Our stay at was everything a family holiday in McLaren Vale should be, relaxed, picturesque, and perfectly designed for families. Managed by the ever-impressive , this home is made for one or two families looking to spend a few days or a week exploring both McLaren Vale and the wider Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s positioned smack bang on the Shiraz Trail, meaning there’s no traffic, just a peaceful bike path and rows of vines, bordered by tall gum trees, directly outside the kitchen window.
Out front, we spent countless hours on the huge deck, lounging under umbrellas with a morning coffee or winding down at happy hour surrounded by nature and vineyard views. Out back, the gated yard felt spacious and secure to let the kids be kids, with what might just be the world’s best pizza oven (a huge Gozney), an outdoor lounge, smart TV, and a generous dining table perfect for all things outdoor entertaining in any weather. What’s more, there is a fire pit in the backyard, complete with wood and fire lighters. To top it off the kids were in heaven with their own mini picnic table and cubby house and one last magical touch, festoon lights! How good is outdoor living with kids? This place nails it.
From the outside, the house looks simple enough, but step through the front door and it’s anything but: stylish, luxurious, and beautifully furnished. The kitchen is perfectly equipped (complete with dream pantry), for feeding every one. Pair a BBQ dinner or home made pizzas with a local rose in summer, or wash down a roast or steaks with a big McLaren Vale red by the indoor combustion style fireplace in winter. Don’t want to cook? You’re walking distance to fabulous choices!
Four great sized bedrooms are on offer, with delightful mattresses and luxury linen. The master has its own ensuite, and the main bathroom is so spacious that the whole family can brush their teeth together, seriously. One bedroom even has the cutest little bunk beds for the kids, while the others feature queen beds.
How nice is it, going to stay in a clean, tidy big house that perfectly styled. Leaving all of the chaos at home, we felt so rested and recharged after this stay. HIghly reccommend a few nights here. Bring the kids or make it a girls weekend!
Location: McLaren Vale, South Australia (in the town, on the Shiraz Trail) Bookings via Sanbis Retreats Find it on or
If you’re looking for a fun outdoor adventure the whole family will love (like LOVE), we can’t recommend SA eBikes enough. We recently spent a day riding through McLaren Vale on the Shiraz Trail and beyond, and it was easily one of the best things we did these school holidays. We started at Oxenberry Farm, however the Fleurieu Visitor Centre is usually the main pick-up hub for SA eBikes, and we set off along the Shiraz Trail, a beautiful, mostly flat path that winds past vineyards, gum trees and wide open countryside. It’s one of those rides that feels good for you but is still relaxing, with just the right amount of effort. The gentle help of the electric assist makes the hills a total breeze, so you can enjoy the scenery and conversation with the kids, instead of huffing and puffing your way up them. We gave both the tuk tuks and the e-bikes a go, and both were a hit. The tuk tuks are brilliant for families, easily carrying two passengers comfortably on the back while one person pedalled up front. Then we jumped on the regular e-bikes (our highlight) and rode around 7km each way to Dandelion…
Ahh McLaren Vale - you are breathtaking! Surrounded by rolling hills dotted with vineyards (lots and lots of vineyards) it’s no wonder wine tasting tops the list on most McLaren Vale itineraries. But with kids in tow, is it possible? It’s not just possible, pick the right one (like Woodstock here, top of our list) and it can be so much fun for everyone in the family. Woodstock is a beautiful family owned estate in McLaren Vale and it ticks more boxes than most wineries to be honest. It's the first winery we think of in McLaren Vale - probably because we have been coming here since we were kids ourselves. The wines are great, yes, but this place goes beyond the normal cellar door to include some child-friendly surprises as well, and recently there have been some beautiful upgrades. The cellar door has moved into a much larger space (previously The Coterie) and now provides ample room to sit in comfortable lounges or in small groups at high tables for seated guided tastings. The outlook to the garden in every direction is exquisite. This does mean the food offering has significantly changed at Woodstock. In The Stocks Tasting Room,…
Wife of a FIFO miner, but don't let that define her. Mum of two jetty jumping brats aged tween and teen (who live on fresh air, saltwater and attitude). Bare feet not heels. Hats not hair styles. Beaches not bars. Food over fashion. If you can't find her she's likely 'home' on the Yorke Peninsula.