Willunga

Quaint and quintessentially quirky are words that immediately spring to mind when wandering around the leafy streets of Willunga.

A stone’s throw from McLaren Vale, Willunga is a town where history and heritage blend perfectly with hipster cool and hippy vibes.

Willunga is also part of the Nescafe new limited edition collection of Nescafe Blend 43 tins. Designed to celebrate true community spirit. Willunga is known for their friendliness, which kicked off in 2007, where they came up with the idea of hosting the Fleurieu Folk Festival (held each year in October) where everyone would be welcomed, showing their true community spirit. and with only a few thousand residents, community spirit is hugely important in this wonderful township.

History and heritage at every turn

Throughout the township, historical buildings can be seen at every turn with many homes, churches and buildings providing a glimpse of the past.

The heritage charm also extends to street sculptures, furniture and art including historic brass footpath inserts that reference the Willunga Courthouse and Slate Museum at the top of High Street.

Stretch your legs and extend your stay

There’s also plenty for those who wish to stretch their legs with an 18-hole golf course and many walking trails — including the start (or finish) of the Coast to Vines Rail Trail. There’s even an App called Willunga Walks produced by the National Trust of South Australia that gives walkers a choice of two interactive historical strolls around the town.

Afterwards, weary walkers can rest up at one of the many parks, gardens and funky street seats. But for the young and young at heart, more adventure awaits at the local sports grounds, skate park, or BMX track.

Accommodation is diverse and plentiful with options in the town and nearby making it an easy decision to spend a couple of days exploring everything this pretty little village offers.

Art, dine & drink or shop. The choice is endless!

For those who love to peruse, galleries and studios are brimming with mosaics, glass, silver jewellery, and furniture abound. Meanwhile, op shops and other stops, featuring vintage bric-a-brac, retro clothing and curios await discovery.

Foodies can rejoice with cafés, pubs, restaurants, acclaimed pizzerias, providores, a gourmet general store, bakery, cake shop, and a chocolatier all catering to the hungry. For the thirsty, a boutique bottle shop, cellar doors, breweries, pubs and bars have your favourite tipple covered.

Willunga is also home to many beautiful parks and playgrounds within close distance to the main town centre, they are particularly stunning when the almond blossoms trees are in bloom. Download the Blossom Tour Map and enjoy a picnic lunch and day out with family. 

To put you in a festive mood, they also host the Almond Blossom Festival in July of each year, the Fleurieu Folk Festival in October and a stage of the Santos Festival of Cycling in January of each year. 

To market to market – home to SA’s best farmers market

However, where Willunga outdoes itself is with its markets. The weekly Saturday morning Farmers Market at Willunga High School is renown throughout the state with thousands attending rain, hail or shine. More than 80 farmers and artisan food producers from the region sell fresh produce that includes meat, poultry and seafood, fruit and vegetables, dairy and bakery items, drinks, artisan goodies and condiments and garden products. 

Other markets include the Green Light Organic Market every Saturday, while every second Saturday visitors can look forward to the Willunga Artisans & Handmade Market, and Willunga Quarry Market.