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McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu

World-class wine and a beautiful coast in one easy region south of Adelaide — Shiraz where the vines meet the sea, the Encounter Coast, and winter whales.

McLaren Vale ~45 minWine Shiraz & GrenacheCoast Victor HarborWhales May–Oct
Vines Meet the Sea

McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu Peninsula

Just south of Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula packs world-class wine and a beautiful coast into one easy region. McLaren Vale pours generous Shiraz and old-vine Grenache where the vineyards roll toward the beaches, while the Encounter Coast adds Victor Harbor, Granite Island, a heritage train and winter whales. It’s a day trip or a weekend that mixes cellar doors with sea air — and our detailed Fleurieu Peninsula guide has the full story.

The Essentials

McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Highlights

🍷 The wine

McLaren Vale

Shiraz and old-vine Grenache, 45 minutes from the city, where the vines meet the sea.

🐋 The coast

The Encounter Coast

Victor Harbor, Granite Island, the heritage Cockle Train and winter whales.

🏖 The beaches

Fleurieu Beaches

From family bays to surf breaks and the golden cliffs of Port Willunga.

⛴ The gateway

Cape Jervis

The ferry to Kangaroo Island departs the peninsula’s south-western tip.

Good to Know

McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu — FAQ

What is McLaren Vale known for?

McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s premier regions for Shiraz and old-vine Grenache, set on the Fleurieu Peninsula where the vineyards run down toward the sea, about 45 minutes south of Adelaide. See the wine guides and our detailed Fleurieu Peninsula guide.

What is there to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula?

Beyond McLaren Vale’s cellar doors, the Fleurieu offers the Encounter Coast (Victor Harbor, Granite Island and the Cockle Train), winter whales, beaches and Cape Jervis, the gateway to Kangaroo Island. See the Fleurieu guide.

How far is the Fleurieu from Adelaide?

McLaren Vale is about 45 minutes south, and Victor Harbor and the coast about 1.5 hours — an easy day trip or a relaxed overnight.

Can you see whales on the Fleurieu?

Yes — southern right whales come close to shore along the Encounter Coast from around May to October. See the Victor Harbor & Granite Island guide.

South Australia, Planned Around You

Adelaide, the wine country, Kangaroo Island and the outback — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.

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