The Fleurieu Coastal Drive
Two days around the Peninsula, Adelaide to Adelaide
The classic Fleurieu loop
Two days is the right length for the full Fleurieu Peninsula loop. One day is enough to dip in but not enough to get the variety - the western beaches, the Cape Jervis cliffs, the wild south coast, the Murray Mouth, the wine country and the historic towns are all separate worlds and you cannot fairly cover them all in a single day. With an overnight stop somewhere in the middle (Victor Harbor, Goolwa or Cape Jervis are the natural choices) the loop becomes leisurely.
This itinerary starts and ends in Adelaide and runs anti-clockwise, taking the western coast south on day one and the south coast east-then-north on day two. Reverse it if you prefer to drive the wild section first.
What to take
Full tank of fuel before leaving Adelaide. Layered clothing - the south coast wind is colder than you expect even in summer. A picnic lunch is the right call for at least one of the days; the cellar door restaurants are good but slow. Walking shoes for at least two of the stops. Camera. Binoculars in whale season (May-October).
Where to stay overnight
Victor Harbor has the most accommodation and the most options for evening dining. Goolwa has the most atmospheric setting (the wharf, the river, the historic precinct). Cape Jervis is the quietest and the closest to Deep Creek. Pick whichever suits your travel style - all three put you in striking distance of the second day.
Day 1
6 stops-
1
Sellicks Beach
Aldinga & Port WillungaFirst stop south of Adelaide. Drive onto the sand for the photo. The cliffs at the southern end and the long flat beach northward give you the first proper Fleurieu coastline view.
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2
Port Willunga Beach
Aldinga & Port WillungaHalf an hour further south. Walk the cliff path and the beach below the Star of Greece restaurant. The pylon ruins of the original 1855 jetty are the most-photographed Fleurieu shot.
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3
Second Valley Beach
Myponga & Second ValleyA drive south through the Sellicks Hills brings you to Second Valley with its iconic curved jetty and granite cove. Quick stop for the photo and the cliff-jumping if you have swimmers.
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4
Cape Jervis Lighthouse
Cape JervisThe southern tip of the Peninsula. The 1871 stone lighthouse, the SeaLink ferry departing for Kangaroo Island, and the view across Backstairs Passage. Lunch at the Cape Jervis Tavern if you are hungry.
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5
Deep Creek National Park
Cape JervisHalf an hour east of Cape Jervis. Drive into the park to Tapanappa Lookout for the signature clifftop view. If you have time, walk the short loop to the lookout.
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6
The Bluff (Rosetta Head)
Victor HarborLate afternoon at The Bluff for the climb to the granite summit and the sunset over Encounter Bay. Whales in the bay May-October. Stay overnight in Victor Harbor.
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Day 2
5 stops-
1
Granite Island
Victor HarborStart day two with the horse-drawn tram across the causeway and the loop walk on the island. Penguins, sea eagles and seals.
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2
SteamRanger Cockle Train
GoolwaCatch the historic Cockle Train from Victor Harbor to Goolwa - the line was Australia's first public railway. The route runs along the coast and the views are the best part.
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3
Goolwa Wharf Precinct
GoolwaWalk the Goolwa Wharf precinct - State Heritage Area with 19 historic sites, the PS Oscar W, the Steam Exchange Brewery and Fleurieu Distillery. Lunch on Cadell Street.
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4
Goolwa Barrage
GoolwaQuick stop at the Goolwa Barrage to see the resident fur seals on the downstream wall. 5-minute walk from the carpark.
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5
Strathalbyn Historic Town
StrathalbynHeading back toward Adelaide via the inland route, stop in Strathalbyn for the antique strip, the Soldiers Memorial Gardens and a coffee at Bean Machine. Then back to Adelaide via the Adelaide Hills.
See place →
On the map
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