Fleurieu Peninsula Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Fleurieu Peninsula with our comprehensive travel guide featuring the top attractions, hiking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, safety information, and more.


Introduction to Fleurieu Peninsula

Located in South Australia, Fleurieu Peninsula is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists alike. This picturesque region sits between two stunning coastlines, the Gulf St Vincent and the Southern Ocean. The region offers a perfect balance of culture, history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure opportunities.

List of Places to Visit in Fleurieu Peninsula

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Victor Harbor Heritage Trail: Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Victor Harbor and learn about the town’s history and architecture.
  • Fort Glanville: This 19th-century fort was built to protect Adelaide from a feared Russian invasion.
  • Signal Point: Located in Goolwa, Signal Point features a multimedia exhibit showcasing the region’s history.
  • Port Elliot Railway Station Museum: Get a glimpse into how the railway system played a significant role in South Australia’s development.

Natural Attractions of Fleurieu Peninsula: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Deep Creek Conservation Park: This vast national park boasts stunning coastal vistas, hiking trails and campgrounds.
  • Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours: Take a day trip from Fleurieu Peninsula to Kangaroo Island and explore the island’s rugged coastlines, wildlife, and vineyards.
  • Whale Watching: Between May and October, you can witness Southern Right and Humpback whales migrating along the coast of Fleurieu Peninsula.
  • Aldinga Beach: This beach offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking and snorkeling, and is dotted with cafes and restaurants.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fleurieu Peninsula

  • Heysen Trail: This hiking trail tretches over 1,200 km between Cape Jervis and the Flinders Ranges.
  • Coorong National Park: Coorong, along with several hiking and biking routes, also offers boat tours, four-wheel drive tours, and fishing.

Best Things to Do in Fleurieu Peninsula: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting: Visit the region’s many wineries and sip on some of Australia’s finest wine.
  • Beach Hopping: The Fleurieu Peninsula boasts over 100km of coastline offering a diversity of beaches.
  • Horseback Riding: Take a horseback tour and discover the beauty of the region.
  • Skydiving: Jump out of a plane and experience the stunning coastline with a bird’s eye view.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fleurieu Peninsula

Day 1: Arrival and check-in at accommodations Day 2: Visit Glenelg beach and explore the historic neighbourhood Day 3: Drive to Victor Harbor and visit Granite Island, where you can see Little Penguins and take a scenic horse-drawn car ride. Day 4-5: Visit Kangaroo Island and discover the marine life, koalas and sand dunes of one of Australia’s most biodiverse regions. Day 6: Explore the Fleurieu Peninsula’s wine region and take a tasting tour. Day 7: Visit the small coastal town of Port Elliot with its beautiful sandy beaches before heading to Adelaide.

Food and Drink Scene of Fleurieu Peninsula

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips: Fleurieu Peninsula is famous for its seafood, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a serve of Australia’s favourite dish.
  • Coorong Mullet: This freshwater fish is found all through the Coorong and is usually prepared grilled or fried.
  • Fleurieu Beef: Known for its flavour and quality, the region’s beef is typically grass-fed and organic.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: With over 80 wineries in the region, it’s no surprise that Fleurieu Peninsula is known for fine quality Australian wine.
  • Gin: The magic of the hills, with its botanicals and natural spring water, provides a unique flavour to this local gin, which is distilled in the region.

Where to Stay in Fleurieu Peninsula: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • McLaren Vale Motel & Apartments: A family-run business, offering affordable and comfortable accommodations in McLaren Vale.
  • Beach Huts Middleton: Beautifully designed private beach huts with ocean views, located at Middleton beach.
  • The Australasian: A boutique hotel in Victor Harbor, featuring stylish rooms with modern kitchens and amazing views of Encounter Bay.

What to Buy in Fleurieu Peninsula: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Art and Craftworkes: The region’s artisans create unique artwork and crafts, including pottery, glassware, and jewellery.
  • Honey: Take home some of the locally produced honey, known for its flavour and medicinal properties.
  • Olive Oil: Made from the region’s olives, this locally produced olive oil is of high quality and is a great souvenir to bring home for cooking enthusiasts.

Local Culture and Customs of Fleurieu Peninsula

The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to several indigenous groups, including the Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri people. The region celebrates its Aboriginal culture and history through numerous cultural events and activities run by these communities.

Best Time to Visit Fleurieu Peninsula

The best time to visit Fleurieu Peninsula is between September and May when the weather is mild and rainfall is minimal. During this time, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and beach hopping.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fleurieu Peninsula

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife.
  • Keep an eye out for sharks when swimming in the ocean.
  • Take your rubbish with you when leaving public spaces.

Don’t:

  • Disturb the wildlife, especially penguins, seals and birds.
  • Litter or smoke on the beaches.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fleurieu Peninsula

Fleurieu Peninsula is generally safe, but visitors should take precautions against sunburn, particularly during the summer months, and when swimming in the ocean, always stay between the flags on the patrolled beaches.

Health in Fleurieu Peninsula

Visitors should use sun protection and stay hydrated during the summer months. With regards to health care, there are several medical clinics and hospitals in the region, but medical fees can be expensive, so travel insurance is recommended.

Getting to Fleurieu Peninsula: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fleurieu Peninsula

The nearest airport to Fleurieu Peninsula is Adelaide Airport, which is approximately 80 km north of the region. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle bus to the region.

Bus Stations Near Fleurieu Peninsula

There are several bus services that connect Adelaide to Fleurieu Peninsula, with the main bus station located in Adelaide city centre.

Other Options

Driving is the best option to explore Fleurieu Peninsula. Visitors can rent a car from Adelaide.

How to Get Around Fleurieu Peninsula

Driving is the best way to get around the Fleurieu Peninsula, with car rental agencies available in the major towns of the region. Some visitors also prefer to cycle, with bike rentals available in some areas.

Where to Go Next from Fleurieu Peninsula: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Adelaide: After exploring Fleurieu Peninsula, travel north to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, and experience the city’s art, food, and culture.
  • Barossa Valley: Head further north to the famous wine region of Barossa Valley and taste some of the best wines of the region.
  • Flinders Ranges: Travel inland from the Fleurieu Peninsula to Flinders Ranges, known for its rugged mountain landscapes and stunning natural scenery.

Conclusion

Fleurieu Peninsula is a diverse holiday spot, offering visitors a balance of outdoor adventure and relaxation, culture and history, and gourmet delights. With its stunning scenery and unique attractions, it’s no surprise that this region has become one of South Australia’s most popular destinations.

A beach near Victor Harbor A beach near Victor Harbor


    Cape Jervis
    Deep Creek National Park
    Goolwa