Coastal wonders of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island

Edged by stunning beaches and dotted with charming towns – not to mention one of Australia’s best wine regions – South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula gently encourages visitors to surrender to its many delights and enjoy a slower, more sustainable pace. Add Kangaroo Island to your itinerary and summers at the beach, bushwalking in spring and autumn, plus the promise of a cosy meal or glass of red in winter, make this region the perfect getaway for any season.

Gardens & outdoors

Just 40 kilometres south of Adelaide is one of those places where nature really shows off, but in a grounded, quietly beautiful way. Think clear waters at Port Willunga, rugged cliffs near Second Valley, and gentle hills rolling back into pockets of native bush. Whether you’re drawn to salty swims or slow wanders through woodland tracks, there’s plenty here to help you reconnect with the wild, at your own pace.

Fleurieu Peninsula

Home to the Fleurieu’s largest preservation of native vegetation, Deep Creek National Park offers a variety of trails for day walkers and multi-day hikers to enjoy. Keep your eyes lifted to take in stringybark trees and views out to Kangaroo Island, while a downward gaze may land on tiny native orchids peeking up from the forest floor.

The 1200-kilometre Heysen Trail stretches from Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges north of Adelaide all the way down to the Fleurieu Peninsula, ending at Cape Jervis. More easily digestible sections of the hike can be accessed down south, including through Deep Creek National Park and Kings Beach near Victor Harbor, or walk the section known as the Wild South Coast Way over five days and four nights.

The many sanctuaries on the surrounding coast are part of the Encounter Marine Park and protect temperate ocean habitat and nursery grounds for marine animals, including the delicate leafy seadragon – best seen with a snorkel or dive mask at Rapid Bay or Second Valley.

From May to October southern right and humpback whales journey along the peninsula coastline on their annual migration. Southern rights appear first as they seek warmer waters to birth and nurse their calves, with numbers peaking from June to September. Don’t forget to pack binoculars!

Native gardens to visit

To see what grows in this region, visit the 2-hectare native garden, Nangawooka Flora Reserve, north of Victor Harbor. Run by passionate volunteers, the plantings range from West Australian species to a mix of general native species and species specific to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Flowering starts in mid-winter and is at its peak early spring. There is still a good display right through into late summer.

Gather friends together for a guided garden tour and grazing board lunch at the Tipsy Hill Estate. While the garden was created 20 years ago, owner Bec Hardy (who also runs the vineyard) and her team have been working to transition the garden from the original European plants to native, drought-tolerant plants – all as part of their commitment to sustainability.

Kangaroo Island

Defined by its separation from the mainland, Kangaroo Island has a unique environment that is home to many plants and animals no longer found elsewhere. There are over 850 native plants registered on the island with over 400 different species found within the Flinders Chase National Park. Native plants and wildlife are never far away but to experience the extent of Kangaroo Island’s environment make your way along the 66km, five-day Wilderness Trail. Other, shorter, walks take in the rugged beauty of Seal Bay Conservation Park and Baudin Conservation Park, where you may see tammar wallabies and wedge-tailed eagles. The rare glossy black cockatoos may also be seen feeding in the she-oak forest as you walk.

Sustainable sustenance

Taking advantage of the natural beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula can easily incorporate walks with a picnic lunch as well as evenings dining with the sea close by. You can also take your pick from wineries and farms that focus on growing their produce sustainably.

Fleurieu Peninsula

• On the way from Adelaide to the south coast, stop in at Harvest the Fleurieu to pick your own summer strawberries and stock up on other sustainably farmed produce and small-batch artisanal products.
• Saturdays in Willunga is farmers’ market day, with more than 80 farmers and producers offering goods. Continue on to the High Street for irresistible local and organic cakes and pastries at the Willunga General Store followed by a glass of wine at Hither & Yon.
• Further south Yore at Myponga has all you need for a picnic with organic bulk foods along with groceries, local produce and coffee.

On the coast

• Aldinga is home to the Slow Food Kitchen, which has a mindful take on crafting meals and community connection during the day.
• In the seaside town of Port Elliot, Gut Feeling Providore focuses on probiotic-rich ferments using local ingredients or you can enjoy a coffee with your vegetarian brunch at Beaches.
• Open every Saturday, the Victor Harbor farmers’ markets is the place to go with fruits, vegetables, seafood, wine, breads, biscuit, dips, honey, sweets, plants, eggs, preserves, nuts, coffee, flowers, quiche, chocolate, pies, condiments and so much more!

McLaren Vale

• Either on your way south or on the return trip to Adelaide, many wineries in the McLaren Vale wine region have adopted industry-leading sustainability practices, including Bondar, Bec Hardy, Wirra Wirra, Coriole and Maxwell Wines. Dine at the Salopian Inn where they cook only with local, seasonal produce.

Kangaroo Island

• Kangaroo Island has many local eateries choosing to source ingredients as close to home as possible. You can start upon arrival at the Penneshaw Pub, which offers fresh local food with wine to match or stop at Millie Mae’s Pantry for coffee and homemade pastries.
• Clifford’s Honey Farm is a humble operation with legendary honey ice-cream made on site.
• Kangaroo Island Spirits infuses its gin with locally foraged botanicals, including wild boobialla (native juniper) and native coastal daisy.

Eco accommodation

Fleurieu Peninsula

• Willunga Ridge offers flexible, boutique accommodation for up to six people in two off-grid pods with spectacular coastal views. Sustainability is a shared effort between owner and guest, with visitors encouraged to use energy thoughtfully.
• Take in breathtaking views from one of Nest and Nature’s off-grid suites sited on the Inman Valley hillside, or take the glamping option with their Eagles View experience. Each option can access bushwalking trails within the 97 hectare property populated with native wildlife.
• Southern Ocean Retreats has a selection of accommodation within the Deep Creek Conservation Park. Enjoy the views of the bush or head out on a walk knowing your bed is close by.

On the coast

• Wren House in Victor Harbor sits lightly on the earth, with part of the site sculpted using swales, allowing for natural irrigation to water a garden that supports local birds and wildlife.
• For a budget-friendly option in a prime location with views of the ocean, try the YHA Port Elliot. Certified by Ecotourism Australia, the YHA focuses on waste minimisation, energy reduction and water saving measures.

Kangaroo Island

• Off-grid options are popular on Kangaroo Island, from the private wildlife sanctuary of Ecopia Retreat, to the thoughtfully designed tiny homes of Sol Hus, where your booking tariff helps support marine conservation through the Australian Ocean Laboratory, a South Australian based environmental non-profit.
• Architecturally designed using eco-friendly materials, the off-grid CABN accommodation at Cape St Albans aim to have minimum impact on the local surrounds while allowing you to enjoy all that it offers. You will also find CABN at McLaren Vale.

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