Willunga... "place of green trees..."

Willunga is the second oldest town in South Australia...

The township of Willunga, began as a staging point on the then arduous journey from Adelaide to Victor Harbor.  Willunga soon became a primary source of roofing and construction slate for the state while the surrounding areas supported the growing population of South Australia with food and hay via mixed farming. 

Willunga on the Fleurieu... Willunga township is nestled into the lower end of the Adelaide ranges midway between the seaside resort of Victor Harbour and South Australia's capital city Adelaide.  McLaren Vale, known world wide for its quality wine is just five minutes by road to the North of Willunga.  Willunga, one of the principal towns of the Fleurieu Peninsula is also known for its historical buildings relaxed atmosphere and modern events. 

Slate... Mining of slate was one of the original industries in the Willunga District...

Agriculture...

Almonds... became a major income provider for the families of the area early in the twentieth century and this continued until the 1980's when vines became more viable with the increased cost of water.  Many renown almond varieties were developed in the Willunga district.  An almond cracker, originally designed, patented and built by local almond grower G. M. Herriott in the late forties was used universally throughout Australia.

Dairying, potatoes, wheat, barley, hay, field peas and the raising of prime lambs... have been other major activities supplying Adelaide and surrounding districts.  Willunga hay has often been a lifesaver for northern farmers in times of drought.  The Willunga Basin, the western areas, now unfortunately being developed for housing, is considered to be the best barley growing region in the Southern Hemisphere.

Vines and wines... has become the largest land usage in the district

Local growers of fresh produce... many stalls each Saturday at the Willunga Farmers Market

Interesting buildings...

Buildings from the 19th century... share the town and main street with those from the mid to late 20th century.  At the top end of Willunga (61 High St) is the historic Willunga Courthouse & Police Station Museum complete with cell block and outbuildings.  It is open to the public with historic displays as well as being a regular host to weddings.  A stone and slate one-teacher school was built in the mid 1800's. It was the council office for many years into the 1960's and is still well maintained.  At the other end of town (St Andrews Tce) is a residence built primarily of slate.  Many original mud, stone and slate cottages are still lived in and finding them dotted about the town is a fascinating past time.  St Stephen's Anglican Church with its stone walls and stained glass windows is sort after for weddings.

Willunga today…

Willunga's past conservative response to change, coupled with it's rich history has resulted in many well kept historic buildings and 1960's country town ambience. 

In recent years, despite heavy pressures, Willunga has managed to resist much of- the splintering effect of modern urban 'development'. It is unique in that all businesses are owned and operated by locals.

Willunga boasts...

a play group/pre-school, one primary school, one high school and one Waldorf School,

Willunga... the Market Town...

Willunga Monthly Quarry Market... (Second week of each month) Willunga has been further put on the map by the Willunga Quarry Market.  This market is well known throughout the Fleurieu Peninsula and Adelaide for its wide variety of quality crafts, plants, food, and second hand items.

Willunga Weekly Farmers Market… (Each Saturday morning) The Willunga Farmers Market (see www.WillungaFarmersMarket.com) supplies fresh, locally grown and prepared produce from around the Fleurieu.  Each Saturday morning people come from as far away as Adelaide for their week's food supplies and to enjoy the friendly country market atmosphere that is so obvious as soon as one walks through the gate.

Willunga Monthly Lions Auction...  (Last Saturday of each month)  At what used to be the Willunga livestock sale yards, hundreds of folk search through the rows of everything from furniture, baths, stoves and tiles, to fence posts, timber and iron, to poultry and guinea pigs, to records, books and crockery.  So many treasures to be found.  The money raised goes to local projects, charities, etc

Willunga... the Festival Town…

Tour Down Under… Willunga is the event's only town to host a start and finish for this recognised world event.  It has won best dressed town for the last five years in a row.  The "King of the Mountain" event up "Old Willunga Hill" is highly popular attracting large crowds.  It's location provides excellent vantage points. The Willunga stage of Tour Down Under is also greatly praised by the riders.

Willunga Almond Blossom Festival Week... Willunga is known throughout Australia and in many places overseas for it's annual Almond Blossom Festival.

Fleurieu Folk Festival...

Classic Adelaide… This South Australian event is the biggest classic car rally in the Southern Hemisphere with entries from all over the world including a strong contingent of Mercedes and Porches from German museums.  The Willunga stage again up "Old Willunga Hill" is very popular with both crowds and drivers.

Willunga Christmas Tree Festival Week...  Willunga Uniting Church hosts this large spectacle of ornately designed and decorated festive trees.

Arts, Crafts and Exhibitions...  Art galleries, antiques, craft as well as dance and drama.

Food and Wine...

Wine and Produce Cellar Doors...

Eateries...  Bakery, takeaway, cafe, tea houses, hotels and restaurants

Accommodation... Keeping in character with the history and culture, Willunga does not have traditional, plain accommodation, but rather bed and breakfast suites and units with warmth and charm.

Visit us... If you have never visited us consider coming.  There is something for everyone: great restaurants and quality Bed & Breakfasts.  We look forward to having you with us.

WillungaFestivals.com is your window to this diverse piece of Australia... 

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