Top 5 Things To Do In The Fleurieu Peninsula

Spend your days sipping award-winning wines, dining at mouth-watering restaurants and exploring jaw-dropping landscapes. 

Just forty-five minutes from Adelaide lies the Fleurieu Peninsula, where pristine beaches meet picturesque bushland, and world-famous wineries and incredible restaurants await. Check out our list of the top five things to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula and start planning your adventure.

1. The d’Arenberg Cube, McLaren Vale

A giant Rubik's Cube seemingly floating above the vineyards beckons curious wine lovers to the d’Arenberg Cube - one of the most iconic cellar doors in Australia. Set among the rolling hills of McLaren Vale on the largest biodynamic winery in Australia, the Cube features a new tasting room, several bars, a casual dining restaurant and private tasting rooms with 360 degree views over five levels. Spend an afternoon sampling a selection of d’Arenberg’s best drops or blend and bottle your very own wine during a blending bench masterclass.

2. Down The Rabbit Hole, McLaren Vale

Come Down The Rabbit Hole into one of the most magical new cellar doors in McLaren Vale. Fleurieu Peninsula locals, Elise and Domenic, have returned to South Australia after spending two years travelling to the farthest corners of Australia in their kombi van, sharing and showing their McLaren Vale wines as they went. They spent many long roads dreaming up a place they'd love to create and share with people, and upon return began building it together, with the help of a few friends.  One of their adventures was driving a vintage double decker Leyland bus back to South Australia, which they've now converted into their tasting room. Step aboard to taste a drop or two, and hear a few stories, before you venture to the cellar door bar, or the coffee hut, grab a picnic, and throw down a rug. They'll top up your glass wherever you roam and have you feeling right at home.

3. Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale

Surrounded by picturesque vineyards that date back to 1893, Maxwell Wines is an idyllic location for an unforgettable food and wine experience in the heart of McLaren Vale. Set in a stunning Limestone building, enjoy lunch at one of the best regional dining experiences in Australia. Sample from an impressive line-up of locally sourced seasonal produce, pick fresh herbs and vegies from their garden or put together a cheese board from the cellar door and relax with a picnic down near the vines. If you have an extra special event to celebrate, Maxwell Wines offers the perfect unique subterranean setting – a cave dug 50 metres into a limestone hill tucked away behind the winery. Available for group pre-bookings, the cave is a magical and intimate space where you’ll unearth some of the best food and wine in the region. 

4. Helivista Tour, Mclaren Vale

Take to the skies for a birds-eye view of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s most breathtaking landscapes. Soak in epic views of lush rolling hills, vineyards, beaches and coastline on a scenic Helivista helicopter tour. Flight options are available for winery hopping, beer flights or 30-minute scenic flights - you can even choose to be picked up from a selection of accommodation options in Mclaren Vale and dropped off at a local winery for lunch!

5. Beaches, Fleurieu Peninsula

Jaw-dropping limestone cliffs towering above pristine sandy white shores, sparkling turquoise water spilling out to the ocean beyond. Secluded coves, seaside caves, and abundant aquatic life. The Fleurieu Peninsula’s beaches are among the best in the world. One of the best spots to kayak in South Australia, drift through secret ocean grottos and explore a labyrinth of caves, coves and rock pools in Second Valley, picnic in the insta-famous seaside caves of Port Willunga, or float cliff-side in the calm waters of Port Noarlunga South’s inlet. Drive right onto the beach and spend the day lounging on sandy shores at Sellicks Beach, then head to Rapid Bay to snorkel and dive in the crystal-clear waters of Gulf St Vincent and the chance to glimpse the rare Leafy Sea Dragon. Here’s our guide to the best Fleurieu Peninsula beaches.

Stay longer on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Stay a little longer and soak-up the sun, surf and shiraz on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Get away for the weekend to one of our top Fleurieu getaways, then treat your stomach to McLaren Vale’s best produce with our three-day foodie itinerary.