Standout McLaren Vale Cafes For Brunch

Fuel up ahead of a day exploring the McLaren Vale the right way with coffee and breakfast at these standout cafe spots.

Before the beach or McLaren Vale wineries, their needs to be coffee and a hearty breakfast. Luckily the region is home to plenty of coffee holes-in-the-wall, charming brunch spots and cafes with a view. All these McLaren Vale cafes offer up fresh local produce and the baristas take their craft seriously – serving up quality flat whites time and time again.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Dawn Patrol
Family-friendly spot: Manna McLaren Vale
Casual eats: Hey Juj
Best views: Pearl Kiosk
Best for Vegan/Vegetarian: The Slow Food Kitchen

Dawn Patrol

Coffee enthusiasts know Dawn Patrol is the place to get a good brew. The team is passionate about their coffee and aim for 100% traceability of their ethically sourced beans. The Brew Bar allows you to sample seasonal filter and espresso options while there’s a small bagel menu and pastries for a grab-and-go option, with GF options available.

Stock up on their beans – anything from The Toucan Espresso Blend – beans grown in Mexico with toffee apple and chocolate or the floral and lemony San Jose – a dry Gesha blend hailing from Nicaragua.

Cuisine: Baked goods / Specialty Coffee

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Hole in the wall

Location: 402 Main Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171

Visitor Centre Stump Hill Cafe

Tucked down along the main strip, Stump Hill Cafe at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre feels like a welcome stop – or start – on a morning exploring the McLaren Vale township.

The building has leafy lawns and vine views, with a nature-play area and wide outdoor space for kids. The menu features slow-cooked pies, house-made cakes and locally roasted coffee.

Delivered with a relaxed, genuinely friendly service it’s a great way to be welcomed to town. Pop next door to the Visitor’s Centre to plan the ultimate McLaren Vale itinerary.

Cuisine: Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Warm

Location: 796 Main Road, McLaren Vale

Hey Juj

For a solid flat white and a sandwich on the run, Hey Juj is a go-to. Breakfast options range from avo toast to acai bowls, but it’s the sandos that really steal the show. The brekkie sando is stacked with crispy bacon, fried egg, relish and hash browns, while the vego version – with pumpkin, capsicum, eggplant, baby mozzarella and a hit of spicy mayo – is just as good.

It’s a reliable, easy-going spot that locals love as much as visitors. Licensed all day, book in for a bottomless brunch or add a Bloody Mary to breakfast. Come Thursday through Saturday, the place shifts gears into a wine bar from 3pm, pouring a generous selection of whites, reds and local gins.

Cuisine: Australian 

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 150 Main Road, McLaren Vale

Manna McLaren Vale

Sometimes one coffee is not enough which is why Manna’s Barista’s Breakfast tasting paddle with filter brew, white coffee and espresso is a godsend first thing in the morning.

The cafe’s menu changes with the seasons: in winter enjoy the sticky date porridge, smoky tomato soup or German apple hotcakes. It’s hard to resist the loaded croissant pocket stuffed with pork sausage, cheese, hash brown, fried egg, jalapeños, pickles and house-made brekkie sauce.

Kids are well catered for, and there’s even a free storytime every Monday morning in the Manna Studio, which also hosts regular craft workshops – another reason to linger a little longer.

Cuisine: European-Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Location: 211 Main Road, McLaren Vale

Willa

Start the day right at this quaint coffee shop inside a heritage building on Willunga’s main strip. With coffee by Altura and milk by Fleurieu Milk, Willa loves its local producers.

Much of the produce is sourced locally, including Willunga Meats, The Sourdough Story and Onkaparinga Creamery, with juices from The Garden Farmers, kombucha by Gather Brewing, and coffee from Altura.

The menu is packed with filling egg dishes, crumpets with nitrate-free bacon and maple syrup, or an indulgent croque monsieur. Look out for seasonal dishes like smoked beans and market fritters made with whatever is good at the time.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Rustic charm

Location: 17a High Street, Willunga

Wild Flour Willunga

It’s worth the walk up the hill along Willunga’s main street for Wild Flour’s simple, lovingly prepared dishes. The food is cooked with genuine care, and the team couldn’t be more welcoming.

Housed in the original, heritage-listed Atkinson’s Bakery building, the cafe’s nineteenth-century facade gives way to a cosy interior that instantly feels like home. Their generous, home-style menu celebrates fresh produce from across the Fleurieu Peninsula – the All Day Breakfast is hard to beat as are the Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Croissant French toast and freshly baked cookies.

On Friday nights, Wild Flour reopens from 4pm for cocktails, wine and share plates – the ideal way to ease into a weekend in the Vale.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Cosy

Location: 44 High Street, Willunga

Pearl Kiosk

Open Thursday to Sunday, Pearl Kiosk sits atop the cliffs overlooking Aldinga Beach – making it it one of the best views in the area for coffee and a beach stroll. Grab a takeaway and sit on the adjacent lawn or head down to the beach to sit on the sand.

The breakfast sandwich – free-range eggs with crispy bacon or haloumi, tomato and capsicum salsa, and house greens – is a winner, but so is the Port Lincoln ocean jacket fish sandwich with pickled grape, dukkah and preserved lemon. Come lunchtime, it’s a tough decision between the classic calamari and chips, the Port Lincoln mussels, or the shawarma-spiced pumpkin with tahini yoghurt and chermoula.

Cuisine: Middle-Eastern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Coastal vibes

Location: Boat Ramp, Aldinga Beach

Goodness Coffee Co.

the cosy corner inside Goodness Cafe, McLaren Vale — Goodness Coffee Co. freshly roasts in small batches. (Image: Dan Hill and Aaron Hill)

Another coffee specialist in the area, Goodness Coffee Co. freshly roasts in small batches on the Fleurieu Peninsula – choose from the Colombian, Ethiopian Guigi ‘Alaka’ or House Blend to take home.

While primarily a coffee spot, their cabinet always has something to tempt from bliss balls and cakes to croissants, pastries and vegan pies.

Set up in a cosy indoor nook, out in the sunny front yard, or find shade in the charming courtyard. Doggos aren’t forgotten – the cafe stocks treats from Veggie Paws.

Cuisine: Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Rustic country charm

Location: 24 Old Coach Road, Aldinga

The Slow Food Kitchen

For a pick-me-up breakfast full of fruit, leafy greens and fresh juices, The Slow Food Kitchen always hits the spot. The light-filled interior is beautiful, with sun streaming through the windows, while outside tables are dotted amongst the flowers.

Nourish bowls are packed with colourful veg, while the buckwheat waffles are topped with coconut whip, poached pear, chai reduction, maple and fresh fruit. They really hero local produce with the relish made from local organic tomatoes and seasonal fruit adorning most dishes. Make sure to stock up on their seed oil–free ready meals for later.

Cuisine: Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Laidback

Location: 173 Port Rd, Aldinga

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

Our guide to the best cafes in McLaren Vale

Fuel up ahead of a day exploring the McLaren Vale the right way with coffee and breakfast at these standout cafe spots.

The shortlist

Dawn Patrol

Visitor Centre Stump Hill Cafe

Hey Juj

Manna McLaren Vale

Willa

Wild Flour Willunga

Pearl Kiosk

Goodness Coffee Co.

The Slow Food Kitchen

This coastal wine region serves up world-class shiraz, fresh produce and scenic trails

Our guide to the best McLaren Vale restaurants to book now

Our guide to the best McLaren Vale accommodation

The best wineries and cellar doors in the McLaren Vale

8 Red Centre locations to explore after seeing the new movie, Kangaroo

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

3. Ormiston Gorge

4. Standley Chasm

5. Simpsons Gap

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

7. Larapinta Drive

8. Todd River