What are the Best Things to do in McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu this Summer? Check out a few of our favourites in this guide, including some new places to eat, drink and stay.
To Drink – Qahwa Espresso Bar
If you like your morning coffee with a side of sand, then Qahwa Espresso Bar in coastal town Victor Harbor, has you covered, not only is it steps from the beach, but you can combine your morning coffee with a game of beach volleyball! No need for shoes, sit with your feet in the sand and enjoy some of their delicious offerings – think big breakfasts, healthy wraps, asian inspired salads, homemade cakes, biscuits, chia puddings and all sorts of smoothies! Book a court and invite your friends and family along for a seriously fun game of volleyball by the ocean, with treats galore.
— 93 Bridge Tce, Victor Harbor
— @qahwacoffeeroasters
To Shop – Harvest the Fleurieu
If the warmer weather has you dreaming of sweet, sun ripened strawberries, then you’re among your people at Harvest the Fleurieu in Mount Compass. This family run fruit & vegetable grower is well known amongst the locals. In summer, when you’re on your way to one of the amazing south coast beaches, this is the place to stop to either pick your own strawberries, or just a pick up a huge punnet of the juiciest strawberries you’ve had in a long time. The market hall is also packed with plenty of other delicious local produce, from fresh vegetables, to homemade jams, pastries, cheeses, bread and cakes. Enough to supply a picnic to remember! So plan an extra day next time you visit, and taste some of the Fleurieu’s bounty of produce at this great destination.
— 2256 Victor Harbor Rd, Mount Compass
— @harvestthefleurieu
To Experience – South Australia Helicopters
Why settle for just driving around the beautiful Fleurieu region when you could be seeing it from the air with South Australian Helicopters? Picture flying over the rows of bright green vines, along the picture perfect aquamarine coastline, and the gently curving hills that surround us, to then land at the winery for your own personal tasting experience. This is definitely a magical way to see this beautiful part of the world, and makes for a pretty spectacular gift! In fact, here at Oliver’s Taranga you may soon see a very special day trip with our friends at SA Helicopters, so stay tuned…
— southaustralianhelicopters.com.au
— @southaustralianhelicopters
To Eat – The Victory Hotel
There are few better places to kick back after a long week than at The Victory Hotel, just south of McLaren Vale, right on top of Sellicks Hill, with views spanning almost the entire coastline. Beer in hand, bare feet on the low stone wall of the beer garden, taking in one of the amazing sunsets, while you enjoy local fish and chips, or a classic schnitty. Not that the Victory doesn’t know how to impress at the other end too, with a wine list as big as a telephone book, and a cellar to make all wine lovers envious, as well as a menu that makes the most of quality Fleurieu produce. The Victory is the kind of pub worth making the detour for, whether it’s a long lunch with your nearest and dearest, or a quiet dinner just for two, you won’t regret it. So think about adding it to your next Fleurieu itinerary, especially this Summer when you can make the most of the amazing outdoor space. It”ll be just what you need after a day on the beach, or exploring local Cellar Doors.
— Old Sellicks Hill Rd, Sellicks Hill
— @victoryhotel
To Stay – Ingoldby Road
Feel like living out your retro dreams on your next holiday? Well, Ingoldby Road accommodation in McLaren Flat is the 1970s house you have been looking for. Renovated by well known South Australian master craftsmen at Spacecraft Joinery, this three bedroom local property is like an orange hued time warp of the best kind. Each bedroom is spacious and comfortable, the lounge room is cosy and bright, and the funky kitchen has everything you need to dish up a meal to impress! Not to mention the amazing authentic furniture throughout the home. The spectacular views straight out to the vineyard and the proximity to some great wineries and restaurants round out a great base to explore the region. So pack your flares, cork heeled wedges and Farrah Fawcett wave in your hair, this place will make you feel right at home!
— Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat
— @ingoldbyroad
— Air BnB listing
And don’t forget to BOOK YOUR SPOT at Oliver’s Taranga while you’re down here enjoying the best the Fleurieu has to offer!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Porchetta Party – Sunday 23rd February
Our Porchetta Party is the kind of lunch Sundays were made for: good friends, great tunes, awesome wines and four delicious courses of amazing food, culminating in the slow roasted, crispy, Italian style Porchetta prepared by our chef Todd Steele.
WHEN 12pm, Sunday 23rd February, 2025
WHERE 246 Seaview Rd, McLaren Vale
COST $150pp (all dietaries catered for)
BOOK oliverstaranga.com/bookings
Summer Vines – 17-27 January 2025
Summer is such a great time to visit McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu, with lush green vines, coastal lifestyle and plenty of places to sit outside and soak it all in. So to make it even more enticing, the whole region is getting involved in Summer Vines, a festival celebrating the season. Wineries will be putting on special offers and events between the 17-27 January, and it will also include the Tour Down Under and RADL GRVL cycling races that travel around the region. Make the most of the great weather and join us!
WHEN 17-27 January 2025
MORE INFO summervines.com.au
OTT Tunes Playlist – Summer 2024/2025
Our Cellar Door team have put together their favourite summer tunes for this season’s playlist, and it’s the soundtrack that will take you from roadtrip, to house party, to chilling on the back deck in the sunshine. Best accompanied with a glass of your favourite wine, download this great mix now, and join us in embracing Summer!