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Our guide to the best cafes in McLaren Vale

Tegan ForderBy Tegan Forder
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

a look inside Dawn Patrol cafe, McLaren Vale
Kickstart your day with a warm brew. (Image: Tony Zolek)

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

Hey Juj cafe exterior, McLaren Vale
Hey Juj is a cafe by day and bar by night.

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

preparing coffee at Manna McLaren Vale
Order specialty coffee from 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

pouring milk over coffee at Willa, McLaren Vale
Get your caffeine fix at 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

outdoor dining at Pearl Kiosk, Aldinga Beach
Dine by the beautiful Aldinga Beach. (Image: Kate Potter)

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

Tegan Forder
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.