Luxury Escapes Guide to the Fleurieu Peninsula

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Fleurieu Peninsula - Introduction

Encompassing a range of towns from Noarlunga in the north of the region, and Sellicks Beach in the south, the Fleurieu Peninsula is also home to popular towns the likes of Willunga, Port Noarlunga, Aldinga, Christies Beach, Clarendon, McLaren Flat and McLaren Vale, its namesake.

Just 40 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre, the Fleurieu Peninsula feels a world away, just a short trip down the newly upgraded Southern Expressway. Gliding off the expressway, you begin to see the rolling hills ahead. As you descend into the valley and town of McLaren Vale, you’ll see the cliffs in the distance bordering the sparkling coastline of the region, and the rolling vineyards scattered between towns.

Vistas aside, the Fleurieu Peninsula is also one of South Australia’s most celebrated food and wine destinations. Not only is the region home to famous hotspots the likes of d’Arenberg’s Cube gallery and tasting space, but it’s also filled with a collection of hidden restaurants down meandering dirt roads and on clifftops, as well as more than 80 tasting rooms to sip and explore your way through. There’s also a host of outdoor activities, Sunday drives and historic villages to keep you busy (or not so busy).

Local’s tip — you’ll need a car to see the best of the region, so rent one when you arrive, or use a local driver or tour company. There are a number in the region, including Integrity Tours and Top Food and Wine Tours. You can hop on a bike too — Coast & Co offer unique and exclusive tours with private vehicles or e-bikes.

Please note that due to current restrictions some operators may be temporarily closed. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information. SA Landing page logo

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Things to see and do

Historic Port Willunga jetty and shipwreck

No matter what time of year you visit, the golden cliff-faces, soft white sands and crystal blue waters of this picturesque cove are a sight for sore eyes. Head for a hike along the cliffs on the Heyson trail or spread your toes in the silky sands and check out the remaining jetty pylons that have since become a photographer's delight. There are also caves dug into the cliffs here, once used by fishermen, and now used for picnics. If you’d rather explore the area from the water, you can snorkel or dive over the famous Star of Greece shipwreck.

Explore historic Clarendon and Kangarilla

Head for the hills past Mount Compass, just east of McLaren Vale and you’ll find yourself in farming country, amid some of the most picturesque, quintessential Australian countryside. Towering eucalyptus trees line the meandering roads — the perfect route for a lazy Sunday drive to Kangarilla. Head further up the hills and you’ll see the whole region laid out before you, right out to the sea. If you need a pitstop, Clarendon is home to a fabulous bakery, and a historic pub, so pick up a pastry, have a pint and soak up the historic architecture that remains here.

Indulge your creative side and soak up the local arts scene

With everything from galleries and working studios to food, wine and art trails, there’s something for everyone’s creative side here. In Port Noarlunga, the Arts Centre is a great place to start, with a variety of exhibitions and artworks on display throughout the year. Nearby is the recently refurbished Sauerbier House, which acts as a working studio that’s often open to the public. Further South, Willunga Glass is the working studio, gallery and shop space. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, there’s a Food, Wine and Art trail you can follow, as well as a Public Art trail.

Try local produce and meet the growers at Willunga Farmers Market

One of Australia’s first and most awarded Farmers Markets, Willunga Farmers Market is at the heart of the food community in this region. The market is frequented by hundreds of locals and visitors each and every Saturday. Whether you’re here to stock up on goods or to sample a few products and chat to the growers for the morning, the market is a great way to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region. There’s everything from fruit and veggies to cheese, wine, bread, homemade pies, olive oil, rare honeys and more.

Get tap-happy with some retail therapy at The Temperance Precinct

The newly renovated Temperance Precinct in historic Aldinga town is home to five local businesses, in one beautiful shared space. Miss Gladys on Sea is a fashion retailer that’s easy to get lost in for a couple of hours while Little Road Studio is a working interior design and styling studio, as well as being a stunning home goods and gift store. Maxwell’s Grocery (an organic grocer and cafe) sits opposite, Sage House provides more retail joy, and Fall From Grace offers a wine bar and liquor store.

Kayak or paddleboard down Port Noarlunga River Mouth

The Port Noarlunga River Mouth, toward the northern end of the region, is a hotspot for local fishermen and fans of watersports. If you’d like to see the region from the water, a leisurely kayak is a beautiful way to do it. There are a couple of spots to rent kayaks in the region, or you could try your hand at a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) — if you’re feeling confident about your balance. It’s also an idyllic destination for a sunset stroll if you’re not up for getting your toes wet.

Historic Port Willunga jetty and shipwreck

Explore historic Clarendon and Kangarilla

Indulge your creative side and soak up the local arts scene

Try local produce and meet the growers at Willunga Farmers Market

Get tap-happy with some retail therapy at The Temperance Precinct

Kayak or paddleboard down Port Noarlunga River Mouth

Top places to eat and drink

Star of Greece

The location of this restaurant and kiosk is enough to make you add this to your ‘when-we-come-back’ hitlist. It’s a cult favorite, whether you sit outside on the kiosk deck, or dine inside the restaurant or on the beach-facing deck, which has views that span the coastline. The restaurant focuses on modern Aussie cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local produce. The king George whiting and Kangaroo Island squid, both caught locally, never come off the menu, but there’s also steak, daily specials, delicate appetizers and more (kids’ menu on offer, too). The wine list is renowned here, too.

Four Winds Chocolate

Open only on Saturdays, this family-run chocolate and patisserie now has over 22 varieties of traditional French pastry on offer, with their raspberry and almond croissant a particular favorite with locals. There are classics likes of pain au chocolat and pain aux raisins, and a range of other sweet and savory delights that change each week but be sure to get down early if you want to snap ‘em up. There’s also a selection of hand-painted chocolates and chocolate bars with locally sourced toppings like house-made honeycomb from local hive honey, and classic fruit and nuts from local orchards.

Never Never Distillery and Chalk Hill Cellar Door

Opening in 2020, the much-anticipated Never Never distillery is perched atop the McLaren Vale hills, overlooking the valleys and vineyards below. The versatile space is open for tastings, cocktails and retail sales, with a stunning outdoor deck, plenty of lawn space for a rug and a picnic, and a delightfully styled distillery door. While you’re there, pop next door to Chalk Hill cellar door. The shared space is ideal for traveling groups — whether you fancy a grenache or a gin and tonic, this is the spot to sip it.

The Salopian Inn

The quaint little cottage nestled among the vines on the picturesque road from Willunga to McLaren Vale is a regional icon. Current head chef and co-owner Karena Armstrong is well known for her modern, fresh, and moorish cuisine. Her house-made dumplings have become synonymous with the food culture of the region; don’t forget to smear on some of their house-made chili sauce — it’s addictive. The menu focuses on local produce, sourcing mostly from their own garden or local farms. Sample a house-gin (this also happens to be a specialty gin bar) and watch the sun set over the vines.

The Victory Hotel

A South Australian pub stalwart, The Victory Hotel boasts views of the dramatic coastline toward the southern end of the region, at Sellicks. The lawn beer garden is the ultimate spot for a sundowner or a stop-off on a drive down the coast. Stay a while and dine inside their restaurant area, which offers modern Australian food as well as pub favorites the likes of schnitzels and locally caught fish and chips. Don’t forget to head downstairs to the cellar, where owner Doug Govan stores an incredible collection of local and international wines — this is a regional gem for wine-lovers.

Russell’s Pizza

If you’re a pizza-lover, a visit to the region simply isn’t complete without a stop-over at Russell’s. In operation for almost 30 years, Russell’s specializes in simple, delicious wood-oven pizzas. Their recipes have barely changed in the time they’ve opened — they’re just that good. Wood-oven bread with house-made dukkah is a delight to start, followed with a couple of pizzas and a fresh local salad. Bring a bottle of local red (it’s BYO here) and finish it off with a slice of their house-made deserts. This character-filled place will have you feeling like a local in no time.

S.C. Pannell

While the region is dotted with over 80 cellar doors, S.C. Pannell is definitely one for the not-to-skip list. Winemaker Steve Pannell has won a number of awards for his drops in recent years, focusing on crafting wines that drink well with food, as well as being sustainable and suited to the climate. Try a tasty fiano if you’d like a crisp white, or sip one of Steve’s delightful nero d’avola drops or even a grenache shiraz. Stay a while longer for some food and soak up the view with a glass on the deck.

Dawn Patrol Coffee

Coffee fans, rejoice! This little hideaway nestled between the vines is open Sundays for tastings, coffee, pastries and caffeinated banter. Dawn Patrol roasts all their beans from here, so you might even spot some coffee-making in action. Either way, owners Dom and Nick can whip you up a spiffy filter coffee, or take you through their range — an educational, delicious process, that’ll have you ready to take on a Sunday afternoon of exploring the region. Keep an eye out for the in-house pooch, alpaca and sheep that roam the property.

Three Monkeys Fine Foods

Let’s face it, a vacation just wouldn’t be quite right without a smashing smashed avocado (excuse the pun). Three Monkeys is a cute little cafe in Willunga, housed in an old cottage complete with porch dining and a courtyard out the back. Their menu is delicious and ever-changing, with hits like an eggs benedict bagel or purple porridge with blueberries and warm banana. Of course, you can build your own simple breakfast, with locally smoked bacon and fresh local bread, and sip on your flat white as you take in the happenings of the bustling little Willunga township.