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

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

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