Explore Southern Adelaide: 11 Local Spots to Discover in Onkaparinga

Published on 03 December 2025

Got a few days off over the Christmas and New Year break?

Good news – if you live down south, you don't need to travel far to find something new and exciting to do!

The City of Onkaparinga is positively brimming with places to eat, drink, shop that all deserve a spot on your summer must-do list!

Sure, you probably know the big names and popular hangouts. But we’re talking about the places that make you wonder why you hadn’t discovered them sooner.

So whether you're a couple looking for a lazy afternoon escape, or a family ready to shake things up with a little mini-adventure, here are 11 local gems worth exploring this season.

Where to eat and drink this summer

A great place to start your culinary exploration? Yojie in Old Reynella, where handcrafted frozen yoghurt and gelato come in every colour and flavour you can imagine. This bright, cheerful dessert and froyo bar is a total hit with kids (and let's be honest, adults who love a good sugar rush too).

Down at Sellicks Beach, Ithaca at Sellicks brings classic Greek taverna vibes to the coast. Think crispy yiros, shared mezze plates and cocktails with a view - perfect for lazy lunches that stretch into the afternoon.

If Mexican's more your vibe, Taco Jose's in McLaren Vale serves up authentic flavours in a bright, family-friendly setting that feels like a mini fiesta every time you visit.

Over at Port Noarlunga, the Port Noarlunga Reef Shack is set to make waves this summer as part of the ENCORE summer activation program. Opening Friday 12 December, this pop-up coastal venue will bring beachside bar vibes, live entertainment, and local food and drink to one of the south’s favourite seaside spots. Whether you’re stopping by for a sunset drink or soaking up the sounds on a balmy evening, it’s the perfect place to celebrate summer by the sea.

And just up the coast in Moana, Pony@Moana is the beachside collaboration between Prancing Pony Brewery and local favourite, Deep Blue Café. With 16 taps pouring local brews, seriously good food and insta-perfect sunset views that'll have you reaching for your phone, it's quickly become a local favourite.

Craft drinks and chill vibes

For the craft-drink enthusiasts, Unit Three Collective in Lonsdale is a must.

Home to Day to Be Brewing, Lone Gum Farmhouse and Nightworks Distillery, this spot offers 20 beer taps and small-batch spirits in a relaxed warehouse setting - ideal for whiling away an afternoon with mates.

Wine lovers shouldn't miss Willunga 100 in McLaren Vale either, where you can taste premium wines surrounded by rolling vineyards or stretch out on the lawns with a cheese platter and soak up the scenery.

Back at Port Noarlunga, Hawker Street Eats brings street-food style dining and craft cocktails to a laid-back, family-friendly space - perfect for those long summer evenings when nobody wants to rush home.

And if you're near Happy Valley Reservoir, pop into The Gooby Goose for generous all-day breakfasts, hearty lunches and great coffee. It's the perfect refuel before or after a walk, paddle or picnic.

Browse, buy and take a little piece home with you

When you're ready for a break from eating and drinking (is that even possible?), head to Whatever at Willunga for a nostalgic browse through vintage clothing, retro furniture, homewares and vinyl records. You never know what you'll find.

Or if coastal style is more your thing, Island Home Living in Christies Beach has beautiful homewares and décor just steps from the sand - ideal for summer styling inspiration or picking up a thoughtful gift.

So this summer, why not skip the usual and explore somewhere new? Support local businesses, discover a fresh favourite and make memories close to home - it's all waiting for you right here in Onkaparinga.

Quick Reference Guide:

Yojie, 12/2-8 Main South Road, Old Reynella |
Ithaca at Sellicks Beach, 88 Esplanade, Sellicks Beach |
Taco Jose's, 133 Main Road, McLaren Vale |
The Port Noarlunga Reef Shack, adjacent to Port Noarlunga Jetty (from 12 December) l
Pony@Moana, 323 Esplanade, Moana |
Unit Three Collective, Unit 3/77 O'Sullivan Beach Road, Lonsdale |
Willunga 100, 188 Moritz Road, Blewitt Springs |
Hawker Street Eats, 6/9 Gawler St, Port Noarlunga |
The Gooby Goose, 50 Kenihans Road, Happy Valley |
Whatever at Willunga, 6A High St, Willunga |
Island Home Living, Shop 6/99 Beach Road, Christies Beach |