Aldinga Bay | McLaren Vale

With its clean beaches, rural charm, intrinsic beauty and rich history, the seasode area of Aldinga has long been a favorite holiday destination for Adelaide.

Aldinga

Established in 1857, Aldinga has a distinct history, launched by a farming boom in the 1850s and followed by rapid growth, soon gaining a church, hotel, blacksmith, post office and bank. The town is epitomised today by these historic buildings that were constructed using local paddock limestone rock.

A quick turn off Main South Road will take you into the heart of the old township where youll find bakeries, cafs, restaurants and a hotel bottle shop that stocks local and regional wines.

Aldinga Beach

Wild cliff scenery and a long, pristine stretch of sand are the hallmarks of Aldinga Beach. This fabulous expanse of coast boasts a collection of beach shacks and holiday homes, cafs, restaurants, and a cycling and walking trail stretching from Sellicks Beach to Maslin Beach.

The beach is particularly wide and is one of the few in the state that allow vehicles, with a beach pass, to be driven onto certain sections of sand. Fishing, surfing and swimming are other popular pursuits at Aldinga Beach, which is patrolled by surf lifesavers between November and March.

Take a walk along the boardwalk to the lookout where you will see the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park or go morning horse riding along the beach with experienced riders. Aldinga Beach is an area of significant importance to the local Kaurna people, especially the Washpool, a wetland on the coastal strip south of the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park, which is where the Indigenous people pegged out animal hides to dry and dug for fresh water. There is much evidence of well-trodden Indigenous walking paths throughout this area.

Sellicks Beach

Sellicks Beach marks where the Mount Lofty Ranges meet the sea. Steep cliffs soon give way to a long expanse of sandy beach. This part of the coastline is renowned for its plentiful fishing, surfing and boat launching facilities. Cars with beach passes are also permitted on the beach below the Esplanade. Have a bite to eat at the historic Victory Hotel, enjoying panoramic views across the coastline and hinterland.