Nooked into a horseshoe bend of the Onkaparinga River, a few kilometres upstream from Port Noarlunga, Old Noarlunga is a surprising diversion en route to McLaren Vale. A well-preserved historic village dating back to 1840, the old town is studded with heritage stone cottages revolving around a village green (playground, BBQs), overseen by an austere church on the hillside. There's an old pub here too, if you're feeling less than pious.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Onkaparinga River National Park

1.88 MILES

Protecting the curlicued Onkaparinga River and its attendant cliffs, waterholes, remnant bushland and gorgeous gorge, this national park is just 30km…

2. Samuel's Gorge

2.7 MILES

On a hill behind McLaren Vale township, this creative, understated winner occupies an atmospheric 1853 stone barn. Valley views across the gorgeous gorges…

3. Coriole

2.88 MILES

Duck into the Farm Shop at this beautiful stone-cottage cellar door (1860) and assemble a regional tasting platter to share on the lawns, made lovelier by…

4. SC Pannell

2.92 MILES

With one of the best views in the business, SC Pannell (Steve, to his mates) produces excellent reds you can drink young. Cellar them if you want, but…

5. Alpha Box & Dice

2.98 MILES

One out of the box, this refreshing little gambler wins top billing for interesting blends, funky retro furnishings, quirky labels and laid-back staff. On…

6. Chapel Hill

3.04 MILES

Yes, there's a 150-year-old chapel here, and it's on a hill. But most folks are here for salubrious shiraz. Try a $15 'icon' tasting of four wines,…

7. d'Arenberg

3.09 MILES

'd'Arry's' relaxes atop a hillside with mighty fine views. The wine labels are part of the character of this place: the Dead Arm shiraz and the Broken…

8. Confessional

4.36 MILES

Putting a forgiving spin on your McLaren Vale winery experience, this rather Provence-looking, two-storey cellar door pours good bottles of local La Curio…