Here's what’s open in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast today. A great way to support local.
Christies Beach
As one of the most popular beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Christies Beach provides visitors with a unique beachside shopping precinct in a picture-perfect coastal setting…what could be better?
Apart from luring visitors with a promise of a little retail therapy, where Christies Beach shines is with its quirky collection of funky cafés, unusual shops and, of course, the family-friendly beach at the end of Beach Road.
For those who love getting their toes wet.
Christies Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach where you can enjoy long beach walks and indulge in your favourite water activities, such as swimming, fishing, surfing, sailing, kayaking, diving, and more. The decking and boardwalk makes meandering down onto the sand especially easy.
Families with young kids and less experienced swimmers might like to head a little further north where a patrolled beach can be found in front of the Christies Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and Sailing Club.
Places to play…
Kids are well catered for with the Rotary Park opposite the beach providing shelters from purpose made shades and established palm trees. This family-friendly park also has BBQs, undercover picnic tables, lawned areas for kicking a ball, a playground for little tackers, plus lots of things for climbing on or in.
For walkers and hikers, the esplanade is part of the 70 km Coast Park Trail and perfect for those who love to power walk, the gentle ambler, or dog walker. There’s also a lovely coastal walk over the clifftop to Port Noarlunga for the more enthusiastic.
Eat, drink, shop!
Shopaholics will love Christies Beach for its many places to indulge in some retail therapy, including more than a few quirky seaside shops. The towering pine tree-lined main street, salty sea air, street murals, and mosaic beach-themed artworks make for a coastal shopping experience like no other.
As you stroll along, you’ll also find some fabulous little eateries when the hunger signs can no longer be ignored. Think a multitude of cafés, restaurants, bakeries, pizzerias, fish and chips, and other takeaways. A little further afield, big brekkies are available on the first Sunday of the month at the Christies Beach Sailing Club. And, for an authentic beach shack café experience, the Ripple and Swirl Café on the esplanade is a ‘must-visit’.
Love a market? The Original Open Air Market held on the first and third Sunday of the month has been running for 37 years. Look out for second-hand goods and clothes, homegrown fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, homemade jewellery and crafts, antiques, collectables, bric-a-brac, and much more.