Willunga SA 5172 (Pop 2 500)

Willunga is an historic Fleurieu Peninsula town close to the McLaren Vale wine district and situated 47 km south of Adelaide. Named after the Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of green trees’, Willunga’s European settlement began in 1840s and its economy has been sustained by slate quarries, wheat farms and today by almond groves. Willunga Farmers Market each Sat. Willunga Quarry Market 2^nd Sat each month. Almond Blossom Festival (July).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
National Trust Museum, High St housed within the old police station and courthouse (1855) has a recreated courthouse, cells and stables. Open (11am-4pm) Tues and (1pm-5pm) weekends. Historic Willunga includes Old Post & Telegraph Station (1857), Quarry (1842-1902).

Nearby:
Mount Magnificent Conservation Park (12 km s-e) part of the Heysen Trail and features some beautiful rugged scenery and the magnificent Mt Magnificent summit walk. Mount Compass (14 km south) small farming settlement where Govenor Gawler lost his compass. The town features the Wetlands Boardwalk, is surrounded by dairy farms and market gardens and hosts Australia’s only Cow Race (Feb). Kyeema Conservation Park (14 km n-e) home to over 70 bird species despite being decimated during 1983, 1994 and 2001 bushfires.

Accommodation:
Willunga has 4 hotels, a couple of B&Bs, holiday cottages and a farmstay. Visitor Information Centre: Main Rd, McLaren Vale. Tel (08) 8323 9944 or 1800 628 410.

Airport:
Adelaide Airport (ADL), 1 James Schofield Dr, Adelaide Airport. Tel (08) 8308 9211. (45 km north).

Hospital:
Southern Districts War Memorial Hospital, Aldersey St, McLaren Vale. Tel (08) 8323 8608. (6 km north).