McLaren Vale was the birthplace of South Australia’s wine business and has extra boutique wineries and eating places than you’ll be able to increase a glass to.
Along with sampling the area’s fabulous meals and fantastic wines, you’ll be able to discover trails winding by way of untouched Australian bushland, stroll by way of lush inexperienced vineyards and admire the area’s beautiful surroundings at Onkaparinga River National Park. McLaren Vale would possibly solely be 45 minutes from downtown Adelaide nevertheless it gives an exquisite rural escape and seems like a world away. Here are among the greatest issues to do in McLaren Vale in your subsequent journey to South Australia.
1. Cycle the Coast to Vines Rail Trail
The Coast to Vines Rail Trail is also called the Shiraz Trail and has been constructed alongside a disused rail hall. This scenic vehicle-free path takes you previous wonderful surroundings and very good wineries. Make an prolonged cease on the acclaimed Wirra Wirra Winery for a platter lunch and unique tasting and tour. Wirra Wirra is an Aboriginal identify which means “among the gum tree” and the 125-year-old ironstone vineyard remains to be surrounded by the bushes at present.
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2. Onkaparinga River National Park
Take a drive to Onkaparinga River National Park the place a brief stroll reveals views over McLaren Vale and the rugged cliffs that make up the park’s many gorges. This National Park is dwelling to one of many most interesting examples of South Adelaide’s authentic panorama and stuffed with crystal clear rock swimming pools and native wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, and possums. Keep a watch out for the heritage-listed huts that date again to the 1800s and reveal the realm’s farming historical past.
3. See Port Willunga
Port Willunga jetty is thought regionally as ‘the sticks’ as not a lot of it stays nevertheless it stays some of the photographed spots in South Australia. You’ll discover one in every of South Australia’s most photographed seashores right here as nicely with golden sands, steep cliffs and water that beckons travellers to dive in when the climate is heat. It’s laborious to imagine this lovely spot was as soon as one in every of South Australia’s largest ports.
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4. Drop into the Star of Greece
Drive previous the aptly named Silver Sands, the place the glowing seashore and ocean meet, and comply with the coast to Port Willunga which gives views out to Kangaroo Island on a transparent day. Perched excessive on a hill you’ll discover the enduring Star of Greece restaurant, one in every of South Australia’s most well-known eating spots. It would possibly seem like a easy café however this breezy coastal restaurant gives way more than an informal chunk to eat with a classy menu and a wine record that makes it tempting to linger over one other glass of wine from the native space.
5. Shop ‘til you drop
Shop for native delicacies like juicy cherries, crusty sourdough and avocados from the Adelaide Hills as you stroll across the full of life Willunga Farmer’s Markets which has been working for greater than 20 years. Revive alongside the way in which at wineries and micro-breweries then drop right into a café or a vineyard restaurant for lunch. After you’ve browsed distinctive jewelry and handmade clothes and accessories at McLaren Vale’s boutiques, cease for a espresso and a scrumptious pastry.
6. Skinny dip at Maslin Beach
Maslin Beach which is known for being Australia’s very first official nudist seashore. The calm blue waters are nice for swimming and snorkelling and likewise having fun with a thin dip offered you follow the southern finish of the seashore. The remainder of this huge stretch of golden sand enclosed inside tall cliffs isn’t ‘clothing optional’ so don’t strip off your gear and dive into the water until you’re in the appropriate spot. The sand dunes tackle an exquisite glow because the solar begins happening.