10 THINGS TO DO ON THE FLEURIEU COAST!
There's definitely something special about the Fleurieu Coast. Discover magnificent forests, unspoiled beaches, craft breweries, national parks, history and seaside towns and hamlets.
On the road to Rapid Bay
1. SNORKELLING & DIVING:
Dive into an aquatic adventure at some of Fleurieu’s most famous, and best kept snorkelling and diving sites. Explore beneath the surface of one of South Australia’s most instagramed locations! Prepare to be enchanted by the abundant marine life that call Second Valley home.
Why stop there? Continue travelling 9 minutes down the Coast where you’re greeted by the breathtaking Rapid Bay. As home to the near threatened species, The Leafy Sea dragon, Rapid Bay is Adelaide’s most popular shore dive. Known for its pristine scuba diving environment, you’re promised a beautifully surreal experience. Experience Australia’s most accessible and exciting wreck at the ex-HMAS Dive Site. Intentionally scuttled to create an artificial reef, the 90,000 square metres of shipwreck results in a thrilling and unforgettable adventure you MUST try!
Immerse yourself in the 80 kms of rugged coastline where hills meet sea!
Snorkelling @ Second Valley
2. BEACHES:
Visit Normanville Beach, the largest coastal settlement on the Fleurieu Coast. With the newly redeveloped foreshore, offering absolute beachfront dining options and Surf Life Savers patrol during the summer, you’re well looked after. Popular for fishing with its boat access, leisurely swimming, and surrounding thriving businesses, you’re guaranteed a good time at Normanville Beach.
Explore the hidden treasures of Carrickalinga with its rock pools, cliff faces, and soft sandy beaches. Discover the hiking trails with incredible lookouts or enjoy staying at luxury beachside accommodation.
Head South and discover the picturesque Lady Bay. Enjoy the contrast of Norfolk Pine trees, cliff faces, and serene waters. Visit the lookouts, stunning Great Gorge Walk, or visit great fishing spots.
Detour from Cape Jervis and visit the secluded Morgans Beach. The unpatrolled sandy beach allows responsible 4WD and fishing, enjoy the southern rocky reef or swim in clear waters further up. Nestled below 50-metre-high cliffs, Morgans Beach has great scenic views whether you’re on the beach or observing from the Morgans Beach Lookout.
Carrickalinga Beach
3. BIG DUCK TOURS:
The perspective from the water is incredible as you pass by Second Valley, Rapid Bay & Cap Sevinge. Amazing geological formations make up the rugged coastline with towering cliff-faces, rolling hills, with caves and hidden coves. We make our way past Rapid Bay and its jetties & quarry to visit the Fur Seal Colony, with a few lazy Seal Lions around Rapid Head.
Try and spot soaring White Bellied Sea Eagles circling above the towering cliffs and catch a look at the huge wind turbines of Starfish Hill Wind Farm before making our way back up along the coast to the departure point at Wirrina Cove. This is a stunning scenic tour through some our South Australian’s most Instagramed coastal locations on the Sea Wirrina Tour!
4. GOLF:
The Fleurieu Coast is emerging as a golfing destination and has three stunning opportunities to mix a day of golfing pleasure with scenic views.
No golfing trip to South Australia would be complete without a visit to The Links Lady Bay Golf Resort. With stunning vistas from every hole overlooking the spectacular Fleurieu Coast beaches, kangaroo greetings on your early morning or late afternoon tee times and sprawling links layout, you will be hard pressed to find another visually appealing course anywhere in Australia.
At the heart of the Wirrina Golf & Country Club is a sensational 18-Hole Golf Course, offering spectacular golf and great panoramic views over St Vincent’s Gulf and the rich flora and fauna of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.
If your game is more directed towards scrapes, then visit Yankalilla Golf Course in the heart of Yankalilla to play the closest scrapes course to central Adelaide with an easy layout and spectacular views.
18th Green @ Links Lady Bay Golf Club
5. WILD SOUTH COAST WAY ON THE HEYSEN TRAIL:
The Wild South Coast Way presents some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring coastal walking in South Australia. With a genuine sense of wilderness, the trail offers a chance to experience remote beaches, native bushland, towering cliffs, rich First Nations history, stunning panoramas, deep gorges, and a diverse array of native birds, vegetation, and wildlife.
One of our fave short walks is the Goondooloo Ridge Walk, which is suitable for prams and wheelchairs and offers spectacular views of Backstairs Passage and the Pages Islands over to Kangaroo Island. Additionally, Blowhole Beach is another gem with its untamed natural setting and ocean waves. Thinking of getting the full Wild South Coast Way experience then book in with Southern Ocean Walks and their 1 day/1 night or 4 day trail experiences with an experienced guide, wonderful accommodation and culinary excellence.
Deep Creek National Park Waterfall
6. FOOD & DRINK:
The Fleurieu Coast has numerous ‘Food & Drink’ options to satisfy your cravings. Try the new fine dining restaurant Aqua Blue Normanville Beach, open breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring an extensive seafood menu showcasing the freshest and finest local produce. Fancy a quick bite and refreshing drink? Checkout some of the local breweries such as Forktree and Smiling Samoyed. Each with unique features and charming surroundings, they’ll be sure to ‘hit the spot’!
Pub feed? You're set. With pubs in the main townships, the Fleurieu Coast has a wide choice of classic pub menus and genuine country hospitality. If you time it right, you can enjoy live music while dining at the Yankalilla Hotel.
Forktree Brewery Tasting Paddle
7. CAMPING:
It’s time to pack your bags, unplug, and take that much needed camping getaway on the Fleurieu Coast.
Disconnect with life and connect with nature at Deep Creek National Park. With 15 different walks showcasing the spectacular scenery of Kangaroo Island, Backstairs Passage and the rugged Deep Creek Valley ranging from easy to extremely difficult, all ages and abilities are accommodated. For multi-day walkers there are dedicated walker-only campsites.
If coastal camping is more your style, try the laid-back Rapid Bay Camping Grounds. With the beach at your feet, experience the coastal lifestyle Rapid Bay has to offer. Participate in scuba diving, fishing, or simply relaxing with a good book by the seaside.
8. MYPONGA RESERVIOR:
Explore, enjoy, preserve the Myponga Reservoir Reserve. You can pack light and take advantage of the local kayak and bike hire to accompany your exciting day of walking, fishing, and nature fun. Or for something more low key, the combination of still waters, forests, rolling hills and fresh air makes it the perfect picnic spot.
The 6km of unsealed tracks, and are most suitable for wheelchairs and prams, this is a great adventure for everyone! Nestled right on the doorstep of Myponga Township, call in for a cheeky drink or sweet treat to reward your hard work. Note dogs aren't permitted in the Reservoir Reserve, explore our forest and beach walks for dog-friendly options.
Myponga Reservoir
9. MARKETS:
Step into the local community and weave your way through authentic market stalls the Fleurieu Coast has to offer. Get a taste of our locally grown, made, and produced goods from hard working residents. With free entry, enjoy a fun day out visiting the Yankalilla Produce & Craft Market and/or the Second Valley Market(bring your appetite).
10. HERITAGE:
Embark on a journey through time on the Fleurieu Coast, where history comes alive amidst breathtaking landscapes and captivating heritage sites. Dive into the region's rich tapestry of stories and experiences, starting with a visit to the meticulously curated Yankalilla Historical Museum. Here, immerse yourself in fascinating tales of the past, brought to life through engaging exhibits and interactive displays all locally sourced.
For those craving an historic walking adventure you must adventure along the Second Valley Heritage Walk or step back in time at Dunstall Cottage, where each brick whispers secrets of days gone by. Venture further into history with a visit to the Talisker Mines, a testament to the region's mining legacy.
From the rugged beauty of the landscape to the rich veins of history waiting to be unearthed, the Talisker Mines offer a truly immersive experience for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Discover the Fleurieu Coast's hidden treasures and uncover the stories that shaped our past.
Visit the Fleurieu Coast Our Way!