Image via Willunga Farmers Market
Willunga has just claimed one of the country’s biggest regional travel honours, with the Fleurieu Peninsula favourite named Australia’s best Food and Wine Town in Australian Traveller’s 100 Best Towns in Australia to Travel to list.
The historic township, often described as the gateway to McLaren Vale, was ranked number one in the Food and Wine category and seventh overall, placing it firmly among the top ten towns to visit in Australia.
Australian Traveller praised Willunga for its “blend of coastal beauty, historic streetscapes and deep connection to one of the country’s most celebrated wine” regions, reinforcing the town’s growing national pull as a destination where cellar doors, produce, heritage, markets and laid-back Fleurieu charm all meet.
Tucked between vineyards, rolling hills and the coast, Willunga is one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s most character-filled towns where heritage shopfronts meet exceptional food.
The win also adds weight to South Australia’s reputation as one of the country’s strongest food and wine destinations, with 11 towns from across the state making the top 100.
Willunga led the charge, but it was far from South Australia’s only showing:
7. Willunga, Food & Wine
32. Hahndorf, History & Heritage
40. Robe, History & Heritage
49. McLaren Vale, Food & Wine
51. Clare, Food & Wine
61. Mount Gambier, Arts & Culture
66. Coffin Bay, Food & Wine
67. Penneshaw, Wellness
72. Tanunda, Food & Wine
87. Coober Pedy, Outback
94. Quorn, Outback
Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke said the result was a major endorsement for South Australia’s regions.
“I am delighted to see the diversity of South Australia’s tourism regions praised on Australian Traveller’s coveted 100 Best Towns in Australia to Travel to list – and 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.”
The recognition follows a string of major tourism accolades for South Australia, including Adelaide Central Market ranking third best market in the world and the Ikara-Flinders Ranges being named among Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 destinations.
Member for Mawson Jenni Mitton said Willunga’s national recognition came as no surprise.
“Willunga is such a beautiful, welcoming community and one that I’m extremely proud to be part of,” she said.
“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.”
Australian Traveller Print Editor and panellist Imogen Eveson said Willunga captured everything that makes McLaren Vale so appealing.
“For me, McLaren Vale is the perfect wine region, blending coast, countryside and character. Willunga is the cute town that captures it all,” she said.
For more information about Willunga, visit https://fleurieupeninsula.com.au/places-to-go/willunga
