Willunga is a picturesque Township nestled in the heart of McLaren Vale, a world class wine region, famous for its Shiraz, and a much visited tourist destination, The town was originally settled by Irish and Cornish slate miners after slate was discovered  in the surrounding hills in 1840.   The heart of Willunga grew from the original few buildings - The Old Bush Inn - a must for the entertainment of the miners, The Courthouse and Police Station, and The Old Post Office and Telegraph Station.   Many of the Historic buildings are now open to the public and provide a fascinating insight into the history of the town.

Slate mining has now taken a back seat, and the pastoral and farming land that surrounded the township has in many cases been devoted to vineyards, almond and olive groves. The cellar-door outlets have wonderful local produce to offer their visitors, providing first class wines in stunning locations for that lazy weekend drive around the Vale.

Willunga has three pubs all within walking distance on the High Street, coffee shops and fine dining, galleries and craft shops, Saturday morning Farmer's Market (not to be missed) and a famous pizza restaurant providing superb wood-oven pizzas in a unique setting.

Henry's Retreat is a secluded, self contained Bed and Breakfast cottage set in the grounds of the Old Post Office and Telegraph Station.   It provides luxury accommodation perfect for that weekend getaway, or stay longer to take in the beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula.   The magnificent Port Willunga Beach is an easy 10 min. drive away. Victor Harbor, Goolwa, and Kangaroo Island are some of the many other visitor attractions. The ever popular Kangaroo Island is accessed from Cape Jervis which is a 40 min. drive down the peninsula.  

The Post Office began operating on this site from 1857/8, its flag being raised when the mail boats sailed in to Port Willunga to inform the townspeople of mail arriving from their homelands.   The fortnightly mails between Adelaide and Encounter Bay were originally carried by mounted police and in 1840 William Deacon started a twice-weekly passenger / mail service between Adelaide and Willunga.   In 1858 the single storey building on this site was opened as a Post Office, the two storey section being added in 1865 and operating as the Telegraph Station, relaying messages between Adelaide and Victor Harbor.

Mr. Henry Pouncett was the first Postmaster in the new office, holding that position until his death in 1891, aged 82 years.

Hence - we have Henry's Retreat!