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How to spend two memorable days in South Australia beyond Adelaide
As the vibrant capital of South Australia, Adelaide is renowned as the festival capital of Australia, hosting a dynamic calendar of world-class events, from the Adelaide Fringe and Tasting Australia to sporting flagships including the AFL Gather Round and Liv Golf.
But beyond the city’s buzzing arts, culture, and sports scene lies an escape worth discovering.
Just a 40-minute drive south of Adelaide, the McLaren Vale wine region offers a refreshing change of pace, where rolling vineyards meet pristine coastline, and indulgence meets adventure. Here, visitors can step off the beaten track and immerse themselves in boutique wineries, artisanal dining, and breathtaking landscapes, all while experiencing the region’s warm hospitality and relaxed coastal charm.
HOW TO GET HERE
Join the Southern Expressway at Darlington, following it to the end. From there follow the signs to McLaren Vale—you’ll know you’re close when the landscape opens up to breathtaking vistas of the rolling hills of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges to the east and the shimmering crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of St Vincent to the west.
Just 40 minutes south of Adelaide these stunning natural surroundings play a vital role in shaping the region’s world-class wines and exceptional local produce. As the gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula, McLaren Vale wine region offers the perfect blend of coastal beauty, rich terroir, and unforgettable epicurean adventures.
Alternatively, a range of tour and transport options from Adelaide to McLaren Vale are available.
WHERE TO STAY
The McLaren Vale wine region is not just about world-class wines—it’s also home to an array of beautifully curated boutique accommodations, offering everything from secluded vineyard retreats to stylish whole-house stays. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family escape, or a friends retreat, there’s an option to suit every traveller.
For families and groups, whole-house stays such as Ivybrook Vineyard Cottage, Karawatha Cottages, and Vale 194 provide a spacious, self-catered home base, allowing guests to unwind and explore the region at their own pace. These charming properties offer the perfect blend of heritage character with modern comforts, ensuring a warm and welcoming stay.
For those seeking a luxurious, one-of-a-kind escape, McLaren Vale’s exclusive accommodations deliver an unparalleled experience. Divine Domes (pictured) offers a unique eco-luxe retreat, where guests can sleep under the stars in comfort. The Beresford Luxury Suites epitomises sophistication, with sleek contemporary design, plush interiors, and sweeping vineyard views. Meanwhile, The Vineyard Retreat invites visitors to immerse themselves in tranquil surroundings, with private villas, panoramic landscapes, and a deep connection to the region’s wine culture.
No matter where you stay, McLaren Vale’s boutique accommodation options promise a flawless experience, blending luxury, comfort, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Australia’s premier coastal wine region.
WHAT TO DO
Seamlessly blending stunning natural landscapes, world-class winemaking and gourmet food, McLaren Vale offers some of Australia's most unique and memorable experiences.
A paradise for food and wine lovers, every dining experience is a celebration of local produce, world-class wines, and culinary creativity. The region’s strong farm-to-table ethos is showcased in award-winning restaurants, boutique wineries, and vibrant farmers' markets, offering everything from paddock-to-plate dining to bespoke wine and food pairing experiences. Fresh, seasonal ingredients pair beautifully with McLaren Vale’s world-renowned wines.
Beyond these epicurean experiences, McLaren Vale’s stunning natural landscapes offer endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. The region’s 30 kilometres of pristine coastline is home to breathtaking beaches, from the golden sands of Port Willunga (pictured) to the rugged beauty of Maslin Beach, perfect for swimming, beach days or coastal walks. Head to the Victory Hotel, the Star of Greece or the Silver Sands Beach Club to simply unwind with a glass of local wine as the sun sets over the water.
For those seeking adventure and connection to nature, McLaren Vale boasts a network of scenic walking and cycling trails, weaving through rolling vineyards, native bushland, and rugged coastline. The Shiraz Trail, a popular cycling and walking path, takes visitors on a journey through the heart of wine country, while the Onkaparinga River National Park offers dramatic gorges, wildlife-rich wetlands, and panoramic lookouts for those craving a more immersive outdoor experience.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
Here's some ideas to get you started on your South Australia itinerary.
Wine Tastings, Craft Beer and Spirit Tastings
One of Australia’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions, McLaren Vale is home to over 150 producers and more than 90 cellar doors, offering a diverse range of tasting experiences—from classic winery cellar doors to boutique tasting rooms, distillery doors, and craft beer tap houses.
For those looking to step off the beaten track, McLaren Vale has plenty of hidden gems to discover. Check ahead at Samson Tall for a unique opportunity to taste wines directly with the winemaker, let the kids explore the expansive lawns and games at Richard Hamilton Wines, sample rare fortified wines and spirits at the McLaren Vale Distillery, or experience the signature warm welcome at Oliver's Taranga.
Battle of Bosworth champions organic, sustainably crafted wines that reflect the region’s terroir, while Kay Brothers, McLaren Vale’s oldest family-run winery, offers a taste of history with its bold, full-bodied reds. At Primo Estate, Italian heritage meets modern winemaking delivery an elegant, European-inspired tasting experience. For a boutique discovery, Thicker Than Water Wines delivers handcrafted wines in an intimate setting.
Venture to McLaren Vale and discover these unique, character-filled wineries and more.
Culinary Journeys: Food and Wine Experiences
With a strong farm-to-table ethos and a focus on native and seasonal produce, McLaren Vale has earned its place as one of Australia’s premier food regions. The region’s talented chefs and producers bring epicurean flair to every dish, celebrating fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Indulge in a traditional Nonna’s Table lunch at Vigna Bottin, savour a generous grazing-style menu at Coriole Vineyards, indulge in a degustation at Maxwell Restaurant, or enjoy a relaxed family meal surrounded by native bushland at Red Poles Café and Restaurant—each offering a uniquely delicious taste of McLaren Vale.
Unique & Memorable Experiences
With pristine beaches and lush hillsides as its backdrop, McLaren Vale wine region offers unforgettable adventures, making it a truly unmissable destination. Step beyond traditional wine tastings and explore unique, immersive experiences—discover the art of blind tasting at Hardy's Tasting in The Dark: A Sensory Experience, embark on a golf buggy-led Taranga Terroir Tour at Oliver’s Taranga, or let your ears guide your palate at Chalk Hill’s Sensory Odyssey: an extraordinary music and wine pairing experience.
For those eager to explore the great outdoors, Deluxe Ebike's custom Vallkree Ebikes offer the freedom to tackle diverse terrains—perfect for a beach and winery tour or a self-guided adventure—while SA eBikes makes sightseeing effortless with a charming eTuk Tuk tour for two.
In just two days, you can immerse yourself in McLaren Vale’s world-class wine, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences—but with so much more to discover, you’ll soon find yourself planning your next visit to stay even longer.
