Port Noarlunga is the perfect spot for fun in the sun, where the Onkaparinga River meets Gulf St Vincent (patron saint of wine!). Where swimming, paddling a kayak, snorkelling, reef diving, surfing and fishing are part of the good life, however there’s so much more to see and do in this quintessential seaside village.
Beach fun aside, Port Noarlunga glistens as a perfect place to spend the day exploring one of McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast’s most adorable main streets with its quaint collection of shops and eateries. For wanderers and browsers, grab a coffee and discover antiques, bric-a-brac and curio stores, quirky plant offerings, boutiques, a cellar door, and hair, health and beauty salons.
The heart of arts
Art lovers won’t be disappointed with Port Noarlunga with an amazing arts hub featuring a Regional Arts Centre, plus galleries and street art.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the many street murals and funky public art pieces. In particular, take an alternative look at the local marine life through the giant goggles on the deck in front of the jetty - spectacular when lit at night.
The Port Noarlunga Arts Centre is the arts jewel in the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast’s crown, offering three dedicated gallery spaces, a performance space and a visual art studio. It is also home of the Port Noarlunga Visitor Information Outlet, so if you’re looking for more opportunities to immerse yourself in the region’s art and culture, this is a great place to start.
Another ‘must-visit’ for art lovers is just a short walk away. Sauerbier House is an innovative art space showcasing established and emerging contemporary artists, situated on the banks of the Onkaparinga River. It’s common to find an artist at work as part of the Gallery’s commitment to its artist in residence program.
Spectacular seaside dining
Port Noarlunga’s sea air breeds a healthy appetite, offering a range of seaside inspired dining options. Choose from cafe’s, restaurants, pubs, burger bars, fish and chips, bakeries, pizzerias, dessert bars and much more.
If you are looking for something a little more quirky or casual, Port Burger is a local favourite keeping with the maritime theme, housed in shipping containers with large kid friendly lawn area and giant sand pit.
Fun in the sun
One of the most spectacular and peaceful ways to enjoy Port Noarlunga is by canoe, kayak or paddle board. Hire one or bring your own, to paddle along the Onkaparinga River and venture into the National Park – the transition from coast to gorge is amazing.
If being beachside is more your thing, Port Noarlunga and South Port beaches offer safe swimming, patrolled by the local surf life-saving clubs in the warmer months. There are also a couple of great surf breaks close by – The Hump and Trigs – the locals know these well as do the surf schools offering lessons.
Port Noarlunga is also home to one of South Australia’s most iconic dive sites - the Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reef Reserve, which is a mecca for snorkelers and divers alike. The reef is highly visible from the end of the jetty and also hosts an underwater dive trail across 12 marked sites.
More ways to play
Port Noarlunga’s Jubilee Park Adventure Playground is one of South Australia’s best playgrounds – just ask the kids! Where imagination and little legs run wild, featuring a giant, multi-level wooden fortress, bridge, tunnel, toddler area, play equipment, sandpit, wheelchair-friendly carousel and all sorts of things to climb up, in, over and around – smiles all round are guaranteed. Be sure to grab a selfie with Geronimo, the life-sized giraffe!
Stay and relax
If you want to stay and relax, there’s a great range of local accommodation. From self-contained holiday homes, to motel style there is something to suit every taste and budget.
For magnificent water views and value to boot, you can’t go past the Coast Motel and Apartments – receiving two ‘2020 Travelers Choice Awards’ by Trip Advisor being #1 Hotel in Australia for 'Best Service' and #3 in Australia in the 'Top 25 small Hotels in Australia Category'. Your local hosts are great ambassadors of the region and before you know it, you will be spending a week (you can’t say you weren’t warned!).
Port Noarlunga’s beautiful beaches, reef, shops, eateries, activities and experiences make it a great place to lose yourself in the ambience of this picturesque coastal village.
What's Open?
Need to know what’s open in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast? From McLaren Vale wineries, spirit and gin distilleries and craft breweries to coastal dining sensations we have you covered.
To make things easy, we have developed an extensive list just for you, on what’s open each day in Port Noarlunga.
Discover what's open on:
Whether you are looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, regional platters or dinner, our cafes, restaurants and cellar doors are ready to welcome you.
Don’t worry, we have all your McLaren Vale wine, brewery and distillery experiences covered too. Our McLaren Vale cellar doors, taphouses and distillery cellar doors are waiting to be discovered. Check out our brewery trail too, with some of the best ales around! Don’t believe us, you will just have to try for yourself!
To ensure you have the best experience, we strongly suggest you make a booking with your chosen café, restaurant, brewery, distillery or cellar door.
We look forward to welcoming you to the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast. This is where you will find the good life!
