It’s official – Willunga is Australia’s top town for food and wine lovers!
National travel publication Australian Traveller this week released its annual Top 100 and Top 10 lists, ranked by a national panel of industry experts and much-loved Australians – and Willunga was one of the big winners.
Firstly, it took out top spot in the list of Australia’s top 10 towns for food and wine lovers, recognising the places where food and wine aren’t just part of the experience – they are the experience.
The prestigious list describes Willunga as “the gateway to McLaren Vale” and standing out for its “blend of coastal beauty, historic streetscapes and deep connection to one of the country’s most celebrated wine”.
“This historic village in McLaren Vale draws oenophiles for its proximity to wineries that press up against its edges,” reads the Australian Traveller entry for Willunga.
“Start your weekend with a beach swim, then drift inland for a mooch around the farmers’ market in town before a slow circuit of the region’s cellar doors, such as Chapel Hill Winery. ‘McLaren Vale is the perfect wine region, blending coast, countryside and character,’ says panellist Imogen Eveson. ‘Willunga is the cute town that captures it all’.”
Secondly, Willunga was also ranked #7 on the publication’s list of Australia’s 100 best towns to visit in 2026 – the highest-ranked South Australian town on the list, which also includes McLaren Vale at number 49.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the rankings were a great feather in the cap for McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast.
“While Willunga and McLaren Vale’s appeal comes as no surprise to us, it’s fantastic to see Onkaparinga’s iconic places promoted to a national audience,” she said.
“If you want to plan a daytrip or weekend away to Willunga – or discover some of the other gems in Onkaparinga – everything you need can be found at mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au.”
South Australia’s Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said she was delighted to see the diversity of SA’s tourism regions praised on the list.
“Willunga ranking number one for food and wine is well deserved,” she said.
“Australian Traveller is a well-trusted publication, especially for those who are actively looking to book a trip soon, so to have South Australia well represented among several appealing categories will help drive visitation across our tourism regions.”
Member for Mawson, Jenni Mitton, said Willunga is a beautiful, welcoming community – one she’s extremely proud to be part of.
“From the High Street traders to the amazing producers at the Willunga Farmers Market, it is no surprise to me that Willunga has made its way to the top 10,” she said.
“The perfect mix of history, art, walking trails and, of course, world class food and wine experiences − you’ll find them all in the McLaren Vale wine region and Willunga is the perfect place to start.”
William Kay-Jenkins, owner of restaurant and wine bar Tread Lightly Willunga said Willunga is a wonderful, vibrant community.
“Food is at the forefront of that, so it’s no surprise we’ve ranked so highly in the Australian Traveller’s 100 Best Towns in Australia to Travel to list,” he said.
“At Tread Lightly, we are all about sustainability, focused on local and seasonal food, so Willunga really was the perfect choice for us.
“It’s just so special to welcome visitors down here, to break bread together, pop a bottle of local wine, and enjoy some sensational South Australian hospitality.”
Pictured
Hither & Yon on Willunga's High Street. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission southaustralia.com