McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast has something for every visitor, be it sampling some of the best wines in Australia (and the world) to enjoying the simple pleasure of spending time at one of our pristine beaches.
However, when hanging out down south, don’t let the relaxed vibe fool you, with the regions outstanding selection of adrenalin-pumping experiences.
One step at a time
Enjoy rock climbing and abseiling in the Onkaparinga Gorge, home to the spectacular burnt orange cliffs towering above the meandering Onkaparinga River. Under the watchful eye of professional guides, experienced and novice climbers alike can get vertical and test their mind and body while taking in the stunning views.
Up, up and away…
Want to go even higher? Climb into the open cockpit of a classic biplane and fly above the stunning McLaren Vale and Fleurieu coast. Adelaide Biplanes at Aldinga Airfield gives you the chance to don a leather helmet and goggles, experience the rush of wind in your hair and the rumbling sound of the big radial engine as you take to the sky.
Adelaide Biplanes has a choice of aircraft waiting to take you on an experience of a lifetime, with the planes known for their personalities. The Waco Classic is the “Marilyn Monroe” of biplanes. Think 1930s, nostalgia and romance, where two people can fly together in the front open cockpit, hip to hip! If aerobatics is more your style, enjoy a barrel roll, loop, hammerhead or clover in the Great Lakes open cockpit biplane – this one is like a French tart! All stockings and suspenders – it’s very sassy and exudes that ‘look-at-me’ attitude.
Fly in the vulnerable 1940 Tiger Moth or the similar vintage big Boeing Stearman and take the controls of this 1942 radial engine, ex US Navy beautiful biplane. Don't wish to fly? Then call in for coffee and homemade cake and watch the stories unfold in front of you from the relaxed atmosphere on the decking.
For a more relaxed look from above, Helivista will pick you up in a helicopter from your favourite McLaren Vale winery, restaurant, or accommodation and show you this beautiful wine region from a vantage point rarely seen by others.
Freefall
If you are one who enjoys the ultimate freedom of jumping out of perfectly good planes rather than staying in them and love the sensation of freefall, then there’s skydiving. Tandem jumps are available, and you choose your landing point – beach or vineyard. Coastal Skydive lets you jump into Aldinga from above, while Skydive the Southern Vines will have you dropping into the vineyards of Richard Hamilton Wines.
Take a deep breath
For a coastal adventure of a different kind, some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in South Australia can be had on the Port Noarlunga Reef. Choose your own adventure and just explore, or follow the self-guided underwater dive trail across the 12 sites.
More great diving awaits on Aldinga Reef and Aldinga Drop Off where experienced, and novice divers and snorkelers can expect to see schools of colourful fish, marine invertebrates, unique aquatic plants, and if you’re lucky, a Leafy Sea Dragon.
Whether taking to the skies, sea or cliffs, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is a great place for some adventure.
