W
illunga has been named Australia’s best Food and Wine Town in Australian Traveller magazine’s annual list of the country’s top 100 towns to visit, adding another tourism accolade for South Australia’s wine regions.
The Fleurieu Peninsula town also ranked seventh overall on the national list, placing it among the country’s top 10 travel destinations according to the publication’s panel of tourism experts and well-known Australian travellers.
Australian Traveller described Willunga as the gateway to McLaren Vale, praising its coastal setting, historic streets and connection to one of Australia’s best-known wine regions.
The recognition comes as South Australia continues to promote itself as a leading food and wine destination, particularly among interstate visitors seeking regional travel experiences centred on local produce, wineries and hospitality.
A total of 11 South Australian towns featured in the publication’s 100 Best Towns in Australia to Travel To list, with strong results across food, wine, heritage and outback categories.
Alongside Willunga, McLaren Vale ranked 49th in the Food and Wine category, while Clare placed 51st and Coffin Bay came in at 66th, recognised for its seafood industry and oyster experiences. Tanunda also featured in the category at 72nd.
Historic towns were also represented, with Hahndorf ranking 32nd and Robe placing 40th for history and heritage tourism.
Other South Australian towns included Mount Gambier, Penneshaw, Coober Pedy and Quorn.
The rankings were compiled from votes cast by a panel of 15 tourism industry experts and Australian personalities, with towns assessed across categories including food and wine, arts and culture, history and heritage, wellness and outback travel.
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said the result reflects the broad appeal of South Australia’s regional tourism offering.
“I am 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,” she said.
Bourke said the recognition could help encourage further tourism across regional areas, particularly as travellers continue looking for domestic holiday destinations.
“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 latest result follows several recent tourism accolades for the state, including Adelaide Central Market being ranked the world’s third-best market and Ikara-Flinders Ranges being included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 list.
Member for Mawson Jenni Mitton said Willunga’s community atmosphere and local producers contribute strongly to its appeal.
“From the High Street traders to the amazing producers at the Willunga Farmers Market, it is no surprise to me that Willunga has made its way to the top 10,” she said.
Australian Traveller print editor and panellist Imogen Eveson said South Australia’s regional towns continue to stand out for combining food, wine and coastal experiences.
“For me, McLaren Vale is the perfect wine region, blending coast, countryside and character. Willunga is the cute town that captures it all,” she said.
Local business owner William Kay-Jenkins said the town’s food culture and focus on local produce help attract visitors year-round.
“At Tread Lightly we are all about sustainability, focused on local and seasonal food, so Willunga really was the perfect choice for us,” he said.
Tourism operators across South Australia have welcomed the attention, although industry groups continue to point to challenges around regional accommodation availability, workforce shortages and infrastructure pressures as visitor numbers increase across popular destinations.
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