Top Things To Do In McLaren Vale | Australian Traveller

Come for the food and wine, and stay for the rugged coastline, long walks and adventuring.

Boasting arguably the most family-friendly wine region in South Australia, McLaren Vale also offers the opportunity to get outside to enjoy the stunning scenery, explore the history of the area and admire local art. Our guide shows there are plenty of things to do in the McLaren Vale to fill a weekend – or two.

In short

If there’s one thing all visitors should do when visiting the McLaren Vale, it’s a walk through Onkaparinga River National Park to work up an appetite for that winery lunch.

Sip world-class wine

Paxton Wines, McLaren Vale — Paxton Wines is a leader in sustainable farming and biodynamic winemaking. (Image: Paxton Wines)

With more than 80 cellar doors to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start but the good thing is it’s easy to tailor by area or wine variety. Family-friendly options include Down the Rabbit Hole, where kids can run wild in the gardens, or Lloyd Brothers, which has plenty of lawn space.

For serious wine lovers, the region offers everything from boutique vineyards (Mollydooker, Hither & Yon and Gemtree are great options), large estates (Chalk Hill Wines, Angove Family Winemakers and Maxwell Wines) and everything in between.

Many of the wineries in the region now offer more than just tastings, including workshops, art exhibitions, tours, food and wine masterclasses and live music. A favourite is spending sunny afternoons at Paxton Wines against a backdrop of local tunes, while Summer Vines brings together crisp drops, dreamy outdoor settings and epicurean offerings. Later in the year, Grenache & Gourmet heroes the region’s famed variety.

Indulge in a long lunch

a waiter organising a table at Maxwell Restaurant, McLaren Vale — Settle in for a long lunch at Maxwell Restaurant. (Image: Maxwell Wines)

The McLaren Vale wine region is made for long, leisurely moments savoured over great food and wine. Book a degustation at The Currant Shed in McLaren Flat and savour Asian and European-inspired dishes like Port Lincoln cold-smoked tuna, chargrilled miso-glazed eggplant and braised lamb shoulder with pan-fried goats curd gnocchi.

Or sample the tasting menu at award-winning Maxwell Restaurant – known for its fine food, wine, mead, stunning limestone cave (where it grows mushrooms for its restaurant) and even an outdoor maze constructed with tightly-packed conifers. It’s a delight to work your way through nine courses starring ingredients such as squid, mussels, venison and wagyu.

Large groups can gather over a long lunch at Silver Sands Beach Club, Pizzateca, d’Arry’s Verandah, Star of Greece or at Angove Family Winemakers at one of their many festive feasts . More casual catchups can be had at Willa in Willunga or The Slow Food Kitchen in Aldinga.

Raise your spirits

holding craft beer and wine at Goodieson Brewery, McLaren Vale — Savour award-winning classics and craft brews. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

McLaren Vale isn’t just about wine. Craft beer destinations are popping up across the region, from Vale Brewing, with its taphouse, restaurant, and luxury accommodation, to smaller breweries pouring fresh, hop-forward beers. Swell Brewing Co. Taphouse and Kick Back Brewing are go-to family favourites for their mix of outdoor space, classic lunch fare and of course, the perfect afternoon beverage.

Distilleries are also gaining attention, giving visitors a chance to taste gins, whiskies, and liqueurs made on-site. Never Never Distillery within the Chalk Hill Collective establishment brings in the crowds with its inventive gin concoctions (oyster shell gin anyone?), tours and masterclasses.

Head for the coast

Sellicks Hill, Fleurieu Peninsula from above — Hear the roaring surf at Sellicks Beach. (Image: Thomas Quan)

Not content with rolling hills and acres of vineyards, the McLaren Vale region also includes 31 kilometres of pristine coastline from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach.

Stop at Port Willunga for a walk along the beach which reveals limestone cliffs, caves and a shipwreck at low tide. With the beach forming a natural cove, it’s a perfect spot for swimming with calmer waters for younger swimmers. Drive onto Aldinga Beach for some convenient family fun or stay on dry land and marvel at the view with coffee and lunch from Pearl kiosk.

For something more active, take to the surf at Sellicks Beach or paddleboard with SUP Down South or Gone AWOL who combine watersports with e-bike rides and winery stops. Pack a snorkel when heading to Southport Beach, where the Port Noarlunga Reef sits just offshore, revealing a hidden underwater world with more than 50 species of fish.

The Victory Hotel on Sellicks Hill is a prime beach viewing vantage point. A restored restaurant and pub built in 1858, dine in the undercover outdoor area to get the best views. Choose from the extensive wine cellar and pair with their top-notch fare including prawn and ginger dumplings, SA King George whiting and Southeast Angus Purse grain-fed porterhouse.

Spend time in the great outdoors

a person crossing a suspension bridge under a forest canopy at Earth Adventure, McLaren Vale — Release your inner Tarzan at Earth Adventure. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

Explore rugged cliff tops with magnificent views, rock pools teeming with life and the dramatic ridgelines and river valley of Onkaparinga Gorge in the Onkaparinga River National Park. Native bushland and abundant wildlife – from birds and koalas to kangaroos and even the occasional echidna – thrive alongside heritage-listed huts and 1880s ruins. Choose a challenging hike or opt for the Punchbowl Lookout Trail which is just an hour return. Next door the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park offers wetlands, boardwalks and opportunities for kayaking.

Nature lovers can join Earth Adventure for a climb in the national park followed by a gin tasting, or take the family to TreeClimb at Kuitpo Forest , a 20-minute drive from McLaren Vale. For wildlife encounters closer to town, Woodstock Winery hosts daily kangaroo feedings at its onsite sanctuary.

For more hiking options, tackle the 4.8-kilometre Wattle Loop hike in the Wangkuntila – Aldinga Conservation Park. Made up of a rare ephemeral freshwater wetland, the park is a protected home to a diverse range of rare flora and fauna and holds spiritual and cultural significance to the Kaurna people.

Get pedalling

bikers during the Gone AWOL - Coast to Vines Tour — Explore the 38-kilometre Coast to Vines Rail Trail with Gone AWOL. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Cycling and walking enthusiasts will love the Shiraz Trail , an eight-kilometre route from McLaren Vale to Willunga, built along a disused rail corridor. Part of the longer 38-kilometre Coast to Vines Rail Trail, the route offers mostly flat terrain, vineyard views and plenty of points to stop, recuperate and enjoy a refreshment.

A popular starting point is Oxenberry Farm Wines on Kangarilla Road, where there’s roadside parking and e-bike hire available. Before setting off, fuel up with breakfast, or start tastings with a view of the Pedler Creek wetlands. From here, head north to McLaren Vale, south to Willunga, or connect to the Flat to Vale Trail , a safe and mostly sealed scenic trail between McLaren Flat and McLaren Vale.

Die-hard cycling fans won’t want to miss the Tour Down Under which rolls through Willunga in January. Head to Hillside Social to watch them tackle Willunga Hill with a drink in hand.

Stock up on local produce

fresh produce at 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)

On Saturday mornings, the Willunga Farmers’ Market brings together over 80 stalls selling fresh produce including meat, seafood, fruit and veg, dairy and bakery items and artisan foods. Peruse what’s on offer while tucking into a bacon and egg roll with homemade tomato chutney.

While travelling through the region, keep an eye out for local gourmet produce and artisan fare – from cheeses and olives to preserves and small-batch bakery goods at providores and specialty shops. Good options include Ellis Butchers, The Organic Store McLaren Vale, Home Grain Bakery and Willunga General Store.

The area’s foody credentials are showcased every August as part of the Fleurieu Food Festival . The whole region gets involved in this month-long celebration with vineyard feasts, farm experiences and chef-hosted events that put its incredible produce front and centre.

Go back in time

Hardys Wines, McLaren Vale — Unearth the rich history of the Hardy wine empire. (Image: Safari Global)

The McLaren Vale’s rich wine heritage began when John Reynell and Thomas Hardy planted grape vines way back in 1838. Be transported back to this time by following the heritage trail taking in the charming 1880s heritage buildings of Clarendon and Kangarilla, the iconic horse-changing station at Old Reynella and the old courthouse and slate museum at Willunga.

For further insight, join a tour of Hardys Hidden Secrets to discover the rich history of the Hardy wine empire at the historic Hardys Tintara property followed by a tasting of five of their best wines.

Get artsy

d'Arenberg Cube, McLaren Vale — The eye-catching d’Arenberg Cube looks out over the lush Lofty Ranges. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

McLaren Vale’s creative side is flourishing. Fleurieu Arthouse , on McLaren Vale’s main street, is a vibrant hub with a gallery, studio and cafe. Red Poles winery regularly displays artwork and hosts art exhibitions and workshops. It’s also a great place for breakfast or lunch, and to indulge in local craft beer, wine and gin paddles. Further up towards Adelaide, it’s worth checking out Port Noarlunga’s Arts Centre and Saurbier House .

The d’Arenberg Cube is a must-visit for art lovers and architecture enthusiasts, even if a wine tasting isn’t on the agenda. Begin with a hosted tour of the Alternate Realities Museum, a space filled with immersive, wall-to-wall art installations designed to excite and awaken the senses. Afterwards, enjoy two tastings in the Cube, including a hand-picked selection of d’Arenberg wines and a flight of three gins.

Join a cultural festival

South Australia is known for its festivals and this extends to the McLaren Vale wine region. Every year Willunga hosts the Almond Blossom Festival – celebrating the generations of almonds that have been farmed in the region. Two days of fun for families, with rides, entertainers, food trucks, live music and market stalls. Enter the almond cookery competition, have a go in the almond cracking competition and stay for the Saturday night fireworks.

For those more musically inclined, Willunga’s Fleurieu Folk Festival brings foot-stomping traditional and contemporary folk, Americana bluegrass and Celtic melodies to town. There are workshops, dancers, jam sessions and children’s entertainment to get the feet moving.

If that isn’t enough, there’s also the opportunity to watch a spectacular convoy of classic cars roll through McLaren Vale’s Main Street at the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic . The spectacle departs from Serafino Wines and passes by selected wineries, each hosting its own mix of food, entertainment and festivities.

Shop for crafts, homewares and plants

It’s hard to resist the smorgasbord of boutiques, specialty food stores and gift shops dotted along the high streets in the region. Peruse for one-of-a-kind gifts and homewares, gourmet smallgoods, local wines, chocolates, olives and more.

Need to stock up on plants? Jungle in Willunga is an experience in itself – planted 30 years ago by the Simon family, it specialises in bamboo, palms, tropical plants, ferns, bromeliads, ornamental trees, shrubs, succulents, unusual edibles and a huge indoor plant range. Wander the meandering boardwalk through the private palm forest while the kids hunt for hidden animals.

For homemade crafts and artwork, take a look at the Willunga Artisans & Handmade Market and Willunga Quarry Market every second Saturday. With more than 70 stalls filled with handmade crafts, local foods, plants, artworks, it’s a real showcase of the area’s many talented residents.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, spectacular walking and hiking trails encompass ancient landscapes, forested ridgelines and volcanic peaks.

Just a short drive from the city, the urban sprawl gives way to rolling hills, mineral springs, and lush forests that will have you feeling like you’re in the bucolic countryside of France. Encompassing Daylesford , the Macedon Ranges, Castlemaine and the Central Goldfields, this pocket of Victoria is a region where nature, art, and wellness intertwine. Heritage towns hum with creativity, good food and wine, and welcoming locals. While Daylesford hikes, and those nearby, offer the chance to take a pause and reconnect with nature.

1. Hanging Rock Summit Walk

Etched into folklore, few places in Australia carry as much mystique as Hanging Rock. Rising dramatically from the plains near Woodend, this volcanic mamelon offers a beautiful nature walk. The walk begins at a gentle pace, weaving through shaded woodland before it gets a little steeper as the path starts to climb and twist to the summit. From here, you’ll have views that stretch across the Macedon Ranges. The walk is roughly 1.8 kilometres return, but the real reward lies in standing among the weathered boulders, feeling the age and energy of the earth beneath your feet.

2. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail

Macedon Ranges Walking Trail camel's hump lookout — Walk to Camel’s Hump. (Image: Clair Derwort)

The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail traverses around 19 kilometres of forest and mountain landscapes. The full trail is a six-hour circuit, with most of the walk being a grade three; however, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. There are shorter walks that will take you through the tall mountain ash forests, to tranquil picnic areas, and sweeping views from Camels Hump and the Memorial Cross. The best times of year to head out are autumn, when the mountain turns into a tapestry of crimson and gold, and spring, when wildflowers brighten the trail.

3. Mount Alexander Traverse

Towering above the goldfields near Castlemaine, Mount Alexander is a granite giant that offers some great bushwalking trails. The Mount Alexander Traverse winds along the mountain’s rocky spine through dry eucalypt forest that opens up in sections to reveal beautiful panoramas across Loddon Valley and all the way to the distant Grampians. Once a site of ancient volcanic activity (and later a gathering place for the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the mountain’s granite tors are now quiet and create a beautiful, serene atmosphere for a moment of reflection while walking.

4. Murmuring Walk

Murmuring Walk daylesford hikes — Circle the picturesque Sanatorium Lake.

Located an easy drive from Daylesford, Murmuring Walk offers something a little different. Circling Sanatorium Lake, this free audio-guided walk aims to immerse you in the rhythms of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country by blending the sounds of nature with a multi-layered soundtrack. There are two routes to explore while you listen: a shorter loop around the lake itself and a longer circuit that extends deeper into the woodland.

5. La Gerche Forest Walk

Located in Creswick, the La Gerche Forest Walk honours the legacy of John La Gerche, a 19th-century forester who championed the regeneration of the then gold-rush-ravaged land. Today, over 100 years later, his replanting efforts have grown into a living cathedral of towering pines, oaks, and native gums. As you meander along the 2.2-kilometre circuit, you’ll find interpretive panels along the way that help tell the story of La Gerche’s vision, so you can learn as you wander.

6. Sailors Falls Loop

Just outside Daylesford, Sailors Falls tumbles through a fern-lined gorge, fed by mineral springs. Thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush, the loop walk begins at the car park and descends through a cool, shaded gully to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll make the climb back via the mineral springs. It’s a short but enchanting walk – about 1.5 kilometres in total, so make a day of it by packing a picnic to sit by the springs; you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

7. Paddys Ranges Loop Walk

Further north, the Paddys Ranges State Park loop reveals a different side of Victoria’s Heartland – dry forest, golden light and hints of a gold-rush past. This protected reserve is a stronghold of box-ironbark woodland, providing vital refuge for endangered species. In spring, the forest floor is awash with the colour of over 230 species of wildflowers, so a springtime walk is a must-do. As you walk the 4.5-kilometre loop trail, keep an eye out for remnants of old mine shafts and rusted relics from the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.

8. Mount Franklin Summit Walk

An extinct volcano turned picnic ground, Mount Franklin (known as Lalgambook to the Dja Dja Wurrung people) is one of the region’s quiet marvels. The summit walk follows a narrow, winding path through native forest to the crater’s rim, where you’ll get glimpses of farmland and forest below. It’s a moderate climb – just over an hour return, so it can easily be done if you’re camping in the surrounding reserve for a weekend nature retreat.

The trails of Victoria’s Heartland offer a chance to reconnect with the landscape, local history and yourself. Start planning your next adventure at daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.

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