Cosily nestled on the banks of the Onkaparinga River, Old Noarlunga invites visitors to rediscover nature and soak up the history and heritage of this unique little village.
With a past celebrated by the many old stone buildings and preserved areas throughout the township, visitors can step back in time and imagine Old Noarlunga as a bustling and significant township servicing the Fleurieu with its Market Square stockyard, steam-driven Flour Mill, Post Office, Blacksmith, Milliner, and row of shops and residences.
Parks, picnics and paddling
Today, as the Onkaparinga River winds through the township, Market Square is a beautiful reserve and a great spot for visitors and locals too. You can enjoy a picnic or BBQ or keep things simple by grabbing a great coffee just across from the park at Long Shot & Co, while the kids can play until their heart’s content at the playground. Look out too for the family of resident ducks, always a winner with big kids and little kids alike. There’s also a beautiful memorial fountain for the late Princess Diana, the People’s Princess.
For paddlers, to discover the river and enjoy its true beauty, a little further downstream at Perry’s Bend there are some great kayak or canoe launching facilities.
A short stroll from Market Square is Winnaynee Horseshoe Inn Reserve, home of the Old Horseshoe Inn, a popular landmark in the area until fire claimed it in 1987. It also acknowledges the importance of Onkaparinga River in Kaurna Aboriginal People’s culture.
Walk on the wild side
For those whose passion is walking and hiking, Old Noarlunga is a fabulous gateway into the Onkaparinga River National Park. A pedestrian footbridge over the Onkaparinga River invites stunning views of the river and provides access to some of SA’s best walking/hiking trails including trekking the two and a half hour Old Noarlunga Hike.
If you still want great views into the Onkaparinga River National Park, but not so much of a walk, enjoy a couple of dining hidden gems accessible from Victor Harbor Road. Varney Wines offers premium tastings tastings great option is 88 Seafood and Grill, offering an elevated look across the Old Noarlunga oval with uninterrupted views to the cliffs of the Onkaparinga Gorge. Just as the name suggest, seafood is a specialty, however meat lovers are also catered for too. This is one of the most unexpected views that you will ever find!
An oldy but a goody
The surprisingly modern touch in amongst its surrounds is the Old Noarlunga Hotel (the Oldy). Catering for locals, visitors, and perpetually thirsty, the (very busy) Oldy recently received a face lift and is looking spectacular. A few wrinkles may be smoothed, but you can’t take the atmosphere or the good old Australian country pub out of the Oldy!
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 Old 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!
