Willunga
Town
Population 2103
The historic town of Willunga grew rapidly around the slate quarries, which drove the town's economy until the late 1800s. Fortunately, by that time Willunga already had a thriving new industry – almonds. The town sits at the southern edge of the McLaren Vale wine region and is surrounded by farmlands and olive groves. Its name is derived from the Aboriginal word 'willa-unga', meaning 'the place of green trees'.
Visitor Information
McLaren Vale Visitors Centre, Main Rd, McLaren Vale; (08) 8323 9944 or 1800 628 410
Nearby national parks
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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
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McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale is recognised as a region of vineyards, orchards and gourmet-produce farms. The first grape vines were planted here in 1838,...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
Willunga Courthouse Museum: National Trust museum with local history displays in the original 1855 courtroom, cells and stables; guided 'Willunga Walks and Talks' tours; open 11am–4pm Tues, 1–5pm weekends; High St; (08) 8556 2195. Quarry: operated for 60 years (1842–1902), now a National Trust site; Delabole Rd. Historical walk: self-guide walk featuring historic pug cottages, colonial architecture and an Anglican church with an Elizabethan bronze bell; brochure from museum.
Nearby
Southern Fleurieu wine region With vineyards covering just about every other part of the Fleurieu Peninsula, including McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, it is not surprising that they eventually crept southwards. Critics believe this is a region to watch, with a climate conducive to vines and some high-quality wines already being produced. Two eco-sensitive wineries have cellar doors located near Mount Compass: Minko Wines makes wonderful merlot rose, and Parri Estate produces quality white wines such as viognier chardonnay. Mt Magnificent Conservation Park: explore virtually untouched rocky landscapes and vegetation popular for picnics and scenic walks. The highlight is the walk to the Mt Magnificent summit for coastal views; 12 km SE. Mount Compass: a small farming town featuring the Wetlands Boardwalk and many farms open for viewing and sales, offering both primary products and gourmet food. Australia's only Cow Race is held here each Jan or Feb; 14 km S. Fleurieu Big Shed: local produce, art and craft sales; 15 km S. Kyeema Conservation Park: completely burnt out in the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires and then again in the fires of 1994 and 2001, this park is evidence of nature's ability to constantly regenerate. It is home to over 70 species of birdlife and offers good hiking and camping. Part of the Heysen Trail passes through it; 14 km NE.
Fishing spots near town
Ardrossan 110 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 moreMarion Bay 143 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 moreWest Coast 156 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 moreWallaroo 173 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 moreWedge Island 192 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 morePort Broughton 196 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 moreNeptune Islands 225 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 moreEco-friendly activities around town
Whale-watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula 31 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 moreSwimming along the Fleurieu Peninsula 32 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 moreSwimming with dolphins off Glenelg 33 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 moreBirdwatching around the Fleurieu Peninsula 33 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 moreMorialta Conservation Park 38 km
One of the most stunning parks in the region and located only 10 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, this has waterfalls and deep gorges, woodlands, koalas, echidnas and southern brown bandicoots. The pick of the walks is... Find out moreAboriginal gallery, Adelaide 39 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 moreAdelaide Zoo 40 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 moreDiving and snorkelling off the Fleurieu Peninsula 41 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 moreCycling in the Barossa 91 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 moreKangaroo Island Marine Tours 93 km
This well-respected, eco-accredited outfit runs a variety of wildlife-focused tours out of Kingscote in a low-emission, rigid, inflatable vessel that takes up to 12 people. Swim with dolphins, go whalewatching, see a New... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Links Lady Bay Resort 30 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 moreGlenelg Golf Club 34 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 moreKooyonga Golf Club 38 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 moreRoyal Adelaide Golf Club 42 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 moreThe Grange Golf Club (West Course) 43 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 moreThe Grange Golf Club (East Course) 43 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 moreCafes & restaurants around town
Star of Greece
This 1950s beachfront kiosk is a Fleurieu legend. It takes its name from a shipwreck on these shores, and while seafood is the specialty, the food direction is more modern Australian than anything Hellenic. The mix... Find out moreVictory Hotel
Expect to rub shoulders here with everyone from holiday-makers and executives to winemakers kicking back after a hard day’s barrel sampling. There’s nothing prissy about this much-loved pub – it just... Find out moreNearby eco-friendly places to eat
Goodlife 32 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 moreThe Organic Market and Cafe 33 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 moreThe Locavore 33 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 moreNearby breweries
The Steam Exchange Company 33 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 moreSouth Australian Brewing Company 40 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 moreBrewboys 44 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 moreCoopers Brewery 44 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 moreAdelaide Hills Craft Brewing 50 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 moreKnappstein Enterprise Brewery 160 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 moreCampsites around town
Jacks Paddock Campground 12 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 moreWoodcutters 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 moreChookarloo 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 moreColes Crossing camping area 17 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 moreRocky Creek Campground 22 km
On Razor Back Rd, 7 km north-west of Meadows, the sites here are a short walk from the carpark.... Find out moreRocky Creek Hut 22 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 moreBelair Park Caravan Park 31 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 moreBrownhill Creek Recreation Caravan Park 32 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 moreWaitpinga camping area 41 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 moreBarker Knoll camping area (boat-based camping) 45 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 moreCaravan parks around town
McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park 6 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 morePort Willunga Tourist Park 8 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 moreMoana Beach Tourist Park 11 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 moreMount Compass Caravan Park 11 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 moreBrighton Caravan Park and Holiday Village 26 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 moreMarion Holiday Park 28 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 moreJetty Caravan Park - Normanville 29 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 morePort Elliot Holiday Park 31 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 moreVictor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park 32 km
Right on the beachfront, this park is also within walking distance of the town centre (1.5 km). It is a quality tourist park with good facilities. Ideal for a few days or an extended stay, bookings are required during... Find out moreBrown Hill Creek Tourist Park 32 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 moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Saltaire
This relaxed family-orientated beach house is close to the picturesque bay at Port Willunga and its famed Star of Greece cafe. The weatherboard house is fully self-contained with two bedrooms, a stylish kitchen, and... Find out moreSet within three secluded acres, this 1850s bluestone cottage offers a tantalising taste of the good life. As well as its historic appeal – a venerable farmhouse, with classic country kitchen, open fires and a... Find out more
A modern vineyard retreat brought to life with great style and verve, Blue Grape has two studio suites with balcony and ensuite. There’s also a delightful guest lounge with an impressive log fire, from where a wall... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Clarion Hotel Soho 39 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 moreRidgetop Retreats 47 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 moreAntechamber Bay Ecocabins 72 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 moreCoorong Wilderness Lodge 103 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 moreNautilus Lodge 114 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 moreEleanor River Homestead 132 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 moreLighthouse cottages 186 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 moreRest 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 moreMonteith 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 moreTailem Bend South Rest Area 80 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 moreMeningie Park Area 85 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 moreDublin Park Area 93 km
On the service road Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 27.119 E138 21.109 ... Find out moreMoppa Road Rest Area 98 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 moreParnka Point Camp Area 105 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 moreCoomandook Park Area 106 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S35 28.16 E139 41.49 ... Find out moreTruro East Rest Area 109 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 moreTarlee Park Area 112 km
Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 16.471 E138 46.258... Find out morePort Wakefield South Rest Area No.2 113 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 moreSherlock Rest Area 114 km
Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway opposite the store. Limited shade. GPS: S35 19.118 E139 48.076... Find out morePort Wakefield South Rest Area No.1 117 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 moreCoonalpyn North Rest Area 120 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 moreRiverton South Rest Area 123 km
South side of town Large area among trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 10.287 E138 44.769... Find out moreAnnadale Rest Area 127 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 moreCoonalpyn Park Area 127 km
Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 41.48 E139 51.27 ... Find out morePeake Rest Area 127 km
Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 21.913 E139 57.025... Find out moreWinkler Park Area 132 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 moreHanson Rest Area 138 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 moreLoop Road Camp Area 138 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 moreCulburra North Rest Area 139 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 moreWhat's on around town
Willunga Farmers Market: Hill St; Sat mornings.
Willunga Quarry Market: country market with local produce and crafts; Aldinga Rd; 2nd Sat each month.
Almond Blossom Festival: running since 1970, celebrates the blooming of almond trees; July.
Fleurieu Folk Festival: Oct.