Holiday houses in Willunga

You can find the town of Willunga in South Australia, a 45-minute drive from the city of Adelaide. This small city is considered a suburb of Adelaide but has the calming feel of somewhere more remote, thanks to its lush greenery and striking coastlines. The area’s rolling green hills and healthy foliage make for great farming conditions and thriving wildlife — it’s not unusual to see animals like sheep and kangaroos happily roaming free on the hillsides.

The town itself is home to charming two-storey buildings with wrap-around verandas, traditional bungalows, historic pubs, and a picturesque rose garden. Willunga is tucked away in the world-renowned McLaren Vale Wine Region, meaning an exceptional glass of Australian Shiraz is easy to come by. Port Willunga, a short journey west to the coast, is an impressive beach area featuring magical sea caves and multi-coloured rugged cliffs that tower over the golden sands and bright blue water.

Due to its proximity to the coastline, temperatures in Willunga can vary significantly from day to night, and of course, season to season. The warmest months to search for accommodation in Willunga are from December to February, and while days can be quite warm, you’ll want to pack a few light layers for when the sun goes down and temperatures start to cool. Spring in Willunga turns colourful and bright with hundreds of almond trees in full pink-and-white bloom. This time of year also features Willunga’s popular Fleurieu Folk Festival, an annual music and dance event featuring everything from folk and bluegrass to cabaret and traditional Celtic music. The comfortable climate in autumn is great for exploring the town’s farmers’ markets, which are held every Saturday and offer up fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal crafts. Things can get chilly in the winter, so be sure to pack layers and one solid, warm jacket along with a raincoat.

Port Willunga Jetty Pylons

The old jetty, a ruin of distinctive stakes jutting out from the water, is a well-recognized symbol of the Willunga area. It's located right on a swim-friendly beach, and, surrounded by the turquoise water, resembles the remains of a ghostly shipwreck. From the jetty, you can also admire the staggering cliff formations lining the shore.

Shiraz Trail

Explore the famous McLaren Vale Wine Region on bike along the appropriately named Shiraz Trail. The flat, well-marked trail will lead you from vineyard to vineyard, giving you opportunities to ride amid the endless wine groves in the South Australian sunshine.

d’Arenberg Cube

A newer feature of the wine country, the d’Arenberg Cube — remarkable enough to be a sculpture — is actually a functional building. A series of glass cubes within a larger cube, the building contains five storeys’ worth of art exhibits, food, and locally produced wine. The juxtaposition of the modern cube against the rural backdrop makes for an architectural “wow” moment.