Relax Your Own Way in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast

Relaxing at Main and Cherry

McLaren Vale and Fleurieu coast is a place to unwind, recharge and reconnect. Whether its beautiful beach walks, a cheeky cocktail, mainstreet meandering or relaxing with a great book, it’s all here. 

Beach Daze

Imagine this. You’re on a quiet beach, melting back into your towel, white sand at your feet and a subtle salty breeze brushing your face. All you can hear is the sound of gentle waves crashing on the shore ahead. Paradise! Spectacular spots include Silver Sands, Port Willunga, Maslin and Moana. 

In need of a long beach walk to cleanse the mind and soul, head to Aldinga, Port Noarlunga, Christies Beach and O’Sullivan Beach. Stunning at sunrise and sunset too.

For water lovers, the best underwater views are snorkeling or diving the Port Noarlunga reef or the Star of Greece shipwreck at Aldinga. And to gain the most amazing views of the coastline, paddleboarding with SUP Down South is a must at Port Willunga. 

Or just grab your favourite book and relax on the balcony that takes in the incredible sea views.

Coastal Sips

Got the taste for relaxing by the coast, introduce yourself to Christies Beach where you’ll find plenty of local brews and music at LandBAR and Portal 58 located on Beach Road.

If the idea of a cocktail by the beach is too good to resist, head to Mamma Carmela at Port Noarlunga and sip on a cheeky Pina Colada or a Margherita, and while you are there you can tuck into a pizza whilst enjoying panoramic seaside views. Bliss!

Wanting other great coastal cocktail hot spots to try? A few of the local gems include Flava Café as well as District B 5165 at Christies Beach, and there’s Breeze Cafe and Bar in Aldinga too.

Finding the Groove

Heading into the weekend, experience the regions relaxed vibes and great local tunes in some remarkable locations.  

Kick things off with Friday Twilight sessions at McLaren Vale’s Chalk Hill Collective. Enjoy live tunes from local musicians while appreciating Chalk Hill’s award-winning wines, gin (and cocktails) from Never Never Distilling and Italian bites from Cucina di Strada.Also check out Never Never’s Sunday Sessions.

Friday night knockoffs at Merrill’s (Geoff Merril Wines) is a stella way to celebrate the weekend featuring fabulous food trucks and great music., offered on the 2nd and 4th Fridays each month. Be sure to book. There’s also Sunday sessions at Merrill's too. 

Keep your eye out for Paxton Summer Concert Series on Sunday afternoons featuring timeless rock amongst the vines. Experience live performances celebrating the greatest hits from legendary artists. Love grooving, then Day Dance is a must as you dance your way between stages at Paxton Wines and Simon Hackett Winery!

 Lunch and Lawn

When continuing to relax and unwind, what better than a tasting plate or pizza which highlights the regions rich bounty of fresh produce accompanied by an award-winning wine, gin or beer.

Pull up a rug or blanket on weekends at J&J Wines who offer delicious cheese and meat platters as well as wood oven pizzas. The expansive lawn area provides great vineyard views, as well as a giant chess board and play equipment for the kids. 

Ivybook Farm is also another great location. Enjoy the picturesque grounds, with outdoor seating or bring along a picnic rug. They’re famous for their platter Saturdays and pizza Sundays with a very loyal following. Best to book.. 

When spectacular views are in order, Main and Cherry Wines deliver. Enjoy great wine, local beer, shared platters and tapas style food on the large undercover deck or spacious lawns, all while soaking in the view. 

Top Pub Eats

When looking for great pub eats, there are some notable watering holes celebrating classic pub fare.

There’s good reason why the Willunga Hotel attracts a local crowd - the modern seasonal menu and pub classics. Featuring a restaurant as well as the beer garden, the dining room is the gem, showcasing original stonework and wooden fixtures. Enjoy live music on Friday nights too. 

Mick O’Shea’s in Hackham is a great pub with a contemporary twist. Another local favourite where old school hospitality meets a cracking seasonal menu, and an extensive tap selection. Keep an eye out for the ever-changing Chef’s specials board featuring exciting new food! There’s also live music on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Festivals & Events

The region is bursting with seasonal events attracting attention from across the globe. 

A few highlights include the Santos Tour Down Under in January which loops its way from the vineyards to the coast featuring top international cyclist. 

Car and motorcycle enthusiasts are covered too with McLaren Vale’s Vintage and Classic (April) as well as the unique Sellick Beach Historic Motorcycle Race (February) which runs every couple of years. 

For music and film lovers the Fleurieu Folk Festival (October) and Fleurieu Film Festival (February) are musts to put on the calendar. 

And of course, there’s food and wine events scattered throughout the year. The Fleurieu Food Festival extends through August, with other calendar highlights being Grenache and Gourmet on the long weekend in October and Summer Vines Festival in January. Local restaurants and wineries also run amazing events. Keep an eye on Paxton Wines and a look out for Olivers Taranga’s legendary parties. If you haven’t been to a Porchetta Party, you haven’t lived!

View our Visitor Guide for more tips on what to see and do!