McLaren Vale Travel Guide

Adelaide

McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
d\'Arenberg Wines

Enjoy watersports, visit historical buildings, explore a shipwreck and go on wine-tasting tours in one of South Australia's oldest wine regions.

For nearly 200 years, the landscape and soils of McLaren Vale have been producing wines, among them shiraz, tempranillo and cabernet. With more than 100 vineyards, there is no shortage of places to stop and sample local varieties. But the region also has a lot more going on beyond its wine production. Hike through the picturesque countryside, visit historic towns and relax on a beach.

Find superb wines across the region by going on organised or self-guided wine tours. One way to reach some of the wineries is to walk or cycle the 5-mile (8-kilometre) Shiraz Trail. The route follows an old railway line through the scenic surroundings, passing wineries and olive groves.

Combine your wine tastings with exploration of other McLaren Vale attractions. Experience even more of the beautiful scenery by walking or cycling along the many dedicated paths. Go bushwalking in the Onkaparinga River National Park and kayak on the Onkaparinga River, the second longest in the state.

Sample cheeses, chutneys and other local produce at the Willunga Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning in Willunga's town square. Among the town’s other sites of interest are the 19th-century old courthouse and police station and the old post office and telegraph station. Visit additional old buildings in the historic towns of Clarendon and Old Reynella.

Spend some time in the town of McLaren Vale, browsing boutiques and art galleries and dining in its restaurants.

Relax on one of the beaches along the region's extensive coastline. Dive the wreck of the Star of Greece at Aldinga Beach, surf and swim at Moana Beach and snorkel and scuba dive the reef at Port Noarlunga.

The easiest way to get around to McLaren Vale's wineries, beaches and historic towns is in a rental car. Get to the region in about 45 minutes by car from Adelaide, a journey of about 25 miles (40 kilometres). There are also bus services between the city and some of the region’s towns.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in McLaren Vale

Hilton Adelaide

Hilton Adelaide

5 out of 5
233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.528.195 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp1.528.195
Rp1.681.014 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"The Executive Lounge for canapes at night and a hot breakfast in the morning was fabulous. The staff were very attentive."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Hilton Adelaide
Adelaide Rockford

Adelaide Rockford

4 out of 5
164 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is Rp1.512.499 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
Rp1.512.499
Rp1.663.749 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staaff, clean and wonderful breakfast."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Adelaide Rockford
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide

Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide

4.5 out of 5
65 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is Rp1.521.342 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.521.342
Rp1.673.476 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Very good customer service, staff very friendly and helpful and Hotel was close to everything you need..Parking a bit tight with a 4wd but doable..Thanks!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide

Stamford Plaza Adelaide

5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.533.335 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp1.533.335
Rp1.686.668 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
2 night trip
"The grandeur of the hotel lobby, breakfast area, does not reflect the actual room we stayed in. We didn't dare open the wardrobe as the door looked like it might fall in top of us, it was not in place on the track properly. The bathroom was dated but functional. The few staff we spoke were pleasant ..."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
30 Blyth Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is Rp1.284.197 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
Rp1.284.197
Rp1.412.617 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Biggest problem with this hotel (partly my fault) is parking, no onsite parking available. Having to use the Wilsons next door became quite expensive even after the Hotels discount. The staff were great and the free breakfast is a bonus, if only everything was hot, even the coffee machine produced ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
Adelaide Riviera Hotel

Adelaide Riviera Hotel

4 out of 5
31 34 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is Rp1.284.917 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.284.917
Rp1.413.409 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Super comfy, quiet and close to all you need around north terrace"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Adelaide Riviera Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around McLaren Vale

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Port Willunga

Port Willunga might not have many top sights, but Port Willunga Beach and Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Port Willunga
Aldinga Beach

Aldinga Beach

Travellers like the beaches in Aldinga Beach, and Aldinga Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Aldinga Beach
Glenelg showing heritage architecture and a park

Glenelg

Enjoy the stunning beaches in Glenelg. Jetty Road is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Jetty Road (Stop 16) Tram Stop or Moseley Square (Stop 17) Tram Stop to see more of Adelaide.

Glenelg
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Stirling

You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Stirling. You might want to make time for a stop at Stirling Markets or Service Woman's War Memorial Reserve.

Stirling
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Adelaide Airport

Travellers like the golf courses in Adelaide Airport, and Harbour Town Adelaide is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Adelaide Airport
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Cleland

If you're spending some time in Cleland, Cleland Wildlife Park and Crafers to Mt Lofty Trail Trailhead are top sights worth seeing.

Cleland

McLaren Vale Travel Guide