ALDINGA BEACH
Aldinga Beach itself is one of the few in Australia where cars are permitted to drive on parts of the broad sand, making it easier for you to reach the water and surf. This is also a great spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, with the beach overlooking an aquatic reserve established to protect a rare reef formation. An underwater trail includes a spectacular drop-off, or underwater cliff and there's a boat ramp providing easy access to the water. Aldinga Beach is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Sea dragon
MCLAREN VALE
McLaren Vale is the gateway to the magnificent Fleurieu Peninsula. It is reached easily from the Adelaide CBD in just 40 minutes via the Southern Expressway. Just 35 kilometres from the city on the Fleurieu Peninsula, McLaren Vale is a beautiful region nestling between rolling hills, vineyards, farmlands, olive and almond groves and a spectacular coastline just minutes away.
Here you can enjoy a variety of experiences through charming towns and villages, including Willunga and Old Aldinga.
At one time McLaren Vale was the almond growing capital of Australia. They soon discovered the rich soils were prime vineyard land and produced wines of exceptional quality. Many growers switched to vines, almond groves still exist in the region today, mostly in Willunga.
McLaren Vale is renowned for its award winning wines and 45 wineries, olives and olive oil, fine dining restaurants, gourmet foods, cafes, galleries, nurseries and of course, The Almond Train - a local icon for many years now
WILLUNGA FARMERS MARKETS
Willunga Farmers Market was the first farmers market to be established in South Australia and is now considered one of the best.
‘Meet the grower and taste the region’ is the theme for this market, held every Saturday in Willunga Town Square; rain, hail or shine!
With more than 55 stalls selling fresh primary produce from regional farms and Fleurieu Peninsula products, shoppers experience a diverse variety, showcasing all that is fresh and seasonal.
Every Saturday from 8am – 12.130pm.
THE ALMOND TRAIN
This carriage was the first of the two now located in McLaren Vale on the disused railway line that leads to the historic town of Willunga. The line is now a linear park walking and bike trail leading through the picturesque vineyards and groves.
The carriage arrived on the site November 28 1984. It was built at Islington, South Australia and entered service in July 1924. It was converted for suburban use in the 1960's and was estimated to have travelled some two million miles during its service. For part of its time the train ran on the old Adelaide to Willunga line which is where it is now sited.
The line was opened by Sir Henry Galway (Governor of South Australia) on January 20, 1915 and closed in 1969. Today the carriage is known as 'The Almond Train'. It is a popular 'One Stop Regional Product Shop', showcasing the best products and gourmet foods the region has to offer.
Tastings of almonds, dukkah, olives and olive oil are held daily and you can purchase quality fine foods from the region, as well as gifts, crafts, and souvenirs. Many customers order by phone or email and deliveries can be made worldwide.
The Almond Train is a 1920's train carriage located near The Shiraz Trail on the old Willunga line in the heart of McLaren Vale. The Almond Train has become an iconic tourist attraction in McLaren Vale delighting young and old for more than twenty five years. We conduct free daily tastings of the regions finest gourmet almonds, olive oils, dukkah, sauces, chutneys and jams. Our gourmet pantry has a wide selection of accompaniments and is a must see for the gourmet traveller.
The Almond Train offers a vast selection of flavoured almonds, gourmet foods, old fashioned lollies, local crafts, gifts, quality Australiana, souvenirs and more. We also specialise in gift baskets for all occasions - birthdays, anniversaries or corporate appreciation gifts.
STAR OF GREECE
A seaside shack overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf of St Vincent, Star of Greece offers an extensive menu, covering exquisitely fresh seafood to tantalizing desserts. Colourful hand painted chairs and glasses add bohemian charm to this space. The tables are packed tight, the staff are warm and friendly and the wine list is more than extensive. Cool and casual, the Star of Greece is just the place for that long, lazy holiday lunch.
BLESSED CHEESE
Located in the bustling main street of McLaren Vale, Blessed Cheese is a unique combination of cheese shop, licensed cafe and providore.
We pride ourselves on our professional selection of local, interstate and imported farmhouse and artisan cheeses. There is a cheese for every taste together with our Blessed Cheese accompliments to enhance your personel selection.
Our enthusiasm for quality food and produce is evident on the shelves with a wide variety of local and imported gourmet foods, pasta, olive oil, vinegar, jams and pickles. Together with our Blessed Cheese range of relishes, olives, antipasto and small goods, it's easy to pack a picnic and head into the Vale.
Many of the cheeses and deli goods are used in the menu at Blessed Cheese where the emphasis is on local and seasonal produce.
Browse in Blessed Cheese and stay for a meal.
SEA AND VINES
In 2007, BankSA became the naming rights sponsor for the McLaren Vale Sea & Vines Festival.
Nearly 40,000 people flock to the wine coast of McLaren Vale every year during two days of the June long weekend (Sunday and Monday) to meet leading McLaren Vale winemakers and enjoy their sensational wines. As well as this, attendees are able to enjoy seasonal fresh produce from the renowned Fleurieu Peninsula and South Australia's best in live entertainment.
To enhance the experience for all attendees, BankSA offers competitions to win great prizes and free giveaways.
ADELAIDE’S UNDERWATER HERITAGE TRAIL INFORMATION
Adelaide's Underwater Heritage Trail interprets four shipwrecks located in Gulf St Vincent - the Grecian, Zanoni, Star of Greece and Norma. These wrecks represent a variety of vessels associated with trade and development in South Australia during the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s and span the period of British shipbuilding from 1841 to 1893. The remains demonstrate the four major types of materials used in sailing vessel construction during that era - wood, composite (wood and iron), iron and steel. This trail, which extends from the Star of Greece, off Port Willunga, to the Zanoni, about 15 kilometers south east of Ardrossan, includes a brochure and four underwater plaques placed adjacent to each wreck.
