Yankalilla

Yankalilla feels distinctly country, despite having some of the Fleurieu Peninsula's best-known beaches just down the road. Around 73 kilometres south of Adelaide, the township sits among rolling farmland, with the Bungala River running through town and Normanville and Carrickalinga only a short drive towards the coast.

Its main street is the kind worth slowing down for. Stop for something from the long-standing Yankalilla Bakery, browse local shops and second-hand finds, or settle into the pub before continuing further south. The surrounding district remains strongly connected to agriculture, something still celebrated each year at the Yankalilla Show.

There is plenty of history here too. The Yankalilla District Historical Museum traces the stories of the district through agriculture, mining, transport, shipping and community life, while Christ Church Yankalilla, established in 1857, is one of South Australia's early Anglican churches and later became known internationally for the Shrine of Our Lady of Yankalilla.

Yankalilla also makes a useful base for exploring the western Fleurieu. Head towards Normanville and Carrickalinga for the coast, follow the scenic roads south towards Second Valley and Rapid Bay, or turn inland for waterfalls, conservation parks, farmland and some of the quieter corners of the peninsula. The 85-kilometre Hills and Seascapes Discovery Drive links many of these landscapes and attractions through the district.

It's country Fleurieu with the coast close enough to change your plans.