Surfing & Watersports

One of South Australia's most accessible snorkelling reefs

A protected limestone reef system off Aldinga Beach and Port Willunga, fully protected since 1971 and home to wobbegongs, blue devils, schools of reef fish and dolphins.

Port Elliot's big-wave reef break

A dramatic reef break at the western end of Port Elliot, named for the thunderous sound of its crashing waves. A classic South Australian surf spot for experienced riders.

A wide white-sand beach north of Normanville

A wide, flat, white-sand beach stretching 3km along the Gulf St Vincent north of Normanville - safe for swimming, excellent for beach walks and one of the Fleurieu's best family beaches.

A calm man-made saltwater lake at Encounter Bay with two swim beaches and sheltered paddling for families - one of the safest swimming spots near Victor Harbor.

Eighteen kilometres of open Southern Ocean sand

Goolwa Beach is the southern end of an 18-kilometre stretch of wave-pounded Southern Ocean sand running all the way to the Murray Mouth, with a patrolled swimming area and a legendary (and legal) 4WD beach drive.

A secret cove between the Port Elliot headlands

A tiny tucked-away cove between Rocky Bay and Knights Beach, reached via the Harbourmasters Trail. Calm days bring crystal-clear water for snorkelling; rough days bring dramatic wave shows.

World-class bodyboarding and a sheltered swim

Knights Beach sits on the eastern edge of Port Elliot's headlands and is rated among the top bodyboarding breaks in the world when a south-southeast swell is running. On smaller days it offers a safer family swim than neighbouring Boomer Beach.

Surf beach village between Port Elliot and Goolwa

Small beachside village between Port Elliot and Goolwa on the Encounter Coast, with one of the Fleurieu's most consistent surf breaks and a famous pub.

The Fleurieu learn-to-surf beach

A long, gently-shelving sand beach between Port Elliot and Goolwa, widely regarded as the best learn-to-surf beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Wild, remote surf beach at Newland Head

A wild, remote surf beach at the western end of Newland Head Conservation Park, best known for its powerful reef break and its seclusion.

The iconic curved timber jetty at Second Valley - one of the most photographed coastal structures in South Australia, a fishing and snorkelling launch point.

A sheltered bay with rocky outcrops, caves and a 300m offshore reef - one of the better snorkel sites on the Fleurieu, with leafy seadragons, stingrays, fur seals and reef fish.