Discover South Australia's stunning new Route 31 Coastal Drive

McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is home to a new tourist drive showcasing 31 kilometres of idyllic coastline to the world.

Developed by the City of Onkaparinga, Route 31 Coastal Drive spans from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach, is dotted with picturesque seaside villages to explore, and boasts some of South Australia’s best beaches.

City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Marion Themeliotis said the new tourist drive— officially launched today by proud SA ambassador Andrew “Cosi” Costello—will help even more people discover what the amazing McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region has to offer.

“This is the only place in Australia where pristine beaches and unique seaside villages are part of an internationally recognised wine and food region within 40 minutes of a capital city,” she said.

“Not only do we have South Australia’s most spectacular beaches, but the coast is brimming with things to see and do, including swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddle- boarding, fishing and diving.

“Route 31 Coastal Drive offers visitors the chance to stop and explore abundant seaside villages, which each offer an eclectic mix of wining and dining, shopping, arts, culture and history for people of all ages.

“It’s also the perfect destination for car club cruises and meets, with its million-dollar view and diverse range of businesses along the route making for perfect pitstops.

“Locals know how lucky we are to live and play here, but this new tourist drive is about sharing and showcasing these incredible coastal experiences with the world.”

Highlights of the coastal drive include:

Port Noarlunga – Port Noarlunga’s the perfect spot for fun in the sun, where the Onkaparinga River meets the sea, and swimming, paddling a kayak, snorkelling, reef diving, surfing, and fishing are part of the good life. This quintessential seaside village
is brimming with galleries, homewares, antiques, bric-a-brac and curio stores, as well as great cafes and restaurants, with some offering magnificent sea views. A stroll along the long wooden jetty leading to the reef is a must. 

Aldinga – Aldinga’s home to one of SA’s premier beaches, with a quaint mix of coastal living and village precincts. Offering an eclectic collection of shops to wander including boutiques, homewares, vintage and an arts eco village, there are also cafés and restaurants dotted throughout the precincts, some right across from the beach. Enjoy the Aldinga Conservation Park, a freshwater wetland of great spiritual and cultural significance for the Kaurna people.

Port Willunga – One of the region’s most popular beaches and for good reason. Port Willunga’s iconic and geologically significant golden cliff faces are emblematic of the coastline, and it’s also known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. There are generally fewer waves than other straight stretches of beach, making the swell safe for little swimmers and ideal for paddle-boarding which is available for hire during the warmer months.

Gateway and wayfinding signage has been erected along the length of the coastal drive, and a promotional map is now available online, at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre, and from various retail outlets, cafes, tourist parks, restaurants, and tourism outlets along the route.

Head to mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com.au/plan/route-31-coastal-drive for more information on the drive’s beaches, townships, experiences, accommodation and more, and use the hashtags #Route31 #valeandcoast and #coastaldrive when posting about your experiences along the drive.

ENDS