Willunga is the kind of town that rewards arriving hungry. Around 45 minutes south of Adelaide, this historic Fleurieu Peninsula township sits at the southern end of the McLaren Vale wine region, surrounded by vineyards, farms and some very good places to eat and drink.
In 2026, Willunga was named Australia's number one Food & Wine Town by Australian Traveller, as well as ranking seventh among Australia's top towns overall. Its food credentials only grew from there, with underground Willunga bar Tread Lightly named Australia's Bar of the Year by Gourmet Traveller.
The main street mixes heritage buildings with independent shops, galleries, cafés and pubs, while surrounding roads lead quickly to cellar doors, breweries and vineyards. Every Saturday, Willunga Farmers Market, South Australia's first farmers market, brings local growers and producers together for one of the town's defining weekly rituals.
Walk or ride the Shiraz Trail towards McLaren Vale, explore the surrounding wine country, or head up Willunga Hill to Wildhand Farm for its bookable Highland cow experiences, currently running through September 2026.
Willunga has earned the accolades, but it's the mix of good food, wine, independent businesses and country-town character that makes people stay.
