Christies Beach - Willunga Hill Spectator Travel Guide: THINK! Road Safety Men's Stage 5

Start the day...

The hardest weekend in Santos Tour Down Under history starts in the southern seaside suburb of Christies Beach, just over 30minutes from the Adelaide city.

Begin your day with a healthy smoothie bowl from Delicia Acai + Protein Bar or set up for a prime position for the race start at FLAVA Café.

Walk along the white sandy beach along the Esplanade before returning to the start line to get amongst the anticipation for the return of the iconic Willunga Hill finish where a new King will be crowned.

The THINK! Road Safety Men’s stage 5 race will kick off at approximately 11:10am.

Chase the peloton...

Make your way over to the main road in McLaren Vale where fresh brews await at Dal Mare Coffee Roastery. Enjoy hand-roasted beans created from old family techniques combined with modern technology.

You’ll catch the peloton fly past on Main Road for the first time at about 11:39am. The race will come past an extra two times at approximately 12:40pm and 1:41pm.

While you’re there, it wouldn’t be a true South Australian experience without stopping into the Menz FruChos Shop on Main Road to grab a bag of FruChocs or two for the road.

At this point you could choose to head over to Snapper Point where beautiful golden cliff faces and crystal-clear waters play backdrop to the Ziptrak Sprint 2 at approximately 1:17pm. Nestled in the dunes along the esplanade is the restaurant Pearl where Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is a perfect lunch option.

It’s time to head to the finish line at Willunga Hill where a new King of Willunga Hill will be crowned. Find a spot along Old Willunga Hill Road and cheer on the riders as they tackle the short but steep iconic climb.

The race will finish at about 2:40pm.

Settle in..

There will be plenty of viewing opportunities on Main Road in Willunga with the race passing FOUR times throughout the day and hosting the first Ziptrak Sprint which will pass by at about 11:50pm.

Start by getting your coffee fix at the Green Room or try one of its freshy squeezed juices and homemade crumpets.

Have lunch at a prime race viewing location at one of South Australia’s great historic hotels: the Willunga Hotel. Choose something from its light lunch or restaurant menus and enjoy a selection of wines and beers from some of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s best labels.

Discover Hither and Yon, a McLaren Vale-based wine brand which carefully curates its wines from grapes in the Fleurieu region. This will the perfect glass to have in hand while watching the race.

Keep exploring…

While you’re in Fleurieu Peninsula, spend some time discovering the coastal paradise and taste your way through the region.

Head to one of the most iconic cellar doors in Australia – the d’Arenberg Cube – where you’ll experience 360-degree views of McLaren Vale vineyards while sipping on some of the region’s finest wine.

Adventure down to Second Valley Beach – one of South Australia's most Instagrammed locations. It offers stunning views of the coastline and unique geological formations. This beach is popular for swimming, jetty fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Tantalise your tastebuds at the Star of Greece where Mediterranean flavours and fresh quality, local produce will have you in culinary heaven.

Stay the night…

From beachfront abodes like Beach Huts Middleton to winery accommodation like Hotel California Road @ Inkwell Wines, there’s a variety of inviting accommodation options on the Fleurieu Peninsula. For more inspiration, visit: https://southaustralia.com/destinations/fleurieu-peninsula/accommodation