Where to Eat, Stay and Play
McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu Coast is bursting with flavour and hospitality. Home to over 80 cellar doors, 50+ restaurants and cafés, and a rich variety of accommodation, there are options to suit every style of getaway.
We love this place — not just for the world-class wine and produce, but for the people, the landscapes, and the stories that make it special. There are far too many gems to list them all here, but we’ve chosen a tempting selection, including some of our favourite places to eat, stay, and play — venues we know, visit, and to where we can deliver eBikes
Where to Eat
There are many sensational restaurants in McLaren Vale and along the nearby Fleurieu Coast. Here are just some of our favorites:
Angove’s Restaurant – Chalk Hill Road, McLaren ValeAlways friendly service, always delicious food, and superb wines complimented by dreamy vineyard views.
Down the Rabbit Hole (Fiore) – 233 Binney Road, McLaren Vale
This whimsical cellar door is also the setting for a delightful restaurant featuring a superb degustation menu, as well as “Nonna inspired" comfort dishes in a friendly, joyful environment.
Maxwell Restaurant – Olivers Road, McLaren Vale
An award winning fine‑dining restaurant offering modern‑Australian degustation menus crafted from seasonal local produce.
Muni, Willunga – High Street, Willunga
A high-end restaurant in historic Willunga, celebrated for refined contemporary Asian inspired dining using regional produce.
Pearl – Aldinga Beach, - Adjacent to the ramp leading onto Aldinga Beach, Pearl serves up delicious local seafood, with indoor and outdoor dining providing stunning sea views.
Pizzateca – McLaren Vale - Wood‑fired pizzas in a laid‑back, family‑friendly setting on the expansive lawn flanked by magnificent gum trees.
Star of Greece - A very popular restaurant overlooking the white sands of Port Willunga beach – book well in advance.
The Currant Shed – 104 Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat, An award‑winning restaurant specialising in seasonal degustation menus.
The Little Rickshaw – 24 Old Coach Road, Aldinga
A converted blacksmith’s workshop serving a vibrant South‑East Asian “Feed Me” menu that delivers exquisite, flavour‑packed dishes.
Vale Restaurant & Bar (Beresford) – McLaren Flat, Spectacular views paired with delicious food, pints, and fine wine.
Cellar Doors with Platter & Charcuterie Experiences - Again, there are so many, but here are a couple to get you started…
Hugo Wines – 246 Elliott Road, McLaren Flat
This family‑owned vineyard offers estate-grown wines and superb “ploughman’s” boards, brimming with Fleurieu cheeses, cured meats and local condiments.
Kay Brothers – 57 Kays Road, McLaren Vale
Historic family-run winery with views over the vines, serving “build your own” platters of local cheese and charcuterie paired with estate wines.
Where to Stay
Choose a luxury vineyard retreat, a cosy B&B, or family-friendly accommodation near the trails. The region is bike-friendly, with cellar doors, beaches, and national parks all within easy riding distance. See itineraries for inspiration.
We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance if you are visiting during long weekends or school holidays. Here are a few suggestions (in alphabetical order) to give a sense of the variety.
Beresford Estate Suites & Villas – Luxury vineyard suites adjacent to the Beresford tasting pavilion
Bella Cosa BnB - Charming boutique BnB offering personalised stays in a peaceful garden setting near local wineries.
CABN McLaren Vale – Off-grid eco accommodation surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful reset within reach of wineries and trails
Divine Domes - Luxurious geodesic domes, complete with hot tubs and panoramic views for a magical stay.
Karawatha Cottages - Luxurious self-contained cottages with a vineyard outlokk. Ideal for wine, trail walks and cycling
Oxenberry Farm Cottages – Award-winning winery accommodation with fireplaces, vineyard views, and direct access to Shiraz Trail
McLaren Eye - Architect-designed luxury pods with floor-to-ceiling glass offering 360° views over vines and bushland.
McLaren Vale Studio Apartments - Apartments offering practical, stylish self-contained accommodation in the heart of the region.
Rare Earth Retreat - Eco-luxury pavilions offering total privacy, modern design, and stunning views among vines.
Shadow Creek McLaren Vale – Private one-bedroom villa overlooking vineyards and the coast; peaceful, luxurious and secluded
Serafino Wines Accommodation – Modern suites in a tranquil lakeside setting with access to on-site winery and restaurant
The Farm Willunga - A working Olive Grove and Vineyard, offering cottage or lodge-style stays close to Willunga township, perfect for couples, groups and events.
The Jetty, Port Willunga - Coastal accommodation offering comfort, style and views over Port Willunga beach.
The Old Chaff Mill Retreat - Rustic country retreat at an original wheat mill and grain store, set in serene bushland near wine trails.
The Vineyard Retreat McLaren Vale – 15-acre working vineyard offering six boutique self-contained guest houses
Vale 194 Luxury Holiday Homes – Stylish self-contained homes in central McLaren Vale, ideal for couples, groups or families
Accommodation Notes & e‑Bike Delivery
SA eBikes offers delivery of e‑bikes, with chargers, helmets, locks and plenty of friendly advice on what to see and how to get there.
This means you can enjoy fully charged e‑bikes waiting at your door, ready for rides through wine country, national parks, and coastal trails.
Where to Play
Things to Do in and Around McLaren Vale
Whether you're here for a day or staying for a week, McLaren Vale and the surrounding region offer more than just world-class wine. From forest ziplining and cherry picking to snorkelling reef trails and meeting kangaroos at a wildlife sanctuary, there’s something for every type of adventurer. Below is a handpicked list of experiences—relaxing, exciting, and uniquely local—that showcase the best of our region. We love this place, and we think you will too.
Adelaide Biplanes Scenic Flights
Take to the skies in a vintage open-cockpit biplane from Aldinga Airfield. Enjoy joy flights, aerobatic experiences, or a scenic cruise over vineyards and coastline.
https://www.adelaidebiplanes.com.au
d’Arenberg Cube & Alternate Realities Museum
This iconic five-storey Rubik's Cube-inspired building offers immersive wine tastings, quirky art installations, and panoramic views over McLaren Vale vineyards.
https://www.darenberg.com.au/darenberg-cube
Maxwell Maze & Picnic Grounds
Lose yourself in a conifer maze nestled among the vineyards at Maxwell Wines. Perfect for kids and adults, the maze sits alongside picnic lawns and cellar door tastings.
https://www.maxwellwines.com.au
McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre
Start your visit here with maps, advice, local produce, and rotating art exhibitions. It's also home to a great playground and cafe.
https://www.mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au/plan/visitor-centre
Picking Fruit in Season – Fleurieu Cherries
During summer, pick your own cherries fresh from the orchard at this family-run farm near Forest Range. A juicy, hands-on experience for all ages.
https://www.fleurieucherries.com
Rock Climbing / Abseiling /Bushwalking – Onkaparinga Gorge National Park
For adventurers, the cliffs at Onkaparinga Gorge offer thrilling abseiling and climbing routes. Join a guided session or climb independently if experienced. Great for bushwalking and photography.
https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/onkaparinga-river-national-park
TreeClimb – Kuitpo Forest
An aerial adventure park in the forest! Swing, climb and zipline through the treetops on beginner to advanced rope courses—just 25 minutes from McLaren Vale.
https://www.treeclimb.com.au/locations/kuitpo-forest
Woodstock Wine & Wildlife Sanctuary
Sip estate wines while meeting kangaroos and koalas at this cellar door and sanctuary. Wildlife feeding sessions take place most days at 11:30 AM – book ahead.
https://www.woodstockwine.com.au
... and for the Water Lovers
Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Port Willunga & Onkaparinga River
Glide across clear waters on a SUP board. Rentals and guided tours are available at Port Willunga Beach and along the scenic Onkaparinga River.
https://www.supsouthaustralia.com.au
Swim or Snorkel – Port Noarlunga Reef
Explore SA’s only underwater marine trail at Port Noarlunga Reef. With calm waters, it’s ideal for beginner snorkellers or casual swimmers.
https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/encounter-marine-park
Easy Kayaks Port Noarlunga
SUP and Kayaks available for hire