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).

Pears from Willunga Farmers Market — 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 Beach from above. — 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.

Maze at Maxwell Wines — 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.

SA Skydiving over McLaren Vale — 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.

From ancient aquaculture systems to sacred rock art shelters, Victoria’s First Peoples cultural experiences offer a powerful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – where every site, story and smoking ceremony invites a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet.

Victoria’s sweeping landscapes hold stories far older than any road map can trace – stories etched into stone, sung through generations and woven into every bend of river and rise of hill. From the lava flows of Budj Bim to the ancient middens of Moyjil/Point Ritchie and the volcanic crater of Tower Hill, the state is home to some of the most significant First Peoples cultural sites in Australia. These places, along with other immersive experiences, offer not only a window into a 60,000-year legacy, but a profound way of understanding Country itself. As more travellers seek connection over checklists, guided tours by Traditional Owners offer respectful, unforgettable insights into a living culture that continues to shape the land and the people who walk it.

Budj Bim cultural landscape

Venture beyond the surf and sand of the Great Ocean Road to discover a deeper story etched into the volcanic landscape. At Budj Bim , ancient aquaculture channels built by the Gunditjmara people to trap, store and harvest kooyang (short-finned eel) reveal one of the world’s oldest living cultures. While you’re in the area, head over to the state-of-the-art Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, where you can observe the eels in a special tank, wander the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), and enjoy a bite at the Bush Tucker Cafe. Also nearby is Tower Hill, a dormant volcano reborn as a wildlife reserve, offering trails through bushland teeming with emus and koalas.

eel tank — The kooyang (eel) tank at Tae Rak. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Dumawul Kooyoora Walking Tour

Dumawul walkingtour — Guests are guided through Kooyoora State Park on the Dumawul walking tour. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Step into a timeless landscape with Dumawul’s guided tour through Kooyoora State Park, around an hour’s drive west of Bendigo in north-central Victoria. Led by Djaara guides, this immersive half-day journey breathes life into Country, weaving together stories, bush tucker and ancient rock art. Known to the Dja Dja Wurrung people as Guyura – the ‘mountain of light’ – this dramatic granite range is rich with cultural and spiritual significance. The adventure begins with a meet-up at the Bridgewater Hotel on the banks of the Loddon River, before guests are welcomed onto Country with a traditional Smoking Ceremony – a powerful ritual that honours ancestors and cleanses those who walk the land. From there, it’s a gentle wander through rugged outcrops and open bushland, with sweeping vistas unfolding at every turn. Along the way, guides share their knowledge of how the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples have cared for and adapted with this land for generations, offering a rare and moving window into an ancient way of life that continues to thrive today.

Kooyoora walking tour — Knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung is shared on the trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Kingfisher Cruises

Glide quietly through the Barmah-Millewa forest – the nation’s largest river red gum ecosystem – on a scenic journey along the Murray River and into the Barmah Lakes with Kingfisher Cruises . Led by passionate guides who share stories of the cultural significance of this ancient landscape, these cruises reveal the stories, totems and traditional knowledge of the Yorta Yorta people. As you navigate narrow waterways and spot native birds, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how First Peoples have lived in harmony with this floodplain for tens of thousands of years. It’s a gentle, immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression – one where every bend in the river carries echoes of culture, connection and Country.

wawa biik

Exploring Nagambie with Taungurung leaders. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Translating to ‘hello, Country’ in the language of the First Nations People and Custodians of the rivers and mountains of Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, wawa biik guides a range of authentic and deeply immersive experiences. Leaving from either Nagambie or Euroa, the tours are woven with ancient stories of the Taungurung, telling how a sustained connection and responsibility ensures the continued health of biik – benefitting the people, animals and plants that live in and around the Goulburn River. During the wawa Nagambie experience, guests participate in a Welcome Smoking Ceremony, and enjoy lunch and conversation with two Taungurung leaders as they cruise through the wetlands of tabilk-tabilk (place of many waterholes). The 4.5-hour tour begins at Tahbilk Winery, which is set in the wetlands of Nagambie on Taungurung Country and collaborates with Taungurung Elders to share knowledge of biik.

Bataluk Cultural Trail

Cape Conran on the Bataluk Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The Bataluk Cultural Trail winds through East Gippsland like a thread stitching past to present, tracing the deep connection between the Gunaikurnai people and their land. Starting at the Knob Reserve in Stratford, visitors walk among scarred trees and ancient stone tools once used for survival and ceremony. At the Den of Nargun near Mitchell River, the earth holds stories of women’s sacred spaces, cloaked in myth and legend. Further along, Legend Rock at Metung tells of greed and consequence, its surface etched with ancient lore. At Cape Conran, shell middens lie scattered like breadcrumbs of history – 10,000 years of gatherings, stories and saltwater songs still echoing in the wind.

Healesville Sanctuary

Set on the historic grounds of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, Healesville Sanctuary honours the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation through immersive storytelling and connection to Country. Along Wurundjeri Walk, visitors are invited to reflect on the land’s rich First Peoples history, with native plants revealing their traditional uses. Wurundjeri Elder and educator Murrundindi shares culture in-person with the Wominjeka Aboriginal Cultural Experience every Sunday, and most days during Victorian school holidays. Murrundindi’s smoking ceremonies, storytelling and bush tucker knowledge reveal the sacred relationship between people, animals and the environment. Bird-lovers can’t miss the incredible Spirits of the Sky show featuring native birds daily at 12pm and 3pm.

The Grampians

Known as Gariwerd to Traditional Owners, the Grampians is a place of immense cultural and spiritual significance. This rugged landscape holds more than 80 per cent of Victoria’s known First Peoples rock art, offering a powerful window into the region’s deep heritage. Visitors can respectfully explore five remarkable rock art sites: Billimina and Ngamadjidj in the Wartook Valley, Manja Shelter near Hamilton, Gulgurn Manja shelter near Laharum, and the Bunjil Shelter near Stawell, where the creator spirit is depicted. Each site tells a unique story of connection to Country, shared through ancient handprints, dancing figures and Dreaming narratives etched into stone.

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.

Things to do for foodies in McLaren Vale

1. Toast a local winemaker

2. See what’s brewing at the nearest taphouse

3. Sample the spirits

4. Dine at McLaren Vale’s restaurants

5. Stock up at Willunga Farmer’s Market

6. Take a class at The SloWhey School of Cheese

Things to do outdoors in McLaren Vale

7. Soak up the sun at a beach

8. Go for a hike

9. Book the Wuldi Cultural Experience

10. Go rock climbing in a national park

Family-Friendly things to do in McLaren Vale

11. Get up close to the wildlife at Woodstock

12. Get lost in Maxwell Winery’s maze

13. Head to the Jungle in Willunga

Adventurous things to do in McLaren Vale

14. Take a joyride on Adelaide Biplanes

15. Cycle the winery trails

16. Learn to stand on water

17. Jump (out of a plane) for joy

Cultural things to do in McLaren Vale

18. Visit the Alternate Realities Museum

19. Get your groove on at Big Easy Radio

20. Make your own masterpiece at Fleurieu Arthouse

Our guide to the best McLaren Vale accommodation

The best wineries and cellar doors in the McLaren Vale

Our guide to luxury accommodation in McLaren Vale

The best breweries and distilleries in the McLaren Vale

Unforgettable First Peoples tours and experiences in Victoria

From ancient aquaculture systems to sacred rock art shelters, Victoria’s First Peoples cultural experiences offer a powerful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – where every site, story and smoking ceremony invites a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet.

Budj Bim cultural landscape

Dumawul Kooyoora Walking Tour

Kingfisher Cruises

wawa biik

Bataluk Cultural Trail

Healesville Sanctuary

The Grampians

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.

Things to do for foodies in McLaren Vale

1. Toast a local winemaker

2. See what’s brewing at the nearest taphouse

3. Sample the spirits

4. Dine at McLaren Vale’s restaurants

5. Stock up at Willunga Farmer’s Market

6. Take a class at The SloWhey School of Cheese

Things to do outdoors in McLaren Vale

7. Soak up the sun at a beach

8. Go for a hike

9. Book the Wuldi Cultural Experience

10. Go rock climbing in a national park

Family-Friendly things to do in McLaren Vale

11. Get up close to the wildlife at Woodstock

12. Get lost in Maxwell Winery’s maze

13. Head to the Jungle in Willunga

Adventurous things to do in McLaren Vale

14. Take a joyride on Adelaide Biplanes

15. Cycle the winery trails

16. Learn to stand on water

17. Jump (out of a plane) for joy

Cultural things to do in McLaren Vale

18. Visit the Alternate Realities Museum

19. Get your groove on at Big Easy Radio

20. Make your own masterpiece at Fleurieu Arthouse

Our guide to the best McLaren Vale accommodation

The best wineries and cellar doors in the McLaren Vale

Our guide to luxury accommodation in McLaren Vale

The best breweries and distilleries in the McLaren Vale

From ancient aquaculture systems to sacred rock art shelters, Victoria’s First Peoples cultural experiences offer a powerful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – where every site, story and smoking ceremony invites a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet.

Budj Bim cultural landscape

Dumawul Kooyoora Walking Tour

Kingfisher Cruises

wawa biik

Bataluk Cultural Trail

Healesville Sanctuary

The Grampians

From ancient aquaculture systems to sacred rock art shelters, Victoria’s First Peoples cultural experiences offer a powerful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – where every site, story and smoking ceremony invites a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet.