Our local guide · Port Willunga, Aldinga, Willunga and McLaren Vale
Welcome to Port Willunga
Port Willunga is a small, beautiful beach town on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, about 45 minutes south of Adelaide. The Little Beach Retreat is one street from the sea, a 3-minute stroll to the famous cliffs, the old jetty ruins and crystal-clear turquoise water. These are our favourite places to eat, drink and explore nearby.
Places to eat & drink
You're in one of South Australia's best food and wine regions. We recommend booking the starred spots well in advance — the Star of Greece can book out a month ahead!
Special occasions — book ahead
Star of Greece
Perched on the Port Willunga cliffs with breathtaking ocean views. Fresh, seasonal local seafood. An iconic SA experience.
Book 4+ weeks aheadThe Little Rickshaw
Vietnamese-Asian fusion in a beautiful 190-year-old blacksmith's shed in Aldinga. Hugely popular.
Bookings essentialMuni
Elegant Taiwanese-inspired degustation in Willunga. One of the region's most exciting restaurants.
Bookings essentialThe Salopian Inn
Heritage fine dining in McLaren Vale. Beautiful setting, exceptional wine list.
Book aheadCoriole Vineyards
Stunning winery lunch under a 150-year-old mulberry tree. Deeply local and seasonal menu.
Book aheadVictory Hotel
The quintessential McLaren Vale pub. Legendary wine cellar, great food, views of the Gulf.
Book for dinner
Casual local favourites
Pearl Aldinga
Beachside at the Aldinga boat ramp. Shared plates, great coffee, local wine. Fri–Sun lunch, Fri dinner.
Fri–SunPort Willy Kiosk
Casual bites and coffee right at the beach. Perfect for mornings and lazy lunches.
Mornings & lunchBreeze Cafe
The Hangover breakfast roll is legendary. A local morning staple.
Breakfast & brunchHome Grain Bakery
Outstanding pies and almond croissants. In the charming Aldinga Township strip.
BakeryAldinga Hotel
Great pub food and atmosphere. Good value, family friendly.
PubRussell's Pizza
Willunga institution since 1992. Wood-fired pizza in a converted water tank oven. BYO welcome.
DinnerJimmies Takeaway & Pizza
Easy beachside takeaway — fish and chips, pizza by the slice. On the Esplanade.
TakeawayLucky Ducks Aldinga
Vegan and highly rated. Great plant-based dining option in the area.
Vegan-friendlyThe Shack Cafe & Pizzeria
Relaxed cafe and pizza in Aldinga. Good for families.
Casual
Hidden gem
Sweet Life Gelateria & Pizzeria
A beautiful spot at the Aldinga Arts Eco Village on Port Road. Wood-fired pizza, house-made gelato, waffles and coffee. Lovely garden with cosy igloos in winter.
Weekends only
Breweries & wine bars
Snapper Point Brewing
Local craft brewery. Great for a casual afternoon.
BreweryKick Back Brewing
Aldinga Township's microbrewery on the great Port Road food strip.
BrewerySourced Wine Bar
Intimate wine bar with excellent local drops.
Weekends only
Things to do
At the beach
- Swim and snorkel at Port Willunga Beach — aqua waters and stunning sandstone cliffs
- Explore the historic jetty ruins and beach caves
- Spot dolphins from the cliffs at sunrise and sunset
- Drive onto Aldinga Beach — one of SA's few drive-on beaches (permit from Visitor Centre)
- Snorkel or dive the Aldinga reef and the famous 21-metre Aldinga drop-off
Explore the region
- Willunga Farmers Market — every Saturday 8am–12pm. One of SA's best.
- McLaren Vale wine region — just 12 minutes. Over 80 cellar doors.
- d'Arenberg Cube — iconic architectural landmark and winery. Don't miss it!
- Aldinga Township — heritage strip with bakery, brewery, boutiques and street art
- Willunga township — galleries, cafes and cellar doors, 7 minutes away
- Fleurieu Peninsula — hiking trails, conservation parks, rolling vineyards
Explore McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale is one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions, just 12 minutes from the house. For a full guide to what to see, do and eat in the region:
What to explore in McLaren Vale →
Stay with us. The Little Beach Retreat sleeps 7 and is one street from the sea. Book direct on this website and save 10%. Pets by agreement, so just ask.
Check dates and book
