Our guide to luxury accommodation in McLaren Vale

From boutique vineyard villas to elegant heritage homes and eco hilltop escapes, these are the most luxurious stays in McLaren Vale.

Tucked between rolling green hills and the crystal blue of Gulf St Vincent, McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s most naturally beautiful wine regions so it makes sense to stay somewhere that truly gives this beautiful region full credit.

Whether you’re dreaming of a secluded escape with sweeping views from your outdoor bath, an off-grid hideaway surrounded by native bushland or a stylish retreat made for group celebrations, these luxury accommodation options in the McLaren Vale make it all too easy to linger just a little longer.

In short

If there’s one luxury accommodation in McLaren Vale wine region that is worth the splurge, make it Rare Earth Retreats for its secluded luxe cabins that disappear into the surrounding landscape.

McLaren Eye

Tucked away on a beautiful hill in Kangarilla, McLaren Eye truly feels worlds away.  Owners Joylene and Rob Edwards have poured their heart and soul into creating a sustainable, luxurious retreat in an eco-designed building which generates its own power and collects its own water.

With space for up to four guests, it’s the perfect spot to disconnect from everything and enjoy time with close friends or reconnect with family (not suitable for younger children). The two king bedrooms each come with an ensuite featuring a circular bath and a private deck to soak in the panoramic views. There’s also a cottage available for extra accommodation, two minutes away.

McLaren Vale is just 13 kilometres away, making wineries easily accessible when ready to explore.

Address: 54 Peters Creek Road, Kangarilla

Price: 1 Bedroom $675 per night or $1,200 per night for 2 bedrooms

The Vineyard Retreat McLaren Vale

The Vineyard Retreat - Cadole Sierra, McLaren Vale — The Vineyard Retreat Cadole Sierra is set on the edge of an idyllic vine canopy. (Image: heidi who photos)

Just a short drive from the heart of the Vale, this elevated property in Blewitt Springs overlooks 15 acres of working vineyard.

Stay in one of six boutique accommodation options – either on the hill for the views, or on the valley floor to be close to the area’s cellar doors, restaurants and breweries. The six options are all different, from Cadole Avalon – a sleek cabin with all the modern amenities to The Highland, a two-bedroom house built for entertaining with a chef’s kitchen. While the options might come in all shapes and sizes, they all share luxe furnishings, a private deck and complimentary breakfast provisions.

As another option, the Strand Guesthouse, newly renovated in 2021, is a one-bedroom hideaway with huge windows framing the vineyard, a wood-burning fire and a private deck – perfect for taking in the scenery.

Address: 165 Whitings Rd, Blewitt Springs

Price: From $655 AUD per night to $955 AUD per night for The Highland

Rare Earth Retreats

For couples after a true off-grid experience, these three elevated cabins hidden away on a working winery are exquisite. Choose from the Stone, Clay or Slate cabins, each with an open-plan layout with a king-size bed dressed in French linen, kitchen, living area, bathroom and outdoor bath.

Opened in late 2024, the cabin’s designs are inspired by the McLaren Vale’s terroir and lands, and feature exclusive pieces crafted by South Australian artists from the Jam Factory.

Stays can be tailored and there’s in-house massage or a private yoga class on offer.

Address: 23 Coppermine Road, McLaren Vale

Price: $650 per night

Beresford Luxury Suites and Villas

On Blewitt Springs Road in McLaren Flat, Beresford Luxury Suites offers an impressive 15 modern accommodation options , from studio rooms to the Grand Reserve Suites which feature extra space, a bath and private plunge pool.

Need more room? The redeveloped Beresford House features imported Italian furniture, luxury fittings and high-end appliances for a luxurious long weekend with friends.

Enjoy a slow wakeup in the morning with a make-your-own breakfast, before wandering down to the on-site Vale Restaurant and Tasting Room for a cheese platter and a microbrew.

Address: 252 Blewitt Springs Rd, McLaren Flat

Price: Reserve Suites start at $ 345 per night

Karawatha Cottages

Blewitt Springs’ Karawatha Cottages come in three – Ponder, Unwind and Relish . With stunning views towards the Mount Lofty Ranges and modern amenities, it’s easy to see why it’s been awarded one of Australia’s top 25 B&Bs for five consecutive years.

Ponder and Unwind cater for a couple, while Relish has two bedrooms and a wood fire for those cosy winter escapes. Fully self-contained, a stay also comes with a gourmet breakfast hamper (granola, free-range eggs, wood-smoked bacon and fresh bread) and a bottle of premium wine. Stay in or visit the several cellar doors and restaurants within walking distance.

Address: 285 Blewitt Springs Road, Blewitt Springs

Price: From $320 per night

Shadow Creek

For complete seclusion, head to Shadow Creek , set on a 20-acre vineyard between McLaren Vale and Willunga. The one-bedroom house has a king-size bed, double shower, deep bath, fireplace and expansive deck with uninterrupted ocean and vineyard views.

Linger on the balcony with a grazing plate of local treats (cheese, cured meats, olives, crackers) followed by an aged steak from Ian at Ellis Butchers cooked on the barbecue.

Explore their small batch wines including The Kinky Alpaca Grenache Rose, Vermentino and Ticket Window Shiraz. The cellar door is located on the far side of the property across Turraparri Creek so as not to disturb guests.

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

Price: From $520 per night

Hillenvale

Hidden between the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale, the five-bedroom Hillenvale homestead, built in 1859, is ideal for groups or families. Lovingly restored and modernised over the years while retaining its original charm, it includes a wine cellar, lounge, kitchen and dining areas. Cook up local produce in the country-style kitchen, then relax on the deck with sweeping vineyard views.

The Coach House provides a secluded, luxurious couple’s retreat on the same property. One of the first farms in the area, it now houses purebred and pasture-raised lambs, while the first vintages of Hillenvale wine are on the way.

Address: 194 Cut Hill Rd, Kangarilla

Price: TBC

Hotel California Road

Don’t be fooled by the shipping container exterior as inside, this adult-only micro-hotel has the ‘wow’ factor. The 20 repurposed shipping containers make up the eco-friendly building designed and built by Dudley Brown and Irina Santiago-Brown.

Each of the three 50-square-metre suites has a floating king bed, gorgeous soaking tub (complete with wine glass holder), floor-to-ceiling windows and a deck just metres from the vineyard.

The Inkwell cellar door is directly above the suites – choose from one of four tastings of Australia’s first Regenerative Organic Certified® vineyard, including their fortified wines.

Address: 377 California Rd, Tatachilla

Price: From $350 per night. Book direct to receive a complimentary continental breakfast for two.

Weemilah Luxury Retreat

Situated 200 metres above the valley floor at the southern end of the Vale, this off-grid sanctuary has uninterrupted views across the region. The open-plan living area, with its slate floors, wood-burning stove and floor-to-ceiling windows, makes it easy to just sit back and not move for the weekend.

Both king bedrooms have ensuites, and access to the deck and outdoor bath from which to view the native wildlife on the 52-acre property.

Elevate a stay further with a 30-minute helicopter flight over the Fleurieu Peninsula for an $750 per couple, or for $1180 get a ride from the Weemilah helipad via the coast and vines to Shottesbrooke Winery.

Address: 187 Delabole Rd, Willunga

Price: $1,220 for two nights

Ukiyo House

Close enough to the beach for the summer months but far enough to capture peace and quiet, Ukiyo House feels blissfully secluded. Set on a tranquil stretch of property adjacent to Willunga Creek, this architecturally designed one-bedroom house is fitted out with natural materials like charred shou sugi ban timber, rammed earth walls and Venetian plaster creating a calming experience.

The modern kitchen has everything one needs, and the welcome pack of local gin (with lemons from the garden), wine, granola and almonds start off an indulgent stay.  

Beach essentials are available as is a kayak for the adventurous guest.

Address: 37 Martin St, Port Willunga

Price: $1,500 for two nights

Discover the best things to do in McLaren Vale

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.