Port Willunga: Sea Breezes and Slow Days
We pulled into Port Willunga for a short stay and ended up settling in for a couple of weeks, and honestly, it was hard to leave. With its mix of coastal charm and nearby wine country, this little slice of South Australia kept ticking all the boxes.
Most days began slowly, with leisurely beach walks and relaxed coffees. The old jetty ruins, poking out of the turquoise sea, are endlessly photogenic, especially in the soft morning light. Just around the corner, we explored the historic fishing caves carved into the cliffs. Carved by hand and still standing strong, they’re a reminder of the days when this beach was the centre of a bustling local fishing trade.
One day trip took us inland to Kuitpo Forest, where Cameron faced one of his long-held fears: heights. The tree climb course loomed high above the forest floor, a maze of ropes, platforms and ziplines. The first few steps were shaky, and a few choice words were muttered, but with a little encouragement and a lot of deep breathing, he managed to push through. By the end, he was zipping between trees like a pro. Not only did he conquer the course, but he also walked away buzzing with pride and perhaps a touch of adrenaline.
One of the highlights was firing up the motorbikes for a few days of cruising through McLaren Vale. Winding roads, rolling vineyards, and cellar doors with ocean views — it’s as dreamy as it sounds. We stopped in at a few favourites and couldn’t resist the Salvador Dalí exhibition at d’Arenberg’s Cube. Art, wine, surrealist sculpture, and an elevator with its own soundtrack; it was a sensory overload in the best way.
On warmer days, we’d duck down to Maslin Beach for a cheeky sunbake. It’s a clothing-optional beach (Australia’s first, in fact), and it’s easy to see why people feel free there with wide open sands, cliffs that glow at sunset, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Port Willunga offered the perfect mix of sea breeze, good food, great wine, and long afternoons with nowhere else to be.
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Port Willunga
Port Willunga sits on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, just south of Adelaide. The beach is known for its jetty pylons, limestone cliffs and calm swimming water, with McLaren Vale and Kuitpo Forest within easy reach.
How to Get There
Port Willunga is about 45 minutes south of Adelaide via the Southern Expressway. Maslin Beach, McLaren Vale and Kuitpo Forest are all within short driving distance on sealed roads.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Stayed near Port Willunga Beach.
Walked the coastline and explored the historic fishing caves.
Took a day trip to Kuitpo Forest for the tree-climb adventure.
Rode the motorbikes through McLaren Vale and visited d’Arenberg’s Cube.
Spent warm afternoons relaxing at Maslin Beach.
Willunga Farmers Market (Saturday mornings).
Other highlights nearby:
Aldinga Beach and the Star of Greece restaurant.
McLaren Vale wineries and farm shops.
Coast to Vines Rail Trail for walking and cycling.
When to Visit
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and clear water. Summer brings warm beach days and busy weekends, while winter has cooler winds but great light for photography along the cliffs.
Final Thoughts
Port Willunga is an easy coastal stop with plenty to do and no need to rush. Between the beach, the forest, the wine and the open days, it’s the sort of place that fills up a fortnight without you noticing.
What’s Nearby
North leads toward Adelaide’s southern beaches and cafes, while inland takes you deeper into McLaren Vale and the foothills. South leads toward the quiet stretches of the Fleurieu Peninsula and the coast beyond.
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Fast Facts
Location: Port Willunga, Fleurieu Peninsula SA
Distance: 45 km south of Adelaide
Traditional Owners: Kaurna People
Access: Sealed roads from Adelaide and McLaren Vale
Facilities: Cafes, restaurants, beaches, walking tracks, nearby wineries
Walking Track: Clifftop paths and beach access
Dog Friendly: Yes, with time-of-day restrictions on some beaches
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Clifftop Paths: Keep an eye on the edges — and the wind.
Sun: Even on cool days, it sneaks up fast.
Tree-Climb Courses: Not dangerous, just confronting… for some of us.
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