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Mclaren Vale

Population 2907

McLaren Vale is recognised as a region of vineyards, orchards and gourmet-produce farms. The first grape vines were planted here in 1838, just two years after Adelaide was settled, and McLaren Vale has remained a prominent wine region ever since. Shiraz is the most transcendent drop and is known for its overtones of dark chocolate. Cabernet sauvignon, grenache, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are also very respectable. Coriole makes wonderful shiraz as well as olive oil, while d'Arenberg has many interesting varieties and a good restaurant, d'Arry's Verandah. Other wineries to visit include Geoff Merrill Wines and two of the oldest and biggest names in the district: Hardys Tintara and Rosemont Estate. The best time to visit the region is late winter, when almond blossoms provide a gentle pink blush. The town is also known for its coastal vistas to the west, which provide subject matter for the artists who exhibit in the galleries.

Visitor Information

McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Centre, Main Rd; (08) 8323 9944 or 1800 628 410

www.mclarenvale.info

Nearby national parks

  • Onkaparinga River National Park

    The rugged Onkaparinga River National Park features South Australia’s second longest river as it slices through a steep valley and...more

  • Belair National Park

    Set aside in 1891, Belair National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the world and the first in South Australia. Treasured for its...more

  • Coorong National Park

    Coorong National Park is a long, narrow ribbon of saline wetlands, saltpans, coastal dunes and wild ocean beaches stretching for 150...more

Nearby towns

  • Willunga

    The historic town of Willunga grew rapidly around the slate quarries, which drove the town's economy until the late 1800s. Fortunately, by...more

  • Aldinga Beach

    The rolling hills of the southern Mount Lofty Ranges form the backdrop to Aldinga Beach, a long curve of white sand facing Gulf St Vincent....more

  • Yankalilla

    Since the first land grant in 1842, Yankalilla has been the centre of a thriving farming industry. It is a growing settlement just inland...more

In Town

McLaren Vale Visitors Centre: picturesque landscaped grounds with a vineyard and a centre that features changing art exhibitions, sales of local craft and produce, and a cafe; Main Rd; (08) 8323 9944. The Old Bank Artel: community cooperative of local crafts including pottery, jewellery and metalwork; Main Rd. Almond and Olive Train: sales of local produce, including almonds, in a restored railway carriage; Main Rd. McLaren Valley Bakery: produces unique 'wine pies'; Central Shopping Centre, Main Rd. McLaren Vale Olive Grove: grows over 26 varieties of olives and sells olive products, arts and crafts, and local gourmet produce; Warners Rd. Medlow Confectionery and FruChocs Showcase: tastings and sales of gourmet chocolate and other confectionery. Interactive confectionery machine for kids; Main Rd. McLaren Vale Heritage Trail: self-guide trail of historic sites, including wineries, with audio CD available; starts at visitor centre.

Nearby

McLaren Vale Wine Region The first grape vines were planted here in 1838, just two years after Adelaide was settled, and McLaren Vale has remained a prominent wine region ever since. Shiraz is the most transcendent drop and is known for its overtones of dark chocolate. Cabernet sauvignon, grenache, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are also very respectable. Coriole makes wonderful shiraz as well as olive oil, while d’Arenberg has many interesting varieties and a good restaurant, d’Arry’s Verandah. Other wineries to visit include Geoff Merrill Wines and two of the oldest and biggest names in the district: Hardys Tintara and Rosemont Estate. The best time to visit the region is late winter, when almond blossoms provide a gentle pink blush.  Onkaparinga River National Park The Onkaparinga River, SA’s second longest river, travels through valleys and gorges to Gulf St Vincent. The walks in Onkaparinga Gorge are impressive, but very steep. More regulated walking trails are on the northern side of the gorge. The estuary section of the park is an altogether different environment and is best explored on the 5 km interpretive trail. Look out for the 27 species of native orchids. Access is via Main South Rd, Old Noarlunga; (08) 8278 5477; 7 km NW. Old Noarlunga: self-guide tour of historic colonial buildings (brochure available). Walks into Onkaparinga National Park start from here; 7 km NW. Port Noarlunga: popular holiday destination with historic streetscapes. A marked underwater trail along the reef is provided for divers and snorkellers; 11 km NW. Coastal beaches: safe family beaches to the north-west include O'Sullivan, Christies and Moana.

Fishing spots near town

Ardrossan 105 km

Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out more


Marion Bay 142 km

Situated at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, Marion Bay is angler central and offers access to spectacular offshore and beach fishing. Southern beaches from Marion Bay east to Troubridge, such as Butlers, provide top... Find out more


West Coast 155 km

Head to Innes National Park, at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, to find two noteworthy places for anglers. The first is Pandalowie Bay where boats can be launched and, north of this, Browns Beach. The latter is well... Find out more


Wallaroo 167 km

The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out more


Port Broughton 191 km

Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out more


Wedge Island 191 km

Wedge Island is one of a number of small islands making up the Gambier Group, about 19 nautical miles west of the southern toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Viewed from the sea it is easy to see how the island got its name... Find out more


Neptune Islands 224 km

Ever wondered where the filming was done for one of those documentaries where divers film great white sharks from the safety of underwater cages? One of the most popular areas for that sort of adventure is around South... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Swimming with dolphins off Glenelg 27 km

Since 2002, the eco-accredited Temptation Sailing has offered a ‘swim with the dolphins sail’ on a 17-metre catamaran out of Glenelg, in which the bottlenose and common dolphins reputedly come to the vessel... Find out more


Mountain-biking near Adelaide 33 km

Eagle Mountain, 12 kilometres south-east of the CBD, is well set up for mountain-bikers, with around 21 kilometres of cross-country tracks, a skills development park and a jumps area. You can hire mountain bikes for the... Find out more


Aboriginal gallery, Adelaide 34 km

The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum holds the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Some 3000 are on display at any one time.... Find out more


Adelaide Zoo 34 km

With its catchphrase ‘We exist to save animals from extinction’, this is another of Australia’s excellent zoos. The sea-lion display and walkthrough rainforest aviary are particularly recommended.... Find out more


Whale-watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula 37 km

Between May and October, southern right whales often cruise right next to the shore of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Popular viewing spots include Port Elliot, Goolwa, Middleton and Victor Harbor, but your best starting point... Find out more


Swimming along the Fleurieu Peninsula 37 km

There are plenty of great swimming beaches along the peninsula. Victor Harbor has a plethora to choose from – including Kent Reserve and Dump Beach – but there is also Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot, and the... Find out more


Birdwatching around the Fleurieu Peninsula 38 km

Abutting the Coorong, and with wetlands, beaches and a wide variety of terrain, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a top spot for birdwatching. There is a hide off Barrage Road at Goolwa, and the Goolwa Effluent Ponds can have... Find out more


Diving and snorkelling off the Fleurieu Peninsula 44 km

Some of the state’s best diving – particularly in-shore and around jetties – is on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with leafy sea dragons, shipwrecks, dolphins and myriad fish species. Second Valley is great... Find out more


Cycling in the Barossa 86 km

In the Barossa, you can hire bikes from the visitor centre in Tanunda and take the paved 7-kilometre cycle path to Nuriootpa. For a guided, multi-day supported bike tour, sampling the best of the region’s cuisine... Find out more


Wine-tasting - Nuriootpa and Angaston 93 km

Elderton Wines near Nuriootpa is a carbonneutral winery. Its cellar door is partially solar-powered and the vineyard is using biodynamic methods of production. Yalumba in Angaston has three organic wines and an... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Glenelg Golf Club 29 km

Glenelg is to Adelaide what Bondi is to Sydney – the city’s most popular beach suburb. The terminus for the City to Bay tram, a Glenelg icon, can be found where Jetty Rd meets the beach, where you will... Find out more


Kooyonga Golf Club 32 km

Kooyonga is a thinking player’s golf course. One of the game’s greatest strategists, Peter Thomson, gave an insight into what is required to play well at Kooyonga after winning the 1972 Australian Open... Find out more


Links Lady Bay Resort 34 km

‘A pleasurable golf course,’ Dr Alister MacKenzie once wrote, ‘is not necessarily one that appeals at first sight, but rather one that grows on a player like good music, good painting, or good... Find out more


Royal Adelaide Golf Club 36 km

In the city of churches, Royal Adelaide is the golfing equivalent of the Vatican. Every visiting golfer should make a pilgrimage to this Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed layout, one of Australia’s top 10 courses,... Find out more


The Grange Golf Club (West Course) 37 km

Melbourne’s sandbelt wasn’t the only region in which golf course construction was booming during the 1920s. Various sites in Adelaide’s western suburbs – Kooyonga in 1922, Glenelg in 1926... Find out more


The Grange Golf Club (East Course) 37 km

Vern Morcom was working on the final changes to The Grange’s West course redesign when the club announced plans for a second course. Morcom was asked to design it, on 150 acres of adjoining land, and the East... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant

This favourite haunt is nestled under the same cottage roof as d’Arenberg’s cellar door, and the views of vineyards rolling to the coast are as delectable as the food. In fact, given the kitchen’s... Find out more


Red Poles

There’s a lot happening here: art on the walls, a B&B out the back, live music on Sundays and an affable cafe. Embraced by vines and bushland, this rammed-earth and iron-clad building has great verandahs for... Find out more


Vale Inn Taphouse & Kitchen

Dating from 1851, this quaint cottage is a seasoned veteran in the Fleurieu dining scene. As well as its own three-roomed wine cellar downstairs, the inn now also hosts the tasting rooms for Dowie Doole and Gemtree... Find out more


The Kitchen Door

Despite being ensconced in a corrugated-iron shed at Penny’s Hill cellar door, this is a surprisingly serious lunchtime venue. And it’s no ordinary shed. Indoors you’re met by smartly dressed tables,... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Goodlife 27 km

This innovative restaurant and takeaway not only makes carbon-neutral pizzas, but also places an emphasis on sourcing produce that is organic and local. Takeaway pizzas here even come tied up with string.... Find out more


The Organic Market and Cafe 28 km

This bustling cafe and organic produce outlet in Stirling was the national winner of the best organic retailer award. Something of an institution in the area, it has delicious antipasto platters and great coffee. About... Find out more


The Locavore 28 km

The Locavore (‘local eater’) at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills sticks to the ‘100-mile’ philosophy of sourcing food, which in its case includes the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the... Find out more


Nearby breweries

South Australian Brewing Company 34 km

Established in 1888, the South Australian Brewing Company became the state’s dominant beer-maker by steadily acquiring competitors like the Kent Town Brewery, West End Brewery and the Walkerville Co-operative... Find out more


Brewboys 38 km

One of the country’s newest craft beermaking enterprises, Brewboys is a partnership between Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick, who also operate the contract brewing company Fresh Cellars. At present they utilise a... Find out more


Coopers Brewery 38 km

More than any other Australian brewery, Coopers has grown significant market share over the past two decades on the back of increased demand for alternative beer styles. It was established in 1862 by Yorkshireman Thomas... Find out more


The Steam Exchange Company 39 km

South Australia seems to have more than its fair share of craft breweries in significant historical locations, and The Steam Exchange Brewery is no exception. It’s housed in a heritage-listed former railway goods... Find out more


Adelaide Hills Craft Brewing 46 km

Located in the former Onkaparinga woollen mill complex at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, this brewery/bar is run by Alistair Turnbull and Phil Jones. The pair turned their backs on careers in banking to study brewing in... Find out more


Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 154 km

History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out more


Campsites around town

Jacks Paddock Campground 13 km

Opposite Kuitpo Hall, with access from Christmas Hill Rd, this paddock campground is 11 km south of Meadows. With a restored barn and horseyards, it’s recommended for group camping. Arrange your booking and permit... Find out more


Woodcutters Cottage 14 km

This former youth hostel is a 4-room stone cottage with lounge, kitchen and sleeping room for 12, plus room nearby for tents. It’s 2 km from the information centre on Brookman Rd. Bookings and a permit are... Find out more


Chookarloo Campground 16 km

Creekside camping is permitted just 1.5 km from Kuitpo’s main information centre, 8 km south-west of Meadows on Brookman Rd.... Find out more


Rocky Creek Campground 20 km

On Razor Back Rd, 7 km north-west of Meadows, the sites here are a short walk from the carpark.... Find out more


Rocky Creek Hut 20 km

Hut-based camping in the northern part of the forest is provided in a single-room stone cottage, with a wood heater, sink, rainwater and sleeping platforms for 8. It’s on Razor Back Rd, 7 km north-west of... Find out more


Coles Crossing camping area 21 km

At 17 km north-east of Mount Compass this camping area is reached from Coles Crossing Rd, 6 km south of Mt Magnificent Rd. Campers need to note that only gas/fuel stoves are permitted.... Find out more


Belair Park Caravan Park 26 km

Just off Upper Sturt Rd, close to the national park’s main entrance, this well-equipped caravan park has a playground and pool. Book ahead during peak holiday times, and bring a gas/fuel stove.... Find out more


Brownhill Creek Recreation Caravan Park 27 km

At this surprising natural nook just a few minutes south from Adelaide, mighty river red gums flank the creek, part of a major valley catchment. There are picnic areas and trails exploring the valley and beyond. To get... Find out more


Waitpinga camping area 46 km

Sheltered sites are set amongst coastal scrub a short stroll from Waitpinga Beach, 16 km south-west of Victor Harbor. Access is from Range and Dennis roads. A permit is required and cooking is by gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more


Barker Knoll camping area (boat-based camping) 50 km

This is a great beach location for self-sufficient campers, right at the Murray Mouth and reached only by boat via Coorong or Lake Alexandrina. Pick up a permit from the self-registration station.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park 1 km

This is a spacious, quality park amid the vineyards of the McLaren Vale region. If you want to experience the great wines from the multitude of cellar-door outlets, you will find the park the best base on this part of... Find out more


Moana Beach Tourist Park 7 km

Only a short distance from the Moana town centre and close to the beach, this park is also not far from Adelaide’s southern suburbs. Bookings are required at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends. There is a... Find out more


Port Willunga Tourist Park 7 km

In a quiet rural location about 4 km from Aldinga, this is a spacious park with well-established shady trees. Bookings are necessary at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends and a minimum-stay period applies.... Find out more


Mount Compass Caravan Park 17 km

As neat as a pin, this newly established caravan park in a rural setting has reached a high standard in its first three years. It is a great inland base for exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


Brighton Caravan Park and Holiday Village 20 km

Just 17 km from Adelaide city, this tourist park enjoys absolute beach frontage and has a nice, relaxed feel. It is a popular family park and bookings are essential during busy holiday periods. A 2-night minimum-length... Find out more


Marion Holiday Park 22 km

This tourist park in the southern suburbs is close to the enormous Marion shopping centre. It has very good amenities, shaded areas and good facilities including a recreation room and a tennis court. It makes a good base... Find out more


Brown Hill Creek Tourist Park 27 km

This picturesque owner-operated park is set in the Adelaide foothills, 7 km south-east of the city. Its 120-acre bushland setting offers lots of shade and facilities include a tennis court. A minimum-stay period applies... Find out more


Jetty Caravan Park - Normanville 33 km

This is a neat tourist park alongside the beach. Bookings are required during Christmas and Easter holidays and a minimum-stay period applies at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more


Port Elliot Holiday Park 37 km

Located just 2 km from Port Elliot, between Victor Harbor and Goolwa in a fabulous beachfront position, this is an excellent place to stay year round. We feel this is one of the great seaside caravan parks on the... Find out more


Levi Park Caravan Park 37 km

Levi Park is just 6 km from the city and a very good base for exploring central Adelaide. It has shady caravan sites and pleasant grassy tent sites, all located in a magnificent historic garden. The River Torrens flows... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Bellevue B&B

Exceptional service and creative menu ideas have garnered this hosted B&B many awards and a legion of fans. Centrally located, it’s within close range of town and a constellation of big name wineries. The... Find out more


McLaren Ridge Log Cabins

Take your pick from a trio of outstanding log cabin retreats in the thick of McLaren Ridge’s vineyards. All three enjoy views of the surrounding vales and enfolding hills that make this region so spectacular.... Find out more


Aunt Amanda’s Cottage

Many venues promise country charm – but few are so gloriously realised or in such a setting as this quintessential farm cottage. Delightfully hidden on a 22-hectare property in the Kangarilla hills, it’s just... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Clarion Hotel Soho 33 km

Completed at the end of 2008, this five-star boutique hotel was designed with many hidden environmental features, such as water-recycling systems, sustainable building materials and airflow and passive cooling to reduce... Find out more


Ridgetop Retreats 51 km

Three funky, architecturally designed cabins sit in quiet seclusion in Deep Creek Conservation Park at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. They have solar hot water, composting toilets, two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling... Find out more


Antechamber Bay Ecocabins 76 km

This low-key, out-of-the-way spot in the east of the island is next to a beautiful and isolated beach. There are two fairly basic self-contained and solar-powered cabins with room for up to eight people each, half a... Find out more


Coorong Wilderness Lodge 107 km

Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out more


Nautilus Lodge 118 km

This solar-powered, four-bedroom house is surrounded by Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and is situated right on the beach. It can sleep up to 12 people.... Find out more


Eleanor River Homestead 135 km

This beautiful two-bedroom log cabin in the middle of the island is solar-powered, has rainwater and a sewage worm farm.... Find out more


Lighthouse cottages 187 km

Stay in eco-accredited lighthouse keeper’s cottages on wind-swept hills at opposite ends of the island: Cape Borda, Cape Willoughby and Cape du Couedic. There are also daily tours of the lightstations.... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Jackmans Lookout Rest Area 71 km

0.5 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 19 km W of Tailem Bend (R) Large area well off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S35 08.40 E139 18.58  ... Find out more


Monteith Rest Area 73 km

4 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 15 km NW of Tailem Bend (R) Large area around a few trees. GPS: S35 09.46 E139 20.37   ... Find out more


Tailem Bend South Rest Area 81 km

6 km S of Tailem Bend (R) or 46 km N of Meningie (L) Small secluded area among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S35 18.15 E139 25.50... Find out more


Dublin Park Area 87 km

On the service road Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 27.119 E138 21.109 ... Find out more


Meningie Park Area 89 km

Middle of town Large parking area on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 41.10 E139 20.20  ... Find out more


Moppa Road Rest Area 93 km

29 km NE of Gawler (L) or 3 km W of Nuriootpa (R) Small area just off the highway behind a few trees. GPS: S34 27.33 E138 58.26  ... Find out more


Truro East Rest Area 105 km

1 km E of Truro (L) or 45 km W of Blanchetown (R) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 24.30 E139 08.07... Find out more


Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.2 107 km

22 km N of Dublin (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 17.396 E138 14.543... Find out more


Tarlee Park Area 107 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 16.471 E138 46.258... Find out more


Coomandook Park Area 109 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade.  GPS: S35 28.16 E139 41.49 ... Find out more


Parnka Point Camp Area 109 km

T/O 23 km S of Meningie (R) or 121 km NW of Kingston (L) Two small but open camp areas located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore in Coorong National Park. Toilets at nearby ‘day use only’... Find out more


Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.1 111 km

12 km S of Port Wakefield (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 15.327 E138 13.381... Find out more


Sherlock Rest Area 115 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway opposite the store. Limited shade. GPS: S35 19.118 E139 48.076... Find out more


Riverton South Rest Area 118 km

South side of town Large area among trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 10.287 E138 44.769... Find out more


Annadale Rest Area 123 km

29 km E of Truro (L) or 17 km W of Blanchetown (R) Large area just off the highway among numerous trees. Limited shade. GPS: S34 23.22 E139 25.55... Find out more


Coonalpyn North Rest Area 123 km

20 km SE of Coomandook (R) or 10 km NW of Coonalpyn (L) Large secluded area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 36.50 E139 48.42 ... Find out more


Winkler Park Area 126 km

2 km S of Saddleworth (L) or 7 km N of Riverton (R) Very small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 05.892 E138 46.465... Find out more


Peake Rest Area 129 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 21.913 E139 57.025... Find out more


Coonalpyn Park Area 131 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade.  GPS: S35 41.48 E139 51.27 ... Find out more


Hanson Rest Area 132 km

13 km S of Burra (L) or 28 km N of Manoora (R) Large area among numerous large pine trees. Good shade. GPS: S33 45.158 E138 50.405  ... Find out more


Loop Road Camp Area 142 km

T/O 61 km SE of Meningie (R) or 83 km NW of Kingston (L) Small secluded camp area located 1 kilometre off the highway opposite a lake on the Loop Road in Coorong National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S36 08.16 E139... Find out more


Culburra North Rest Area 143 km

14 km SE of Coonalpyn (R) or 13 km NW of Tintinara (L) Large secluded area surrounded by trees. Limited shade. GPS: S35 47.50 E139 56.47 ... Find out more


Lake Lochiel Rest Area 149 km

82 km S of Warnertown (L) or 33 km N of Port Wakefield (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 54.807 E138 09.791 ... Find out more


What's on around town

Sea and Vines Festival: music, food and wine; June.

Fiesta!: month-long food and wine festival; Oct.

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