Amazing Aldinga!

Words and images supplied by Jess Zarnow - Dressed in Copper

Aldinga, is a top spot in the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region and a favourite coastal escape on the Fleurieu Peninsula, just a shy 50 minutes away from Adelaide. 

Old Coach Road is in the old township of Aldinga and has been given a facelift- think boutiques, cafes, coffee roasters. Exploring Old Coach Road and Aldinga Beach, you could easily spend the day there. 

Here’s how... 

Start the day right with coffee. There are plenty of options to keep you caffeinated, but my go to’s have to be Goodness Coffee Co or Maxwells Grocery. Goodness is a firm favourite in our house, and if you have kids then the baby chinos are a real winner. 

If you’re looking for some breakfast with your coffee then Maxwell’s should be on your list. A huge range of brekky options, with everything for the health conscious to those who want to indulge. Their burgers are SO tasty. They have recently moved into their new digs, which has the addition of a massive under cover outdoor area, making it perfect for the whole family in all seasons. 

Once you’ve filled your boots, wander over to the boutique shops just next door. Sage House has beautiful home wares, with everything from handmade goods, bespoke furniture and local labels. If clothes is your jam then you need to visit Miss Gladys On Sea. The iconic fashion store also has a shop south of the city and it’s one of my favourite places to visit to pick up once off pieces and comfortable clothes. They stock lots of big brands and always seem to have a sale on - ’m not complaining though! Just out of the main drag is Lou’s Shack Vintage- you’ll find old records, eclectic goods and brilliant hidden gems. 

One of the toughest decisions you will have to make is what to eat, whether that is lunch or dinner. 

For lunch get yourself a pizza or gourmet hot dog with dining curb side at The Shack Cafe and Pizzaria. The best pies and baked goods in town can be found at Homegrain Bakery - everything I have ever eaten from there is delicious. 

For dinner, if the weather is nice then grab the towels and esky and head to the beach. Pop into The Shack or Jimmies Takeaway and Pizza for fresh and tasty fish and chips with all the trimmings. While you wait for your order, wander across the road to the bottle shop and get a bottle of plonk to go with dinner. Park down on the beach, sit on the sand and soak in some of the most epic sunsets you’ve ever seen. 

If it’s a tad cooler or you’re looking for something inside then you’re in for a treat. Lot 8 in the Aldinga eco-village serves traditional Singaporean Food. The ‘restaurant’ area is very intimate with limited seating. You literally dine alongside the commercial kitchen. If they’re at capacity it’s worth getting takeaway, as the laksa with dumplings and noodles is life changing. 

The Little Rickshaw is another winner and personal favourite. It’s small and cosy, and they are slinging some of the most authentic Vietnamese food I have ever eaten. The best way to eat there? Order their feed me menu. You can trust me that you will leave full. Not overly hungry? Then the dumplings, Hanoi spring rolls and iced coffees are a no brainer.  

Fancy a night cap before heading home? Stroll on over to Fall From Grace at the Precinct. This hidden gem serves wines by the glass or bottle, intimate tastings and even takeaway produce like cheese and salami. Because let’s face it, you’ll end up needing snacks with the bottle you take home that evening. 

No matter the time of year, you’ll always find something to keep you coming back to Aldinga.

Discover more seaside villages to visit and don’t forget to tag us in your captures using #valeandcoast