks: Scenic strolls along South Australia's second-longest river
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
- From Adelaide: 25-30 minutes via Main South Road
- Scenic route: Take the Adelaide Hills route through Coromandel Valley
- Perfect starting point: For McLaren Vale wine region exploration
Suggested Itinerary
Half Day (2-3 hours):
Full Day: Combine with McLaren Vale wineries (15 minutes south) or Adelaide Hills attractions
Nearby Attractions
- McLaren Vale wine region: 15 minutes south
- Kangarilla: Historic township 10 minutes east
- Onkaparinga River National Park: Nature walks and river activities
- Coromandel Valley: 15 minutes north via scenic route
Continue Your Journey
Clarendon is your perfect introduction to the broader McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast region. From here, discover:
- McLaren Vale wineries: World-renowned Shiraz producers
- Coastal experiences: Pristine beaches just 20 minutes away
- Regional food scene: From cellar door platters to fine dining
- Heritage trail: Continue through Kangarilla, Reynella, and Willunga
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