The name Willunga comes from the Aboriginal word 'willangga' meaning, 'the locality of green trees'.
Surveyed in 1839 and purchased by Edward Moore. By 1840 the town's first 'Bush Inn' a slab hut was built.
This area is known for slate of such quality it was shipped around Australia from Port Willunga. After the success of slate the area became a wheat growing district. The slate declined in the 1890s and part of the town's charm is that it has largely remained untouched since its glory days in the 1850s and 1860s.
Today Willunga is a town full of genuinely interesting old buildings. It is situated on the edge of the McLaren Valley which lies to the north. Instead of vineyards or slate, modern Willunga is known for its almonds
