Willunga crowned best Food and Wine Town to visit in Australia
Willunga on the Fleurieu Peninsula has been named the best Food and Wine Town in the nation in Australian Traveller’s coveted 100 Best Towns in Australia to Travel to list.
Revealed today, the prestigious list describes Willunga as ‘the gateway to McLaren Vale’ and standing out for its ‘blend of coastal beauty, historic streetscapes and deep connection to one of the country’s most celebrated wine.’
Willunga also placed seventh overall on the list, making it one of the top 10 towns to visit in Australia.
The top listing reinforces South Australia’s standing as the nation’s leading food and wine destination as ranked by interstate travellers.
It also highlights why Adelaide, South Australia is a member of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network - one of only 12 internationally renowned wine regions – and the only Australian destination.
The state’s strength as a must-visit destination was seen across several categories, with 11 South Australian towns featured on the prestigious list.
Further strong results across the Food and Wine category included the town of McLaren Vale (No. 49), Clare (No. 51) celebrated for its resiling, Coffin Bay (No. 66) praised for its oysters enjoyed straight from the source, and Tanunda (No. 72).
South Australia’s historic towns were well represented, with Hahndorf (No. 32) and Robe (No. 40) recognised for their living history and enduring appeal.
The South Australian towns included in the 100 Best Towns in Australia to Travel to and their rankings are:
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
The prestigious list is selected by aggregating the votes of a panel of 15 well known Australians and tourism industry experts. The towns are ranked 1-100 and then organised into 10 categories.
Australian Traveller is Australia’s highest-selling travel magazine, launched in 2005, for Australians travelling in Australia.
The accolades add to a suite of international recognition for some of South Australia’s most iconic destinations, such as the Adelaide Central Market ranking third best market in the world and the Ikara-Flinders Ranges listed among only 25 destinations in global travel authority Lonely Planet’s 25 ‘Best in Travel 2026.’
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said she was 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.
“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,” she said.
“The top listing comes hot on the heels of Adelaide Central Market being ranked third in the world, further reinforcing our standing as the nation’s leading food and beverage destination.”
Australian Traveller Editor Imogen Eveson said; “for me, McLaren Vale is the perfect wine region, blending coast, countryside and character. Willunga is the cute town that captures it all.”
“I could happily spend my holidays bouncing between South Australia’s charming wine towns and coastal hubs dishing up bountiful seafood.”
“That the state is unrivalled in its food and wine offering is reflected in our list, but this culinary cred serves as a touchstone for experiencing the rich seam of culture, heritage and community woven through South Australia’s regional towns and hubs.”
Tread Lightly Willunga Owner William Kay-Jenkins added’ “Willunga is such a wonderful, vibrant community, and food is at the forefront of that so it’s no surprise we’ve ranked so highly in the Australian Traveller’s 100 Best Towns in Australia to Travel to list.”
“At Tread Lightly we are all about sustainability, focused on local and seasonal food, so Willunga really was the perfect choice for us.”
“It’s just so special to welcome visitors down here, to break bread together, pop a bottle of local wine, and enjoy some sensational South Australian hospitality.”