Published on 23 September 2021

Six reasons to enjoy Willunga’s High Street this spring

The historical buildings on Willunga’s leafy High Street are home to an eclectic mix of eateries, services and shops that are sure to delight your senses.

In fact, the wider township of Willunga offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly blends heritage charm with hipster cool.

Here are six reasons to visit charming High Street on a sunny day to soak up the vibrant Willunga community.

1. Get a taste of Willunga’s history

The historical homes, churches and buildings on High Street are testament to Willunga’s booming slate quarry industry in the second half of the 1800s.

The history of the township is evident in the street sculptures, furniture and art dotted along High Street, including historic brass footpath inserts relating to the old Willunga Courthouse and Police Station complex. Housed within the complex is the Willunga Slate Museum, an interpretative experience outlining slate mining from its discovery in the hills behind Willunga to present day.

The Courthouse and Slate Museum are open from 1pm to 4pm every Sunday.

2. Lead yourself to temptation

Follow your nose to High Street’s cafes, pubs and restaurants. You’ll be enticed by a range of dishes from moreish woodfired pizzas to organic vegan and vegetarian meals and almost everything in between.

There’s also a gourmet general store, butcher, providores, and a bakery. A cake shop and chocolatier will please even the sweetest-toothed visitors.

To quench your thirst, you’ll find refreshing locally made beers and wines in boutique bottle shops, cellar doors, breweries, and pubs (three in fact).

3. Everything you need on one street

When you’ve satisfied your tastebuds, call in to High Street’s various retailers to stock up on goodies to take home. Fill your bags with fresh produce and health foods, gourmet treats, homewares, beauty products, fashion, and jewellery.

If you’re in need of personal care, make an appointment for hair and beauty services, physiotherapy, chiropractic, podiatry, and psychology. There’s a library, bank, pharmacy and a post office for your additional requirements.

4. Discover local artists and vintage gems

Take time to browse High Street’s galleries and studios showcasing the work of local and interstate artists. Spoil yourself or a loved one with prints and original artworks, greeting cards, books and stationery, textiles, ceramics, mosaics, glass, jewellery and accessories, and useful things for the home and garden.

Go in search of treasure at the op shops and other stores featuring vintage clothing, toys, bric-a-brac, collectables, and much more.

5. All roads lead to High Street

Some of Australia’s best markets and festivals are hosted in and around Willunga, making High Street the ideal pitstop before and after the event.

The weekly Willunga Farmers Market, held each Saturday from 8am to noon, is one of the region’s major attractions. The community-focussed event was recently named as the trophy winner for the Outstanding Farmers Market in the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards.

In August this year the market relocated from Willunga Town Square to the large, open site at Willunga High School for a period of 12 months due to ongoing uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. High Street is only a short walk from the school, so don’t forget to make the trip if you’re heading along to the market.

The Almond Blossom Festival is currently scheduled for November having been postponed due to the South Australian COVID-19 lockdown in July. Add the Fleurieu Folk Festival in October to your diary along with ‘The Mad Dash’ Billy Cart Race for all the family on November 7, High Street Christmas Shopping Night on Tuesday 14 December and Willunga Farmers Market Twilight Markets on 23 and 30 December.

6. See Willunga at its beautiful best

Close to High Street are some of the region’s most beautiful parks and playgrounds. They’re particularly stunning in mid to late winter when the almond trees are blossoming. Download the Blossom Tour Map and make High Street the first place on your itinerary to buy all the fare you need to create the perfect picnic to share with family and friends.

If you want to extend your time in Willunga, there are several accommodation options on High Street including bed and breakfast stays in quaint cottages and renovated churches.

Foodies, festivalgoers and lovers of the finer things in life will agree, High Street is the place to be!

Willunga