Holiday Location You’ll Never
Want (or Need) to Leave
Why simply exist in the city when you can
really live by the sea?
If you’ve ever daydreamed about packing up and moving far away to a quaint seaside town, but worried that you might miss the modern conveniences of suburban living, Aldinga or Port Willunga may just be the perfect solution.
These sister-suburbs are an easy 45-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD. Travelling south toward the Fleurieu Peninsula, city streets give way to wide, open fields and sprawling vineyards, framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Mount Lofty Ranges.
All roads into this once exclusive holiday-town lead straight to the coast. With its soft, white sand and incredibly clear cobalt-blue waters that endure as far as the eye can see, Aldinga’s coastline would not feel out of place in either Fiji or Puerto Rico.
Featuring one of only a few drive-on beaches in South Australia, the warm summer months bring with them the opportunity to pack a picnic in the boot, drive down to the shoreline and while away hours relaxing beside the water, waves lapping at your feet.
The Aldinga Aquatic Reserve boasts some of the best snorkeling in Australia; the vibrant, protected reef offering up a thriving underwater wonderland full of marine life. More active individuals will appreciate the spectacular coastal hiking trails, while locals launching their boat right off the beach for a spot of fishing is a regular sight. And for thrill seekers who prefer a bird’s eye view, skydiving onto the shore really is an experience like no other.
Nature lovers are also in for a treat, where they can immerse themselves within the vast, 300ha boundary of the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park. Playing host to an array of rare flora and fauna - including over 160 species of bird - a network of leisurely, meandering trails ensures something new is discovered at every turn.
And if fresh, local produce is your passion, let yourself be captivated by the melting pot of award-winning wineries, farmer’s markets and collection of small boutique traders that exist just minutes away in the world-renowned McLaren Vale wine region and historic inland village of Willunga.
First settled in the 1840s with farming its primary focus, Aldinga was built as a pit stop along the ‘Old Coach Road’ and offered a welcome break for those transporting produce along the coast. At its peak, the town was home to two mills, churches, a hotel, blacksmith, and a total of six pubs.
By the 1890s, the easy travel route, stunning setting and established conveniences saw it become a popular tourist destination, and holiday homes began to spring up along the coast.
During the same period, nearby Port Willunga established itself as South Australia’s second busiest sea port. Two jetties dominated its shoreline, and today, several pylons - known as 'the sticks' - still protrude from the sand, providing a strikingly beautiful backdrop for keen photographers. Alongside the old ‘Fisherman’s Caves’ - originally carved into the surrounding cliffs to store boats - and the wreckage of the Star of Greece, an ill-fated cargo ship that met its demise just offshore in 1888, these are the only remnants of the town’s industrious history.
Today, Port Willunga is most well-known for its charming, old-world cottages and attracting celebrities seeking a more laid-back existence. Luxurious experiences define its offering, and the award-winning Star of Greece restaurant, its name derived from the aforementioned shipwreck, is a popular destination for both residents and tourists. Perched atop a cliff, guests can unwind, glass of local wine in hand, while being treated to one of the most exquisite coastal views you’ll find anywhere. It really is bliss.
And just like its early days, Aldinga continues to combine the best of both worlds - maintaining its relaxed and friendly holiday vibe, while offering all the amenities of modern life. With a veritable buffet of shops, cafés, bakeries and restaurants to choose from, plus easy access to reliable public transport, everything is within close proximity. You’ll never want to leave.
With so much to offer, why not pack those bags and make your daydream a reality? No compromise necessary.
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