Bike Hire
One of the best ways to see the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is by bike, letting you slow down, enjoy the fresh air, not to mention the spectacular scenery and adding a little gentle exercise (justification for the food and wine indulgences and why not, you deserve it!). The region’s network of trails can take you to just about anywhere you want to go…wine tasting, shopping, markets, eating out, exploring the great villages, or going to the beach.
You will be spoilt for choice when hiring a bike – think vintage complete with little basket on the front, good old plain jane (does the job with ease) and the new comer e-Bikes with some featuring solar-powered electric mountain bike capable of speeds up to 25 km/h. Depending on your pedal preferences and how far you want to ride, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is dotted with places to hire a bike.
Whatever you decide, here are a few places you can hire a bike and spend time exploring and discovering.
Cycling
Whether you ride for pleasure or are the next Tour Down Under competitor, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is home to rides and trails that make you want to jump on the bike. Whether it is through the hills, across the vineyard valleys or along the coast (could be all three!), there will be something special just for you.
Road cyclists - think vistas across the vineyards to the hills and just add water when you choose from 31 kilometres of pristine coastline to ride. Don the helmet and the lycra (or not) and enjoy.
Mountain bikers - think Onkaparinga River National Park or O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park where you can choose your own downhill adventure, with spectacular vantage points throughout the parks. Some of these trails are not for the faint hearted, so full protective gear is a must!
BMX'ers – think tracks for beginners or the advanced, where you can test out your ‘barspin’, ‘bunnyhop’ or ‘pinch the biscuit’ – your trick…. you choose. Safety first, don the helmet and protective gear, just don’t become the butcher - the one who always breaks the bike! Great BMX bike tracks include:
Gemmel Tassie Reserve, McLaren Vale
Tangari Regional Park, Woodcroft
Frank Smith Park, Coromandel Valley
Wilford Taylor Reserve, Morphett Vale
Willunga Rose Garden, Willunga
Leisurely rides – think opportunities to stop, explore, smell the roses and and taste the region.
One of the regions flagship cycling and walking trails is the Coast to Vines Rail Trail stretching from Hallett Cove to McLaren Vale.
The 35 km trail takes in some of the most spectacular scenery and is a perfect trail for cyclists of all ages. It also connects with many other trails including the Field River Trail, Christies Creek Trail, and Pedlar Creek trail and other to create several loop trail opportunities
Another cracker of a ride is the Shiraz Trail from McLaren Vale to Willunga celebrating the regions world-renowned food and wine offerings including cycling-friendly cellar doors, locally brewed beers, and regional tasting platters.
Santos Tour Down Under
If you are in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast over January, you’ve hit the cycling jackpot - the region will host two stages of the Santos Festival of Cycling - South Australia’s (and potentially Australia’s) most iconic bike race.
Kicking off will be the THINK! Road Safety Men's Stage 5: Christies Beach - Willunga Hill on Saturday 20 January. This stage will showcase even more of our stunning coast line with the race starting in Christies Beach for the first time. Cyclists will ride towards Port Noarlunga and Old Noarlunga before heading into McLaren Vale, Willunga and Aldinga for our signature race loop.
In addition to hosting the Men's THINK! Road Safety Stage 5 race, we are thrilled to host the Santos Tour Down Under Women's Stage 3 finish on Sunday 14 January.
Cyclists will travel from Adelaide City through Coromandel Valley, Clarendon, Kangarilla and McLaren Flat before riding our signature lap through McLaren Vale, Willunga and Aldinga.
The battle is on as it will be the first time the world class women's race finish will be at the top of Willunga Hill.
For further details on the race Santos Tour Down Under website.
Golf
Golf in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast
There are four beautiful golf courses throughout the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast where golfers of all standards can enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you play one course, or stay and play one course a day, there’s no better way to work up and healthy appetite or thirst in one of South Australia’s best food and wine regions. Before you tee off, you can always practice on the driving range and putting greens available at each of the golf courses.
Willunga
The Willunga Golf Course is set in a picturesque location amongst majestic gum trees and a meandering creek with superb views of the vines and rolling hills.
The meticulously-maintained 18 hole (par 70) public course is available to be played every day except Saturday mornings (competition time), and visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome.
The club also features a licensed bar and café, an extensive practice putting green plus another green to chip to, two practice nets, a driving range, and a fully-stocked pro shop. Clinics are available for those who want to learn, and golf carts and clubs are available to hire too.
The club also holds twilight rounds, charity days, family fun days, junior programs, school holiday programs, and Footgolf for the kids.
Events
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Willunga Golf Course is proud to be the official home of the Webex Players Series South Australia, one of the nation’s most exciting professional golf tournaments. From 23–26 October 2025, the best male and female golfers from across Australia — joined by rising international stars — will line up on our fairways, competing in one field for the same prize purse. It’s elite golf with a modern, inclusive twist, and it’s happening right here on your community course. This is more than just golf. The Webex Players Series is a free, family-friendly event that showcases not only world-class athletes but also the vibrant culture of the Fleurieu Peninsula. From food and wine to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy — whether you’re a seasoned golf fan or simply looking for a great day out. So, round up your friends, family, and fellow club members and come experience the buzz. It’s the perfect way to spend a spring weekend together, soaking up the action on the course and the atmosphere off it. And when the last putt drops? That’s when the region comes alive. Swing by. Stay a while. Wander the local markets, savour wines at nearby cellar doors, explore pristine beaches, or extend your visit with a boutique coastal or vineyard stay. We’re proud to open our doors to the community and the world, proving once again that Willunga Golf Course is more than just a place to play — it’s a place to experience. |
Other Golf Courses
The three other 18-hole championship standard courses throughout the region are:
All feature licensed bar facilities, restaurants with à la carte dining, cart and buggy hire, club hire, pro shops, as well as catering for corporate functions, weddings, and special events.
Shopping
If you’re on the hunt for something special, a gift or two or a beautiful keepsake to take home with you, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is full of places to stop and shop.
There’s nothing quite like a little bit of retail therapy and what better way to remember your visit to the region than with a few special mementos. The region’s townships are dotted with boutiques, vintage stores, and galleries full of locally-crafted and bespoke wares that will fill your home, wardrobe and pantry.
Whether buying a small thank you gift, something quirky for friends or family, or just spoiling yourself, you’re bound to find that special something.
Vintage
- Emprades (Clarendon) is a treasure trove of antique ceramics, furniture, jewellery and artwork, all lovingly restored. The beautiful heritage store is nestled in the centre of picturesque Clarendon.
- Whatever Willunga source an ever-changing collection of vintage homewares, artwork, records, fashion and more. Caution — you won’t leave empty handed.
Gift, fashion & jewellery
- I Am Tall Poppy (Willunga) stocks a range of homewares, fashion, jewellery and kids toys.Their baby and children’s section is well known in the region, as is their eclectic range of gifts.
- CharliRose (Port Noarlunga) A delightful rabbit warren of women's fashion, jewellery, bags, accessories and a bounty of babie's wear.
- Gorgeous Soles (McLaren Vale) are experts in footwear and have a great collection of sustainable fashion, bags and jewellery too.
- McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre offers a range of gifts, souvenirs and keepsakes for loved ones (or yourself), proudly showcasing the creative talents of the region.
- Miss Gladys on Sea (Aldinga) A beautifully curated collection of men's and women's shoes, accessories and clothing. The kind of designs that get noticed!
- The Farm Willunga is not just a cafe but also a gift store including their popular bath products all made from their estate-grown olive oil. Soaps, body lotions and lip balms are all available from the farm shop.
- MiniJumbuck (McLaren Vale) is a one-stop-shop for all things furry, fluffy and warm, with all products made from luxurious Australian sheep’s wool. From quilts and blankets to iconic Emu slippers and footwear, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
- Willunga Glass offers a gallery and gift shop where you can take home a hand-blown glass treasure. From window hangings to bowls and vases, choose from a unique and colourful range.
One-stop-shop
If you’re looking for something with a variety of shops, supermarkets and amenities to choose from, the region is home to a few shopping centres that’ll fill all your needs.
- Aldinga Central is a smaller shopping centre that’s home to grocery stores as well as a range of boutiques from Blondies Shoes and Blondies Lifestyle (clothing) to Surf Esteem (Australian surf-wear store) and a range of health and beauty, food and grocery stores, too.
- Colonnades (Noarlunga) is one of the largest shopping centres where you’ll find a range of supermarkets, phone stores, big name clothing stores, as well as boutiques catering to all your shopping needs. Make sure to drop into some of the unique local shops inside, like the beautiful gift store Canopy Home and Interiors
Arts and Culture
A little creative inspiration
Dotted across McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast are artisan studios and galleries showcasing talents from across the region and South Australia. Discover the beautiful exhibitions, engage in a workshop or art class and browse the gift shops finding that perfect piece to take home.
With one of the highest concentrations of artists in South Australia, the dynamic thriving arts scene and cultural fabric of the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is not to be missed.
From sculpture and street art to pottery, homewares, furniture, jewellery, and paintings, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is alive with art every which way you turn.
With a significant arts history, there’s plenty of galleries, art spaces, working studios full of beautiful art pop-ups, street art, murals, festivals and events, all just waiting to be discovered across the region.
Here’s a few local favourites:
The d’Arenberg Cube, McLaren Vale
The Cube, a five-storey architectural triumph, is a work of art itself and its audacious design sets the scene for the eccentric artworks to be found within.
Whilst in the region, an absolute must is the Salvadore Dali exhibition on loan from Switzerland, but be quick. The surrealist exhibit includes two monumental Dali sculptures at The Cube’s entry and continues inside with 25 original Salvador Dali sculptures, paintings and drawings.
A recent addition to the exhibition is the The Monumental sculpture known as 'Space Venus' is now displayed at the entrance of the d’Arenberg Cube. Aptly named after Venus, the goddess of beauty, the sculpture pays homage to the classic marble statue of the female figure, but with four Dalínian elements. A must do experience! Open daily 10.30am - 4.30pm.
Also worth a look are paintings by Australian surrealist artist Charles Billich, whose artworks hang in the Vatican, The White House and the United Nations. The creativity continues throughout The Cube with art installations at every turn and a gallery dubbed the Alternate Realities Museum followed by a psychedelic 360-degree video room.
Nestled at the entrance to the Vale, The Gallery features a changing series of contemporary art exhibitions and is also home to the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre. The Gallery is part of an architecturally-designed building made of rammed earth and timber and has garden and vineyard views.
Don’t miss: Take in the art exhibitions and stay on for lunch at the Stump Hill Café. Why not enjoy a gin flight with hand crafted gins from Ginny Pig Distillery and enjoy it with a picnic on the huge lawned area.
Fleurieu Arthouse, McLaren Vale
Fleurieu Arthouse is a contemporary artisan hub which is located within the grounds of the historic Hardys Tintara winery. The arthouse, managed by metal sculpture artists Anna Small and Warren Pickering, has a warehouse vibe and combines a retail space, gallery and studios. Visitors can browse the shop with its well-curated range of art works including glass, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, prints and paintings.
It also includes eight artist studios, constructed from Hardys oak pallets so it’s possible for guests to observe and interact with the artists.
The gallery’s exhibitions rotate every month and feature the best of the Fleurieu’s art practitioners.
Don’t miss: Indulge in a specialty Kicco coffee and sweet treat to fuel your art exploration!
Willunga Glass Studio and Off The Slate Gallery, Willunga
Respected glass artist Glenn Howlett shares his Willunga studio space with a vibrant cooperative of local artists. Glenn exhibits and sells his kiln-fired, blown and leadlight glass art works while 14 participating co-op artists work in many genres from paintings to blacksmithery, mosaics, woodwork, textiles and pottery. The creative mix means there is always a great diversity of art on show at this friendly, artist-run gallery.
Don’t miss: Glenn Howlett’s glass-blowing demonstrations (generally during winter), leadlight classes and glass fusing workshops.
Willunga ceramic artist Irene Dougan runs this gallery and gift shop in a cute character cottage with a beautiful garden at the back. The gallery exhibits work by local and interstate artists, designers and craftspeople.
Don’t miss: The dedicated card room with its delightful array of artistic gift cards you won’t find elsewhere.
Sauerbier House, Port Noarlunga
Port Noarlunga is a thriving artistic hub and Sauerbier House is at the heart of the creative community. The restored State-Heritage colonial villa is home to an innovative contemporary visual arts centre which is a must-see destination for art lovers touring the Fleurieu.
Featuring an ongoing program of thought-provoking exhibitions, it also has an artist-in-residence program, open studio sessions and a series of artist talks and art workshops .
Don’t miss: Take the opportunity to see the artists at work in their studio and speak with them about their practice. The emerging and established artists at Sauerbier create site-responsive work which focuses on their experience in the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast. This a great chance to see the region through the contemporary lens of local artists.
The popular Arts Centre is a much-loved gallery in the beachside town of Port Noarlunga and has a rich, accessible program of exhibitions, courses, music and events. Featuring three gallery spaces, a visual arts studio and performance spaces, a great way to immerse yourself in the arts and cultural scene. A dynamic entertainment program brings SA’s best music and theatre acts for matinee and evening performances at the centre.
Don’t miss: Take home a memory from the south with a visit to The Art Shop in the foyer of the Arts Centre which features works by talented artists from the Fleurieu Peninsula and its surrounds. Peruse jewellery, prints, original artworks, glassware, ceramics, textiles and more.
Dogridge Gallery, McLaren Vale
This gallery is a small, rustic space featuring works by resident artists Jen Wright and Sarah Howard who are both part of the Dogridge family. Their paintings focus on local bird life and landscapes, portraits and still life scenes.
Dogridge always takes part in Fringe, SALA and Shimmer exhibitions with events staged in the garden space adjoining the gallery.
The Dogridge team can offer a fun wine tasting experience in the gallery where groups of up to ten people can design their own wine label while tasting their way through the Dogridge range of McLaren Vale premium wines.
Don’t miss: Art classes in the gallery including watercolour painting and lino cut printmaking led by talented local artists. They are always a fun day including lunch and of course, the odd glass of wine.
