adswizz
Search our website

Travelling with Kids

Expired

McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is a playground on a gigantic scale with all activities designed to ensure families aren’t short of things to do, see and enjoy. With summer here, there is so much fun to be had!

Playgrounds, beaches, animals, a maze, reefs, hiking and biking, wineries and eateries mean there are endless possibilities awaiting discovery.

To make things easier, we have developed an itinerary, tried and tested by many families. Don’t be afraid to mix and match with some of the other great suggestions below too.

 

Talk to the animals

At 11.30 am Friday- Sunday the winery crew from Woodstock Wildlife Sanctuary feed the property’s grey kangaroos each day. It’s a fantastic way for kids and adults to get up close and personal with eight kangaroos, plus several rescued red kangaroos, wallabies and an emu. Families can also enjoy the winery’s cellar door and Coterie Restaurant.

 Woodstock winery McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast

 

Ways to play the day away

Jubilee Park at Port Noarlunga is always a winner and voted one of South Australia’s best playgrounds (just ask the kids!). The adventure playground was built by the community and is an impressive collection of castles, forts, slippery dips, swings, and a ball game space. There’s plenty of seating, shelter, BBQ facilities, plus walking and cycling tracks. Don’t forget to grab a selfie with Geronimo, the life-size giraffe!

Other great playgrounds include:

  • Frank Hilton Reserve, Maslin Beach
  • Gemtree Wines, McLaren Flat
  • Market Square, Old Noarlunga
  • McLaren Flat (next door to the bakery)
  • McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre, McLaren Vale
  • Rotary Park, Christies Beach
  • Thalassa Park (including the storybook walk), Aberfoyle Park
  • Wilfred Taylor Reserve - Morphett Vale
  • Woodstock Wines, McLaren Flat

Find out more from our Top Playgrounds Page

 

A-maze-ing fun

Maxwell Wines in McLaren Vale boasts more than just great food and wine. There’s also a large conifer maze on the estate offering plenty of opportunities to get lost. After checking at the cellar door first, parents and the kids are invited to explore the green labyrinth.

Maxwell Wines McLaren Vale

 

Bike, scooter, skate or walk the Shiraz Trail

The picturesque Shiraz Trail is a 7 km stretch of shared path that stretches from McLaren Vale to Willunga and is part of the Coast to Vines Rail Trail. You can cycle, walk, skate, walk or run as far or as little as you like, as you meander you way through the vineyard landscape.

The McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre is a great place to start and has recently made available bikes for hire.

 

Fun for coastal kids

What kid doesn’t love the beach. The Fleurieu Coast is awash with some great beaches and all sorts of water-based activities, including:

Kids surfing on beach in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast

 

Family-friendly wineries

As one of South Australia’s most popular wine regions, McLaren Vale has many family-friendly wineries where kids are welcome. Many of these cellar doors offer ample space to spread out and enjoy the lush green grass including many of the wonderful cellar doors  including: 

  • Gemtree – Kids can say hello to the sheep and two alpacas, Gus and Caruso. A playground, toy box and kids packs are available. Plus there’s a massive hill to roll down and an amazing eco trail to explore
  • Maxwell Wines – Discover the giant maze, which will keep the kids entertained for hours (and perhaps mum and dad too!).
  • Mollydooker - With a large green lawn perfect for playing, also keep an eye on their social pages to find about their family movie night, Movie at Molly's, during the summer.
  • Kay Brothers Winery - With some of the best views along the valley, they have a large terraced lawn area perfect for family picnics with local platters available.
  • Fox Creek – Home to a free children’s treasure hunt. There's also a soccer goal, jenga and other ball games
  • The Vine Shed -This recently opened cellar door boasts a large outdoor area with a cubby house, giant outdoor games and kids menu. It's dog friendly too.
  • Bec Hardy Wines - The young (and young at heart) can enjoy outdoor lawn games, including bocce, ring toss, croquet and totem tennis. There's also picnic blankets and plenty of lawn.
  • Beach Road Wines – Huge chalkboard wall, toy box and croquet on offer. Enjoy the kid’s meal deal.
  • Wirra Wirra - Giant lawn games will keep the kids amused throughout summer, including Connect Four, Cornhole, Naughts and Crosses and Giant Jenga, just to name a few!
  • Lazy Ballerina – The gardens are like a giant nature play area. There’s bocce, a toy corner and places to play hide and seek. Child-size platters and pizzas are also available.
  • McCarthys Orchard - Kids can enjoy the fantastic outdoor space, with ropes to swing on and a boat to play in.
  • Willunga Creek Wines – A great indoor play area (kitchen, dolls house and lots of toys), relaxed family atmosphere and mini golf for a small fee, which goes to charity.
  • Angove Family Winemakers\ – Cosy couches and books and toys for the little ones. The casual menu has a nice selection for kids in between games of tag out on the grass.
  • Oxenberry Farm Cafe, McLaren Vale – Great gelati and located on the Shiraz Trail ideal for walking and cycling

There are also a number of wineries which offer a toy box or great outdoor activities for children like Oliver’s Taranga and Wirra Wirra. Cellar door staff are also a great source of children friendly recommendations.

 

Kid-friendly eateries

If they’re not playing with or on something, a kids favourite pastime is eating. Here are some great suggestions to refuel the kids so that they’ll have more energy for more exploring and discovery. 

 Port Willy Kiosk, Port Willunga

 

In need of accommodation for your trip? Book here