Willunga (population 1200) is a charming early settlement 6Km South of McLaren Vale. It is a quiet picturesque little town and an almond growing centre. The Almond Blossom Festival is hosted here every July while the trees are in full bloom.

It was first established as a staging post on the Encounter Bay Road in 1839 and then developed because of locally mined slate which was carted to nearby Port Willunga for export around Australia. Because there has been little development since these early boom years many historic and heritage buildings survive. The National Trust own the Old Courthouse and Police Station (built 1855) which are open to the public. Many other fine examples of colonial architecture can be found simply by walking the main streets.