Gather Round & Beyond: Your Ultimate McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Guide

Gather Round is returning to SA in 2025, and if you're venturing to McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast, you're in for a treat that extends far beyond the final siren. 

Located just 40 minutes from Adelaide Oval, this region is renowned for its world-class wineries, stunning coastal landscapes, and vibrant food scene.  Here's how to make the most of your time in this picturesque corner of South Australia. 

Food & Drink Delights

McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is synonymous with exceptional wine, and Gather Round provides the perfect opportunity to explore our cellar doors, breweries and gin distilleries.

• Wine, Beer or Gin? The choice is yours!:
  • Visit iconic wineries like d'Arenberg, known for its quirky architecture and exceptional Shiraz, or Richard Hamilton, offering breath-taking views and elegant wines.
  • Explore boutique wineries with unique tasting experiences such as Dandelion Vineyards, Gemtree Wines, Main and Cherry and Paxton Wines,
  • Not into Wine? No worries, our craft beer scene is buzzing and many of them offer family friendly spaces to spend an afternoon
  • Gin O'Clock - The options are endless with gin distillery options. Think Ginny Pig, Neat Spirits, Never Never Distilling and more!

• Gourmet Experiences:
  • Indulge in farm-to-table dining at restaurants like The Salopian Inn, Our Place (Italian Restaurant) or Coriole Restaurant where seasonal menus highlight the region's produce.
  • Kickstart your day with a delicious coffee from Dawn Patrol, Kicco or Goodness Coffee Co.
  • Cafe Culture runs deep here try Bracegirdles or Manna Cafe in McLaren Vale, Tealiscious in Willunga or for something different Adelaide Biplanes in Aldinga where you can enjoy a coffee and sandwich while admiring the clasic 1940's Biplanes take off into the air.
  • Watch the footy on the big screen and enjoy fresh pub fare at the McLaren Vale Hotel, Aussie Inn, Portal 58 or Aldinga Hotel.

(Image credit - SATC)

Coastal Adventures & Outdoor Escapes

South Australia boasts some of the best beaches in Australia and there’s plenty of coast to explore just a stone’s throw away from the CBD. Combined with stunning walking trails and rolling vine covered hills, there’s plenty to discover,

• Coast:
  • Take a stroll along the pristine sands of Port Willunga, where you can explore the iconic 'Caves'  take a dip if it's not too chilly or even hire a stand-up paddle board with SUP Down South (weather pending)
  • Drive onto one of four drive on beaches (Moana, Aldinga, Silver Sands and Sellicks)
  • Take a scenic drive along Route 31 Coastal Drive and soak in some of the best scenic views in South Australia
  • Up for an adventure? Take to the skies and enjoy one of the most remarkable views of the region from an open cockpit of a 1940's Biplane with Adelaide Biplanes
  • Snorkel the Port Noarlunga Reef underwater trail
  • Hire a kayak with Easy Kayaks and paddle along the Onkaparinga River to where the rivers meets the sea at South Port.

• Nature Trails & Hiking:
  • Discover the stunning beauty of Onkaparinga River National Park, ideal for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes.
  • Aldinga Conservation Park's natural beauty is one to explore. There are four different trails to explore with varied length and suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
  • Hire an eBike and enjoy the picturesque landscapes as you pedal at your own pace through the vineyards. Stop at the many wineries along the way and a number of townships, including Willunga, Aldinga, McLaren Vale and McLaren Flat. 

Beyond the Game: Local Attractions & Experiences

While the footy takes centre stage, don't miss out on these local hot spots.

• Arts & Culture:
  • Visit the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Information Centre and the local art galleries showcasing regional artists.
  • Explore the historical townships of Willunga, Port Noarlunga and Clarendon where you can browse galleries, antique shops and giftware
• Local Markets:
  • If your visit coincides, check out the Willunga Farmers Market on Saturday morning and enjoy tasting the region!, enjoy a coffee and breakfast while exploring over 70 small producers from across the region offering everything from meat, dairy, bakery, small goods and more!
• Family Fun:
  • Visit a family friendly winery where the kids have just as much fun as the adults, Think giant mazes, lawn games and wide open spaces.
  • Pack a picnic and head to one of the many playgrounds in the region. Whether it's a simple park with swings slippery dip or a huge adventure playground with never ending activities, there is something for everyone! 

Gather Round Logistics & Tips

• Transportation:
  • Plan your transportation to and from the games, utilising public transport (trains run from Seaford to the Adelaide Train Station, buses are also available into the CBD.
  • If you're exploring the region,  and don't have your own car, consider hiring a car for flexibility. There's tour options too
• Local Events:
  • Check the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast website for additional activities and events during Gather Round. Experience more than just footy this Gather Round and explore McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast. With a unique blend of world-class wineries, some of the best beaches in the state and gourmet food, there's something for everyone. So come for the footy, stay for the memories and discover the magic of South Australia.
  • Enjoy some of The Festival of Footy pop up events at Aphelion Wines, Chapel Hill, d'Arenberg Cube, Yangarra, Grounded Cru and Hickinbotham.

Share your Gather Round experiences in McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast with us using #ValeandCoast and #Route31CoastalDrive and tag us @mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast

Plan your adventure today!