McLaren Vale Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
McLaren Vale
Enjoy watersports, visit historical buildings, explore a shipwreck and go on wine-tasting tours in one of South Australia's oldest wine regions.

For nearly 200 years, the landscape and soils of McLaren Vale have been producing wines, among them shiraz, tempranillo and cabernet. With more than 100 vineyards, there is no shortage of places to stop and sample local varieties. But the region also has a lot more going on beyond its wine production. Hike through the picturesque countryside, visit historic towns and relax on a beach.

Find superb wines across the region by going on organized or self-guided wine tours. One way to reach some of the wineries is to walk or cycle the 5-mile (8-kilometer) Shiraz Trail. The route follows an old railway line through the scenic surroundings, passing wineries and olive groves.

Combine your wine tastings with exploration of other McLaren Vale attractions. Experience even more of the beautiful scenery by walking or cycling along the many dedicated paths. Go bushwalking in the Onkaparinga River National Park and kayak on the Onkaparinga River, the second longest in the state.

Sample cheeses, chutneys and other local produce at the Willunga Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning in Willunga's town square. Among the town’s other sites of interest are the 19th-century old courthouse and police station and the old post office and telegraph station. Visit additional old buildings in the historic towns of Clarendon and Old Reynella.

Spend some time in the town of McLaren Vale, browsing boutiques and art galleries and dining in its restaurants.

Relax on one of the beaches along the region's extensive coastline. Dive the wreck of the Star of Greece at Aldinga Beach, surf and swim at Moana Beach and snorkel and scuba dive the reef at Port Noarlunga.

The easiest way to get around to McLaren Vale's wineries, beaches and historic towns is in a rental car. Get to the region in about 45 minutes by car from Adelaide, a journey of about 25 miles (40 kilometers). There are also bus services between the city and some of the region’s towns.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best McLaren Vale Hotel Deals

Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
4.5 out of 5
65 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$188 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$188
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Everything about the hotel is great except the pool was way too cold."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
Mayfair Hotel
Mayfair Hotel
5 out of 5
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$249 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$249
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"We booked into the Mayfair as a last minute booking and the staff were super helpful and accomodating. The room was beautiful, the location is fantastic and the rooftop bar was awesome! Absolute 10/10. We can't wait to go back."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Mayfair Hotel
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$189 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$189
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great location for the footy!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Hilton Adelaide
Hilton Adelaide
5 out of 5
233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$212 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$212
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Could smell smoke all through the lobby as people can smoke directly outside the front entrance - it was unpleasant"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Hilton Adelaide
The Playford Adelaide MGallery
The Playford Adelaide MGallery
5 out of 5
120 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$293 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
AU$293
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Only stayed 1 night but everything was excellent."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

The Playford Adelaide MGallery
Stamford Grand Adelaide
Stamford Grand Adelaide
5 out of 5
2 Jetty Road Moseley Square, Glenelg, SA
The price is AU$189 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$189
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,035 reviews)
"Immaculate hotel with great facilities. We made good use of the beautiful rooftop pool. Very comfy beds, staff were all fantastic. We can’t wait to return."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Stamford Grand Adelaide
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around McLaren Vale

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Aldinga

While Aldinga may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Port Willunga Beach and Aldinga Airfield.

Aldinga
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Port Willunga

Port Willunga might not have many top sights, but Port Willunga Beach and Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Port Willunga
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Port Noarlunga

While visiting Port Noarlunga, you might make a stop by sights like Port Noarlunga Jetty and Port Noarlunga Beach.

Port Noarlunga
Aldinga Beach

Aldinga Beach

Travellers like the beaches in Aldinga Beach, and Aldinga Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Aldinga Beach
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Christies Beach

The beaches and restaurants are just a few features travellers like about Christies Beach. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Port Noarlunga Jetty and Port Noarlunga Beach are a few top places to visit.

Christies Beach
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Sellicks Beach

While visiting Sellicks Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Sellicks Beach and Silver Sands Beach.

Sellicks Beach


McLaren Vale Travel Guide

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