Fleurieu Calendar

Food-lovers’ Guide

Here’s where you can start planning your own personal epicurean adventure. From five-star dining to fish & chips on a sandy beach, you’ll find masterpieces of flavour, imagination and presentation that will transform your every meal into a banquet.

Getting into the Fleurieu food scene is all about getting to know the region. Hop in your car or take a tour - first stop: Visitor Centre (if you are coming from Adelaide, head for McLaren Vale main road and you will find the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Visitor Centre; arriving along the coast from Melbourne go to Goolwa, Victor Harbor or Strathalbyn Visitor Centres, another one lies in the historic town of Yankalilla) pick up your Perfect Peninsula Picnic map, a guide to food produce and delicious locations.   Take your time to become acquainted with the people and places – before long, you’ll discover a fine eatery, or you’ll become hooked on some particular local produce that will keep drawing you back throughout the year.

Well, that’s not a bad thing!

After all, the taste sensations change with every season, in the markets and on the menus of Fleurieu Peninsula Restaurants you’ll find regional specialties to enjoy here all year round. From fresh, ripe berries in summer through to steaming mulled wine in winter – you can discover numerous seasonal delights to fill your pantry and tantalise your senses.

Eating Out

Restaurant Guide to the region.

[Click on the 'Restaurant Guide to the region' for a listing of local eateries]

Ah, the pleasures of the table and the unreserved joy of eating! Across the Fleurieu Peninsula, talented chefs and cooks daily devote themselves to creating masterpieces from age-old, simple ingredients. With a contemporary food culture strongly based on Mediterranean-style cuisine (with increasing Asian influences), priority is always given to using only the freshest local produce, naturally ripened and prepared, to achieve an unchallenged clarity of taste and flavour.

Plump, ripe tomato slices sitting atop crusty wood-oven bread, drizzled with pungent, green extra-virgin olive oil and adorned with a sprinkling of the purest white salt flakes and generous chunks of cracked black pepper…

The sheer abundance of local produce inspires the region’s chefs to ever-increasing levels of creativity – from painstakingly slow-cooked, melt-in-the-mouth winter hot-pots, swimming in rich complex flavours, through to ultra-fresh minimalist combinations of the most absolute purity. One thing is for sure, the restaurant scene here offers some of the best eating experiences in the world.

Picnic Spots

For our suggestions on perfect local ingredients and some stunning locations just stop in at any Visitor Centre in Fleurieu Peninsula for the Perfect Peninsula Picnic map.  What better way could there be to enjoy the gastronomic bounty and natural beauty of the Fleurieu than with a picnic? Much of our renowned produce is ideally suited to the picnic hamper: how about tasty leg ham, crusty sour-dough bread, a ripe goat-cheese and a bottle of fruity red wine; or perhaps some delicately smoked trout, a pot of aromatic ‘chilli jam’ and a salad of mixed baby greens and freshly picked herbs?

The perfect location is…everywhere! You can spread your picnic blanket on the manicured lawns of a fragrant rose garden, under the gnarled bows of an historic olive grove, or on the sandy foreshore at any number of picturesque coastal towns. If you prefer to get away by yourself, you can find plenty of secluded spots in any one of the region’s substantial areas of natural bushland. You can’t go past the breathtaking scenery of Deep Creek Conservation Park, Hindmarsh Falls, or the Onkaparinga River National Park. Granite Island, with its penguins and horse-drawn trams, is a perennial favourite with families, or for the more active, a bushwalk among the dense pines of Kuitpo Forest is guaranteed to sharpen the appetite.

Before you go, stop in at one of the region’s Visitor Centres to pick up a map of the region’s best picnic spots. At the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Visitor Centre you can buy some local produce and even spread out your rug on the Centre lawns overlooking Stump Hill vineyard.

Tip: Blessed Cheese in McLaren Vale offer ready-made picnics, ready to go in cool packs.

Dining by the coast

Beer-battered King George Whiting with salty, golden chips and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice; freshly-caught blue-swimmer crabs in a spicy Asian sauce; plump, char-grilled prawns on a bed of fragrant rice… This region makes the most of being surrounded by the sea on three sides. Overlooking an expansive ocean view while dining on the best squid in Australia would have to rank among one of the most enjoyable Fleurieu Peninsula Food experiences.

Port Noarlunga, Port Willunga, Silver Sands, Goolwa, Victor Harbor or Port Elliot – all along this expansive coastline you can enjoy unrivalled views of the sea while dining on the ‘catch of the day’. For a seafood experience you’re sure to remember, visit the Star of Greece café at Port Willunga, the Flying Fish Café at Middleton, Blue’s Restaurant at Goolwa, the Coolangatta Café at Silver Sands, Mezes at Port Noarlunga, or the Whalers’ Inn at Victor Harbor.

Wine & food

South Australia holds an eminent position in Australia's wine industry, with many of its wines sought after internationally. Here in the Fleurieu Peninsula, we are home to some of the state's most famous wine regions, the most well-known being McLaren Vale. Now, also achieving recognition are Langhorne Creek's flinty Shiraz, as well as a number of unique wines from the Currency Creek and Southern Fleurieu districts.

There is a long tradition of grape growing and wine making in the McLaren Vale area, but with the renaissance of the Shiraz and Grenache varieties in the 1980’s and ‘90’s, the region became justifiably famous for its rich reds. Since then, the local industry has boomed, undergoing a period of massive expansion and investment, with wine now being exported around the globe. Today, the district resembles a giant patchwork quilt – row upon row of neatly ordered vines, changing colours with the seasons.

Andrew Garrett, Chapel Hill, Coriole, d'Arenberg, Fox Creek, Geoff Merrill, BRL Hardy's Reynella, Haselgrove, Maglieri, Noon, Normans, Richard Hamilton, Pirramimma, Rosemount, Seaview, Tatachilla, Wirra Wirra and Woodstock are all well-known wine brands which can be found here.

For more information on the McLaren Vale Wine District, visit the website: www.mclarenvale.info

Mix and match across the wine districts

A major wine producing region, McLaren Vale has over sixty cellar doors. Apart from giving you the chance to sample the latest vintage, a number of these also offer complementary food experiences:

The picturesque Victor Harbor and Yankalilla districts are also experiencing significant growth in viticulture, and the lesser-known wine region of Southern Fleurieu is gradually attracting outside interest. You can sample these regions’ unique wines at various local cellar doors and many proud south-coast restaurants.

Spring

With spring comes new growth, blossoms, bird-song and blue skies. It’s a time for romance, joyful celebration, picnics and festivals. Feel the warm sun on your shoulders and a crisp breeze on your face as you stroll briskly along coastal cliff-tops, overlooking a restless grey-green seascape. Inland, the pace of life quickens as almond season approaches. Sample the first of these fresh, milky nuts – resplendent in their simplicity, and generally considered among the finest in Australia.

Spring lambs, asparagus, eggs, ripe cheeses, new season's olive oil, spring vegetables ... this is food lover's time of the year.

Opening of the Yabbie Season! Visit Galloway Yabbies to experience the freshest and best of the new season.

Fiesta! spring food and wine celebrations begin across the region.

Outdoor dining begins, evening trading and the new vintage of wine is released.

Spring is the time to head South for food and wine.

Summer

Squeals of delight from children splashing in the shallows reverberate along rugged coastal cliffs; tanned tourists eat cold gelato under colourful café awnings; overhead, hungry white gulls circle as they keep watch for wayward chips. It’s beach weather – sun, sea and warm summer breezes. This is the time for eating outdoors, chilled sparkling wines, and dining with sand between your toes down here in Australia’s southern playground.

Each summer our pristine coastal waters teem with life, providing the best fishing of the year. Now’s the perfect time to take a rod and catch your own supper! Night and day, the tempting aroma of barbecued squid wafts through parks and reserves all along the coast. Fried quickly in a little butter, with a generous sprinkling of salt and cracked black pepper, then served hot with lemon wedges and a crisp, freshly-dressed organic salad…it’s ecstasy in red, white and green!

Summer on the Peninsula is the playground for the Australia and a destination for international tourists.

The locals take summer seriously – fish season! This is time to eat outdoors, picnic on the beach. Getting sand between the toes while you dine is a way of life for the coastal dwellers. Squid on the barbecue and fresh organic salads is a regional must.

Mount Compass day trip for foodies

• Breakfast at Mt Compass Venison, excellent coffee and regional produce – stock up on some of the most superb Venison products you will ever taste.
• Trout fishing at Tooperang in Mount Compass – everyone can do it.
• Visit Alexandrina Cheese Company to sample some local gouda, edam and coffee with milk straight from the beautiful jersey cows.
• Visit The Blueberry Patch – pick your own blueberries, buy jams or the famous blueberry icecream.
• Stop at the Roadside stall to pick up a punnet, or pick your own berries from Agon Berry Farm

Victor Harbor day trip for foodies

In between whale watching, visiting conservation parks and penguins, playing
on the beach, boating and relaxing you will be delighted with the food...

• Breakfast at Nino's of Victor Harbor
• Lunch on Granite Island
• Fishing (even for Crayfish off the coast if you know the right locals!)
• Icecreams - too many choices here, you might need to eat a few!
• Dinner at the Whaler's Inn Restaurant

McLaren Vale

One Day food lovers guide to McLaren Vale region

• Morning coffee and cakes at the Tin Shed Cafe – best coffee in the region, well the judges of the regional Barista thought so!
• Aldinga Turkey Farm for tasting from the Chiller Door on award winning turkey
• David Medlow Chocolate shop
• Lunch at Coriole Winery – taste verjuice, vinegar, olives, goats’ cheese
• Dinner at Woodstock Coterie

A three day food lovers guide to McLaren Vale region

4 days: Arrive on Friday Afternoon, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday - McLaren Vale

Day 1 Friday

• Visit the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Visitor Centre to collect your regional tourist brochures (ask for the Fleurieu Peninsula 'Secrets' guide and McLaren Vale Visitor guide). Now to choose your accommodation, style and experiences on offer are ideal ... what about a Bed & Breakfast set amongst the vines? Or a beachfront house? The staff will assist in your selection and make the booking for you.
• Russell's Pizza - a rich regional food experience, make sure you book.

Saturday

• Willunga Farmers' Market for Breakfast, meet the growers and producers from Fleurieu Peninsula.
• Visit Brian's Olive Shop to sample the range of local olives and oils.
• A long lazy lunch and wine tasting at Woodstock Coterie
• Visit Alexandrina Cheese Company to sample some local gouda, edam and coffee with milk straight from the beautiful jersey cows.
• The best 'pub meal' with the best wine list in South Australia - have dinner at the Victory Hotel

Day 3: Sunday

• Breakfast with the locals at Willy Hill Cafe
  
• Catch squid off the Silver Sands Jetty
  
• Lunch at Star of Greece Cafe overlooking Port Willunga – some of those views that money can’t buy (book first!)
  
• Dinner at Salopian Inn is essential for the foodie, select your wine from a well stocked cellar and then hand yourself over to the regional talents of Chef David Swain for a superb seasonal meal (Book!)

Day 4 Monday

Blessed Cheese on the main road of McLaren Vale offers a day of cellar door exploration, collect your guide to the Cheese & Wine Trail then head off around the region for local cheese matched to local wines ... heaven! Blessed Cheese is the ideal spot to stop for a cup of coffee - voted People's Choice best coffee in the regional Barista Competition.

Hot Tip: Eat freshly caught squid off the beach at Silver Sands and swim out to the Start of Greece shipwreck at Port Willunga.

A day in the Langhorne Creek region

• Start at the Gourmet Connection for perfect morning tea
• Head off for tasting some internationally acclaimed wines at cellar doors, Bleasedales and Lake Breeze.
• Book in for lunch at Bremerton for a regional plate of mood food and world class wine
• Talinga Grove Orchard offer olive oil tasting and product sales including dukkah and a range of infused olive oils – lemon, chilli, garlic.. (bookings essential) you can picnic in the olive grove, and when in season, pick your own olives! and take Helen’s pickling recipe to try yourself.
• Newman’s Horseradish offer tours – bookings essential

Picnic Tips:

• Spread your rug in an Olive Grove, Almond grove or vineyard.
• Or dine alfresco on any one of the picnic tables waiting for you around the region, several in the picturesque township of Strathalbyn.

Autumn

As the summer heat begins to abate and vibrant colours of russet and gold slowly tint the vineyards, it's time to slow down and take stock of the beautiful surroundings. Visit a welcoming cellar door and sip fresh young wines in the open air. Take a leisurely stroll along a quiet country lane, or spend a weekend exploring the region's heritage in one of its many distinctive townships. Autumn is a time for savouring, for contemplating, for embracing the eternal cycles of nature - think autumn mists and char-grilled cheese…

Winter

The chilly southern wind whips fresh sheets of rain across the sodden landscape. The grape vines are bare now - endless ranks of skeletal forms with limbs contorted towards the dark grey sky. Through the dimness you glimpse a welcoming light, beckoning from a nearby farmhouse restaurant and your thoughts turn to heart-warming soups brimming with the robust flavours of leeks and onions, the smell of slow-roasted meats and winter vegetables, and the gentle crackling of an open fire…

• Find a winery with a roaring fire and regional food:
• Indulge in fine dining at a regional restaurant with warm hearths and hot chefs:

  - d'Arry's Verandah
  - Salopian Inn
  - Limeburners
  - The Barn
  - Blues Restaurants

• Home made pasties fresh from the oven across the region including bakeries at Yankalilla, Strathalbyn, Victor Harbor and McLaren Vale.
• Visit Blessed Cheese on the main street of McLaren Vale and pick up the trail guide to matching cheese and local wines.

Food fun for children

• Fishing for Trout at Tooperang
• Alexandrina Cheese Company - milkshakes fresh from Jersey Cows
• The Chocolate Box - an old fashioned sweet shop in McLaren Vale
• Almond & OliveTrain - Afternoon tea on the train
• Icecream on Granite Island
• Berry picking at the Blueberry Patch
• Cow spotting - from Mount Compass 'how many different types of cow can you find?'