Family photos at Port Willunga: a local’s guide
When to go, where to stand, what to wear and what to do with a toddler who will not stop running. A Port Willunga family photographer’s guide to the old jetty, the caves and the best light.
I live a few minutes from Port Willunga, and I still stop the car to look at it. The beach faces west over Gulf St Vincent, so the sun sets straight into the water. The cliffs turn orange. The old jetty posts stand in the shallows like a row of patient grandparents. For family photos, I don't know anywhere better in South Australia.
If you're planning family, maternity or a short sunset mini here, this is everything I'd tell you over a cup of tea.
When to go
Aim for the last hour and a half before sunset. That's when the light comes in low and golden across the water and lights up everyone's faces instead of flattening them.
- Summer: sunsets are late, so sessions start in the early evening. Beautiful light, but check the sea breeze and bring a jumper for the kids.
- Autumn: my favourite. Calm evenings, soft light and a quieter beach. Sessions start in the late afternoon.
- Winter: sunset comes early, which suits babies and toddlers who need dinner and bed. The light is clear and the sky can be dramatic.
- Spring: changeable weather, lots of green on the clifftops, and the start of sunset mini season.
It's also worth checking the tide. At low tide there's more sand to run on and rock pools around the base of the jetty posts to explore. At high tide the posts stand in the water, which makes for lovely reflections but less room to play. I plan every session around both.
Where to stand
The jetty posts
The remains of the old jetty are the icon of Port Willunga, and for good reason. I like to put families between the posts and the setting sun so the light rims their hair, then turn around and use the glowing cliffs as a backdrop.
The fishermen's caves
The small caves carved into the cliff were once used by local fishermen. Looking out from the shade of a cave towards the bright beach gives a natural frame, and it's a quiet spot for a feed or a cuddle mid session. Please stay clear of the cliff edges and the base of the cliffs themselves. The warning signs are there for good reason.
The waterline
Nothing beats children running in and out of the tiny waves. This is where I bring out the 35mm and the Super 8, because the movement and the sparkle on the water look incredible on film.
What to wear
Think warm and natural, to match the sand and the cliffs: cream, oatmeal, rust, mustard, olive and faded denim. Linen and cotton move beautifully in the breeze. Avoid large logos, neon and busy patterns. Coordinate the family without matching exactly, and choose one person to wear the strongest colour.
Bare feet are the way to go. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for the littlest ones, because somebody always ends up sitting in the water.
Toddlers, babies and people who won't stand still
Port Willunga is perfect for busy children. There's space to run, water to splash in and shells to collect, and I use all of it. I'll give them jobs, start races and let them lead us around. The photographs of children doing something are always better than photographs of children being told to smile.
For babies, we find a sheltered spot out of the wind, work in short bursts and stop for feeds whenever needed. The caves are useful here.
If the weather turns
Coastal weather changes fast. If it's wet or blowing hard, we move the session, simple as that. If you'd rather not risk the beach at all, some of my other favourite spots nearby are the McLaren Vale vineyards, the pines at Kuitpo Forest, and your own home.
Getting there
Port Willunga is about 45 minutes' drive south of the Adelaide CBD, just past Aldinga. There's parking along the Esplanade above the beach and a path down to the sand. I'll send you exactly where to meet when we book.
The best family photographs at Port Willunga don't need anyone to look at the camera. They need the light, the water and five minutes of letting your kids be kids.