Top 20 Things To Do In McLaren Vale

Come for the wine, stay for the chance to chase your kids through a living maze, tour the region in an open cockpit biplane and connect to Country with traditional owners.

Though it’s only 45 minutes from the centre of Adelaide, McLaren Vale feels like another world thanks to the pristine coastline and rolling hills studded with vines that give off serious Mediterranean vibes (only with better beaches).

When you’re done touring the 80 cellar doors (not to mention the growing number of award-winning breweries and distilleries), fine dining restaurants and cafes, you’ll discover a region bursting at the seams with thrilling outdoor adventures and immersive family-friendly activities.

So whether you’re craving a relaxing beachside break with the kids or a seriously luxe gourmet getaway, here are the best things to do in McLaren Vale.

Things to do for foodies in McLaren Vale

With food and wine this good, it’d be a crime not to indulge.

1. Toast a local winemaker

Whether you’re into shiraz or sangiovese (or both), you can choose your own adventure thanks to the incredible range of award-winning wineries in McLaren Vale. And it’s not just what’s in the glass that’s important; sip emerging varietals while watching the sunset from a converted church at Berg Herring, learn the benefits of biodynamics firsthand at Gemtree or join a young gun winemaker at Aphelion as he pours his favourite drops in a vineyard overlooking the entire region.

A tasting at Gemtree Wines, South Australia, Australia

Go on a tasting at Gemtree Wines. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

2. See what’s brewing at the nearest taphouse

McLaren Vale isn’t just a wine region; look between the vineyards and you’ll find fields of golden barley waiting to be harvested, along with a thriving community of local brewers making sure that grain gets as much love as the grape. They range in size from the brand new Vale Brewing taphouse at the centre of a vast complex with its own restaurant and luxury accommodation to small, family-owned operations where the brewers are on hand to pour easy-drinking beach beers and punchy hop bombs.

a hand of the bartender tapping a cold beer in glass

McLaren Vale is also known for its fields of golden barley waiting to be harvested. (Image: Shifty Lizard Brewing Co.)

3. Sample the spirits

In the early days of the industry, nearly every large winery had its own still to create brandy and spirit for the fortified wines that were popular at the time. And while those industrial operations have disappeared from the region, recent years have seen a growing number of craft distillers base themselves in the Vale with a mission to add a little flair to the distilling process. The result is a panoply of complex spirits, from tea-based “breakfast gin" and the World’s Best London Dry Gin to distinguished small-batch single malts.

Never Never Distilling Co. distillery in McLaren Vale

Never Never Distilling Co. is one of the growing craft distillers based in the Vale. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

4. Dine at McLaren Vale’s restaurants

Whether you’re after a light lunch at a cellar door or a 10-course degustation with matched wines, the Vale has something to sate every appetite. Taiwanese, Italian and Southeast Asian chefs showcase their native culinary traditions at fine diners where the produce is picked each morning before service, but more casual options like Harry’s Deli are equally committed to highlighting affordable growers and makers.

Interior of Frankie looking over the Mitolo vineyard in McLaren Vale

The Vale has something to sate every appetite

5. Stock up at Willunga Farmer’s Market

Don’t be surprised if you see some of those chefs at the Saturday morning Willunga Farmer’s Market, where more than 80 stalls sell fresh farm produce and artisan foodstuffs. Seasonal fruit and vegetables share space with more unusual items like fresh buffalo mozzarella and alpaca mettwurst, and the buskers ensure there’s a lively energy to the markets, which finish at noon (though some of the more popular stalls sell out early).

There are more than 80 stalls that sell fresh farm produce and artisan foodstuffs at Willunga Farmers Markets. (Image: Karen Walker Photography)

6. Take a class at The SloWhey School of Cheese

It doesn’t matter whether you’re filling your glass with wine, gin or beer; there’s always a cheese pairing that will make that drink taste even better. If you’re in a rush you can grab a wheel or two from one of the local dairies, but it’s worth making the time to learn the secrets of cheesemaking at The SloWhey School of Cheese. Slow living and sustainable practices are a key part of the house philosophy that teaches you how to make your own mozzarella, halloumi or camembert – and how to appreciate it.

Things to do outdoors in McLaren Vale

See the region at its natural best.

7. Soak up the sun at a beach

Most of the country’s other wine regions are bounded by hills on both sides, but McLaren Vale has kilometres of incredible beaches that begin within spitting distance of the vineyards. The broad sands of drive-on Aldinga Beach make it a family favourite, while nearby Port Willunga is a scenic beauty with several caves dug into the limestone cliffs and a shipwreck that can be explored at low tide.

Port Willunga is a scenic beauty. (Image: Trent John Martin)

At Sellicks Beach, the roar of the incoming surf is joined by the sound of countless pebbles rolling over each other or you can let it all hang out at the clothing-optional Maslin Beach.

Drone shot over Sellicks Hill at Sellicks Beach

Hear the roaring surf at Sellicks Beach. (Image: Thomas Quan)

8. Go for a hike

The deep gorge carved out by the Onkaparinga River marks the northern edge of McLaren Vale and the surrounding national park includes a network of easily accessible walking trails. The shortest of them is the Punchbowl Lookout Trail which leads to a dramatic viewing platform gazing out over bright orange cliffs that plunge towards the bottom of the gorge. For a longer excursion, follow one of several paths down through open woodland to the river, where the twang of banjo frogs and chatter of colourful birdlife rings out over a flourishing wetland.

9. Book the Wuldi Cultural Experience

The owners of Gemtree Winery have planted more than 50,000 native trees and shrubs on their property and a stroll along their Eco Trail is a great way to immerse yourself in nature. But you’ll need some help from a local to really appreciate the cultural significance of this place. Once a month, Ngarrindjeri elder Mark Koolmatrie share his stories of the land and its importance in the Wuldi Cultural Experience, providing a unique chance to commune with Country in the presence of a traditional owner.

10. Go rock climbing in a national park

Onkaparinga National Park isn’t just a prime spot for bushwalking; sheer walls of 750 million-year-old quartzite also present an epic challenge for prospective rock climbers. There are hundreds of routes near Pink Gum Campground if you already know what you’re doing, or if you need a little help you can join one of the regular Earth Adventure and learn how to climb up to 30 metres high while surrounded by native forest filled with koalas, kangaroos and echidnas.

Family-Friendly things to do in McLaren Vale

Make memories that will last a lifetime.

11. Get up close to the wildlife at Woodstock

The daily 11:30 feeding at Woodstock winery draws a regular crowd, but don’t expect any wine on the menu. Instead, it’s a chance to meet some of the rescue kangaroos that now call the onsite wildlife sanctuary home. Once you’ve finished feeding Eden, Maple, Prairie and Dusty, take a look around and you might also spot a friendly emu named Maverick and several sleepy koalas enjoying the good life.

Kangaroo at Woodstock Wine in McLaren Vale

Get up close with the friendly resident kangaroos at Woodstock. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Ben Goode)

12. Get lost in Maxwell Winery’s maze

McLaren Vale is the kind of place where it’s easy to leave your worries behind, but if you want to lose yourself entirely the best place is Maxwell Winery’s mind-bending maze. Hundreds of tightly packed conifers create a bewildering labyrinth that the kids will have a ball exploring, and you can join them or grab a bottle of wine to enjoy in the neighbouring picnic area.

Lose yourself entirely at Maxwell Winery’s mind-bending maze. (Image: Isaac Forman)

13. Head to the Jungle in Willunga

Sure, you’ll find a few locals heading to the Jungle in Willunga to pick up bamboos, palms and ferns for their backyard. But most of the visitors to this sprawling nursery are busy pretending they’re intrepid explorers on a remote rainforest expedition. Make sure you pick up an Animal Hunt checklist on the way in, so you can record all of the life-size animals hidden along the jungle boardwalk, and bring a snack to enjoy in the magical Fairy Fern Garden when you’re done.

Adventurous things to do in McLaren Vale

Take to the skies – or the waters – to see the Vale from a different angle.

14. Take a joyride on Adelaide Biplanes

Anyone with even a passing interest in the golden age of aviation will be charmed by the vintage aircraft at Adelaide Biplanes. Once the sightseeing tours take off from Aldinga Airfield, you’ll be able to hear the roar of the engine and feel the wind in your hair as you zoom above vineyards and coast in an open cockpit. And if for some reason that’s not enough of a thrill, you can always sign up for an aerobatic joy flight and do your best to hold on while the pilot tests your mettle with a series of rolls, loops and hammerheads.

Adelaide Biplanes flying above McLaren Vale

Zoom above vineyards. (Image: Adelaide Biplanes)

15. Cycle the winery trails

If you don’t feel like driving but still want to explore the region, hire a bike from the visitors’ centre and tackle the eight-kilometre Shiraz Trail that runs through the centre of the valley. With a gentle gradient and no cars, it’s a stress-free ride that passes between broad paddocks and lush vineyards while connecting dozens of wineries. And if you’ve still got energy in those legs when you’re done, you can always keep going on the longer 35-kilometre Coast to Vines Rail Trail.

16. Learn to stand on water

The sheltered waters of Gulf St Vincent might not appeal to big wave surfers, but their loss is a big win for stand-up paddleboarders. Get some lessons or hire a board from SUP Down South and explore the coastline around Port Willunga, or take things up a notch with a stand-up yoga class on the water. And if you want to combine watersports with other activities, Gone AWOL runs a day tour with the lot that includes a paddleboarding lesson at the mouth of the Onkaparinga River, an e-bike ride and a few wine tastings.

17. Jump (out of a plane) for joy

Just as you need to step back from a mosaic to truly appreciate it, McLaren Vale’s patchwork of vineyards, farmland and bush looks even better when viewed from above. Getting up to 9000 to 15000 feet lets you take in the entire region (and see all the way from the city of Adelaide to Kangaroo Island) before you hop out of the plane for an unforgettable skydiving adventure. Once the parachute opens, you’ll have six minutes to watch the scenery getting closer before your instructor steers you to a field surrounded by vineyards where you can celebrate with a glass of wine and a grazing board.

Experience the scenery in a unique way. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cultural things to do in McLaren Vale

Let your imagination run wild at these creative hotspots.

18. Visit the Alternate Realities Museum

When rainy days strike, there are plenty of indoor things to do in McLaren Vale, and the name of the Alternate Realities Museum is the first giveaway that this is not your average cultural institution. The contemporary gallery on the ground floor of the d’Arenberg Cube is a fever dream of Monty Python-esque animations, surreal portraits of the larger-than-life owner and a “virtual fermenter". There’s also an exhibition of works by Dali and his admirers on the second floor, and even the toilets are memorable (you’ve been warned), as is the harlequin furniture in the top-floor tasting room.

Alternate Realities Gallery in d’Arenberg

This contemporary gallery is on the ground floor of the d’Arenberg Cube. (Image: d’Arenberg)

19. Get your groove on at Big Easy Radio

With a former member of Empire Of The Sun as the booker, it’s no surprise that Big Easy Radio brings the noise for regular Friday night and Sunday afternoon gigs. The proximity to Adelaide means it’s easy for the city’s best musicians to make the trip down and the shed stage draws a good crowd of locals and visitors keen to see everything from raucous blues rockers and sultry soul troubadours to modern jazz quintets.

20. Make your own masterpiece at Fleurieu Arthouse

On the grounds of Hardy’s Tintara on McLaren Vale’s main street, Fleurieu Arthouse is a vibrant arts hub that includes a gallery, cafe and studios for working artists. Grab a glass from the cellar door and browse the onsite shop for a unique souvenir, or get your creative juices flowing at one of the regular jewellery, painting and photographic workshops. If you want to combine the two, you can even join a casual paint-and-sip session led by one of the resident artists.

Originally written by Alexis Buxton-Collins with updates by Megan Arkinstall

From secluded hilltop retreats to off-grid cabins and a beautifully restored mill, these are the most luxurious places to stay in McLaren Vale.

Wedged between lush rolling hills and the sparkling blue sea, McLaren Vale is Australia’s most naturally beautiful wine region. It’s the kind of place that begs you to toast the sunset after a day spent touring the local wineries and restaurants, and the best spot to do that is at one of the opulent retreats dotted around the idyllic valley.

Whether you’re dreaming of sinking into an outdoor bath while enjoying expansive hilltop views or going off-grid and immersing yourself in the bush, these McLaren Vale luxury accommodation options will make you wish you could stay just a few more days.

1. Beresford Estate Suites and Villas

lush greenery surrounding Beresford Estate Suites and Villas

The shiraz-lined Beresford Estate boasts bucolic views. (Image: Supplied)

Nestled among 28 hectares of vines, this collection of suites and villas on Beresford Estate combines bucolic views, luxury and cosiness. Lining the 35-year-old shiraz vines, the studio plan Reserve Suites are comfortable and elegantly appointed, featuring kitchenettes, lounge areas, spacious bathrooms stocked with Australian-made products, a plush queen bed and a private deck overlooking the vines.

The Grand Reserve Suites are slightly larger, with a private bedroom, bathtub and an outdoor area with a plunge pool with sweeping vineyard views. The Shiraz Villa is another studio suite with a four-poster bed for a romantic vibe, while the Grenache Villa is housed in a historic 19th-century cottage and can sleep six – perfect for a group of friends. Guests receive a tasty selection of breakfast provisions to enjoy each morning.

While the accommodation is near some excellent wineries and dining options, you can meander to the sleek onsite Vale Restaurant, which doubles as a microbrewery. Or spend an afternoon in the Tasting Room with a cheese platter and some award-winning Beresford Estate wines, inside by the fireplace or on the deck in the sunshine.

Address: 252 Blewitt Springs Rd, McLaren Flat

2. Rare Earth Retreats

an outdoor tub at Rare Earth Retreats, McLaren Vale

Relax in the outdoor tub while admiring vineyard views. (Image: Supplied)

Opened in November 2024, Rare Earth Retreats is McLaren Vale’s newest stay, offering a luxury, off-grid experience with an exceptionally chic design. Each of the three retreats is inspired by the elements of stone, clay and slate and powered entirely by the sun, fed completely by rainwater and celebrates local craftsmanship. The South Australian artists from creative hub JamFactory designed and crafted the exclusive pieces to fit within these spaces.

The retreats are each fitted with a king bed, kitchen and spacious bathroom, indoor and outdoor fireplace, outdoor bath, and private decks with sweeping views of McLaren Vale. Breakfast provisions are included, with in-house massages, facials and private yoga classes are also available.

Address: 23 Coppermine Rd, McLaren Vale

3. Hillenvale

a look inside the living room at Hillenvale, Kangarilla

Relax in this cosy and sleek stone cottage. (Image: Jonathan van der Knaap)

At the junction of Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale, this rugged and secluded property is home to a charming stone cottage that makes for a cosy couple’s retreat. Set on a hillside, with views of the surrounding landscape where kangaroos and sheep roam freely, you’ll feel as though you’ve truly escaped to the country. The cottage features a full ‘country kitchen’, lounge, fireplace and outdoor deck, and is styled in a calming neutral palette with exquisite furnishings.

Also on the property, a vine-covered 1859-built homestead is undergoing a meticulous restoration and will be available to book soon. The homestead boasts five bedrooms, a kitchen and dining room, a lounge, a study and a wine cellar, so will be an idyllic stay for families and groups.

Address: 194 Cut Hill Rd, Kangarilla

4. Shadow Creek

the living room interior of Shadow Creek, McLaren Vale

The eight-hectare Shadow Creek property is perfect for families. (Image: Sabine Verhack Photography)

In the heart of McLaren Vale, this stay is perched on a crest of the eight-hectare Shadow Creek vineyard property. From every window, you’ll spy vineyards, rolling hills and even ocean views but not another soul – because you’re the only guests.

The two-person suite has a king bed, a double shower and a deep soaking bath, a living area with a double fireplace, a full kitchen and a deck with a barbecue, from where you can take in those vistas. Guests receive a delicious grazing plate filled with local goodies.

The winery’s cellar door is set to open early 2025 and is nestled among gums on Turraparri Creek, which runs through the property. Guests can visit for a tasting, arrange a massage on the deck, have a gourmet picnic in the vineyard or be whisked away by helicopter to lunch somewhere in the Vale.

Address: Cnr Edwards Rd and Jackson Hill Rd, McLaren Vale

5. The Vineyard Retreat

the exterior lounge deck at The Vineyard Retreat in McLaren Vale

Spend your next luxury escape in The Vineyard Retreat.

The Vineyard McLaren Vale is a six-hectare working vineyard with six accommodation options to stay in, each with its own unique character.

There are two chic tiny homes set on the edge of the shiraz block, with a studio layout featuring a king bed, wood fireplace and underfloor heating. And four luxuriously appointed guesthouses, including The Ardmore which sleeps two people and has views out to the Chapel Hill ridgeline, and The Highland which sleeps four in two bedrooms and boasts a wraparound balcony.

All stays include a complimentary mini-bar and breakfast provisions. There is also a range of experiences to book through The Vineyard including a scenic helicopter flight with lunch and a guided wine and gourmet tour of McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.

Address: 165 Whitings Rd, Blewitt Springs

6. Vale194

Retreat into this rustic abode. (Image: Harry Vick)

Smack bang in the heart of McLaren Vale, on Main Street, these five self-contained cottages ooze charm with a bluestone exterior but are ultra-modern inside. Behind a rustic wooden gate, the two-storey, three-bedroom stays boast spacious kitchens, dining and lounge areas, and full laundries. They have heated floors for the cooler months and cute outdoor courtyards with barbecues for warm evenings.

An ideal option for families or groups of friends, Vale194 is within walking distance of the town’s restaurants and wine bars, and next to the entrance of the Shiraz Trail, a flat bike path that runs from McLaren Vale to Willunga, connecting cellar doors.

Address: 1-5/194 Main Rd McLaren Vale

7. Weemilah Luxury Retreat

Perched 200 metres above the valley floor at the southern end of the Vale, this off-grid sanctuary looks out over the entire region. The large open plan living area has slate floors, a wood-burning stove and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the views, while the two king bedrooms each have an en suite and private deck so you can enjoy the surrounds in solitude.

There’s plenty of wildlife on the 52-acre property thanks to 15000 native trees and shrubs, and the epic views get even better when seen through a curtain of mist rising from the deep outdoor soaking tub or on a helicopter tour led by one of the property’s owners, who can drop you off for lunch at one of McLaren Vale’s best restaurants.

Address: 187 Delabole Rd, Willunga

8. Hotel California Road

Huge bath looking out a large glass window at Hotel California Road in McLaren Vale.

Relax in the freestanding bath with a glass of vino. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Josie Withers)

From the outside, this luxurious micro-hotel looks like a chaotic Jenga tower made from shipping containers stacked on top of one another, but inside it’s a different story.

Each of the three 50 square metre king suites is immaculately appointed with a futuristic floating king bed, a soaking tub (with a wine glass holder) flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows and a large deck just metres from the vines.

The adults-only policy makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing escape and if you don’t feel like driving to the local wineries, the Inkwell cellar door is directly above the suites so it’s easy to wander back after a leisurely tasting and raid the well-stocked minibar.

Address: 377 California Rd, Tatachilla

9. Ukiyo House

Ukiyo House makes liberal use of natural materials including charred shou sugi ban timber. (Image: Jenah Piwanski)

With a semicircle of limestone cliffs ringing a perfect aquamarine bay and one of McLaren Vale’s best restaurants, Port Willunga is understandably busy in summer. Not that you’d know it if you’re staying at this blissful hideaway just 300 metres away.

The immaculately appointed single-bedroom house is an oasis of tranquillity that makes liberal use of natural materials including charred shou sugi ban timber, rammed earth walls and Venetian plastering.

Kayaks and beach equipment make it easy to explore the beach, but the modern kitchen is equipped with everything down to scales and measuring cups and a welcome pack of local gin, wine, granola and almonds alongside a candle with the retreat’s signature scent (bergamot and pine) mean it’s just as tempting to stay in and relax and enjoy the serenity.

Address: 37 Martin St, Port Willunga

10. CABN X

CABN X is a step up from most of the off-grid offerings around Australia.

Down a dirt road from the Gemtree cellar door on McLaren Vale’s quieter western side, these two cabins are a serious step up from most of the off-grid offerings popping up around the country.

While one is clad in blond timber and the other opts for a darker palette, each has a spacious bedroom, kitchen and bathroom with mirrors that unfrost at the touch of a button, as well as a sauna looking out over the surrounding vineyards.

Even better is the giant outdoor bath that’s roomy enough for two people to sit comfortably while being serenaded by native birds, while the moon window above the bed means you can fall asleep looking up at the stars.

Address: 796 Main Road, McLaren Vale

11. The Old Chaff Mill Retreat

The Old Chaff Mill Retreat in McLaren Vale

The Old Chaff Mill Retreat is truly a place of rest and relaxation. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Old meets new at this lovingly restored 1872 chaff mill on an organic, biodynamic property set amid lush vineyards, and olive and almond groves.

Comprising two buildings, The Granary and The Millery, these two palatial suites (one is 90 square metres, the other 120) are built with thick stone walls and soundproof doors, and packed with antique fittings such as a chandelier made from a two-metre long pine winnower that harks back to the venue’s original use.

Nowadays, it’s well and truly a place of rest and relaxation thanks to features such as loft bedrooms, outdoor baths and record players, as well as an onsite day spa offering a range of treatments.

Address: 371 Plains Rd, Sellicks Hill

12. The Jetty

Interior of The Jetty Port Willunga with water views

The apartments are bathed in light. (Image: The Jetty Port Willunga)

When it comes to beach views, you can’t beat these four waterfront apartments in Port Willunga. Fortunately, it’s easy to share them, thanks to large open-plan dining areas designed for entertaining and downstairs apartments that have two bedrooms each.

Address: 16 Esplanade, Port Willunga

13. Altamira

Altamira is surrounded by grapes and gums.

Surrounded by grapes and gums in the rolling hills near McLaren Vale’s northern border, this spacious property is perfect for larger groups.

Three bedrooms with en suites and a studio apartment with its own kitchen and living area are connected by a spacious shared entertaining area decorated in a sophisticated mid-century style.

Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise views out over the surrounding shiraz vines, but no matter your tipple, the wraparound verandah is the go-to spot for sundowners before heading back inside to tackle one of the many board games supplied by the owners.

Address: 351 Chapel Hill Rd, McLaren Vale