McLaren Vale between art and the Shiraz Trail

McLaren Vale offers two distinct ways to experience a stay: art in thoughtfully designed buildings and outdoor activity on a route through vineyards. The d’Arenberg Cube features numerous artworks and distinctive design elements; the Shiraz Trail runs between McLaren Vale and Willunga. Culture and active time outdoors therefore stand side by side as separate highlights. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in McLaren Vale, you can start by considering which of these aspects you’d like to shape your stay most.

Art, architecture and exhibitions

Numerous artworks and distinctive design elements can be found throughout the d’Arenberg Cube. Art and spatial design come together here, making it a specific point of interest for travellers interested in the interplay between architecture and art.

Another architectural landmark is the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Information Centre. It is architecturally and ecologically designed, surrounded by vineyards and located on the main road at the entrance to McLaren Vale. Here, a designed building meets its setting in the vineyard landscape.

The art venues also offer different highlights. Fleurieu Arthouse is run by Anna Small and Warren Pickering, who work as metal sculpture artists. The Gallery in McLaren Vale presents a changing series of contemporary art exhibitions. This brings together an art venue associated with named metal sculpture artists and changing exhibitions. If you’d like to include culture in your trip, you can choose whether you’re especially interested in metal sculpture or contemporary exhibition art.

Walking or cycling the Shiraz Trail

The Shiraz Trail offers an active alternative to the art-focused attractions. The route runs through vineyards between McLaren Vale and Willunga, is about seven kilometres one way and is classified as easy. You can travel along it on foot or by bike. The Shiraz Trail is also the southern extension of the Coast to Vines Rail Trail.

The approximate distance and difficulty rating can help you choose a route for your trip. The trail can be considered either a walking or cycling route; the specific route connection between the two named places and through the vineyards remains the same. By comparison, the art venues differ in terms of their buildings, metal sculpture and changing contemporary exhibitions. This means you can base your choice on the type of experience you’re looking for, rather than on a general idea of what you might do at a destination.

When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to weigh up these highlights: would you like art and design to shape your trip, or would you rather set aside time for the Shiraz Trail? Tailor your search to the activities that matter to you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Walkerville, Glenunga, Noarlunga Downs, Aldgate, Belair, Cherry Gardens, Port Willunga, Gawler.

For the broader travel overview: Adelaide.