The Fleurieu Peninsula

Not more than an hours drive south of Adelaide, the seaside town of Victor Harbor is the largest town and unofficial capital of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Scenically set overlooking the sheltered waters of Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor has long been a popular weekend or summer getaway for the citysiders to the north, ever since South Australia's first governors starting holidaying here in the mid 19th century. Apart from its top beaches and relaxing atmosphere, the town's main tourist drawcards are the southern right whales which cruise by between June and October, and the large penguin colony which live on nearby Granite Island. The island is connected to the mainland by a 630 metre wooden causeway, within easy walking distance of the town centre. If you feel you've already had enough exercise for the day, you can get there via the historic, clydesdale powered double-decker tram, which has been operating the same route for over a hundred years. On the island, the insightful Penguin Interpretative Centre operates one hour guided tours every evening, just as the penguins begin to return home from their daily fishing trips. During the day, Granite Island also offers the best whale spotting vantage points, and the conveniently located South Australian Whale Centre (near the causeway entrance) helps out would-be spotters by supplying continual updates of sightings.

In town, history buffs will appreciate Victor Harbor's many fine colonial buildings, especially the Old Custom House & Station Masters Residence, which has been converted into a National Trust museum. The town also hosts an excellent range of places to stay and eat, including a couple of grand old pubs, which tend to get nice and lively on Friday and Saturday nights. On the outskirts of Victor Harbor, the Urimbirra Wildlife Park is one of several notable attractions less than five kilometres from the town centre. (see Attractions under Things To Do)

Only five kilometres north-east of Victor Harbor, Port Elliot is a charming old town, beautifully set on the shores of Horseshoe Bay. The bay boasts an excellent swimming beach, fringed by a rugged, low lying cliff which offers spectacular views along coast. Port Elliot is also a favoured destination among board riders, with the less sheltered beaches on either side of Horseshoe Bay well known for their powerful breaks. Adding the town's overall appeal is its attractive main thoroughfare, which is lined historic buildings, cafes, craft outlets, and antique stores.

Another 11 kilometres east of Port Elliot, Goolwa is another of the Fleurieu Peninsula's must visit towns. Lying on Lake Alexandria close to the mouth of the Murray River, Goolwa was once a major port at the peak of the state's riverboat era, and although paddlesteamers and other shallow berth vessels are still a common sight on the waterways, these days the cargo is tourists. There are as many as five different vessels offering cruises on both the lower Murray, and around the superb saltwater lagoons of the Coorong (for detailed information on the Coorong see Lower South Australia). In town, the Signal Point River Murray Interpretative Centre paints a vivid picture of early life on Australia's most important waterway, as does the National Trust Museum, housed in the old blacksmith shop on Porter Street. Those that wish to take in all of Goolwa's historical sites can follow the town's heritage trail, mapped out in a leaflet distributed by the local tourist office. Place to stay are as abundant as the old buildings, and one of the more unique options includes the crew quarters of the permanently moored paddlesteamer, the PS Murray River Queen.

A novel and fun way to travel in-between Goolwa, Port Elliot, and Victor Harbour is aboard the classic steam-train known as the Steam Ranger. The train follows the same scenic route it used to travel in it's hayday, operating on Sundays as well as public and school holidays.

On the other side of the Fleurieu land mass, the small coastal township of Cape Jervis is the peninsula's western most settlement, set on the relatively calm waters of the Backstairs Passage. The town is kept busy all year round, serving as the only mainland terminal for the car and passenger ferries which travel back and forth to Kangaroo Island. Visitors that wish to spend the night before or after the one hour voyage, have a choice between the friendly Cape Jervis Tavern, and two beautiful old homesteads on the outskirts of town. Travelling north of Cape Jervis, the main road runs along the western coastline of the peninsula, passing by the Wirrina Cove Resort and the quiet holiday village of Normanville, before heading a few kilometres inland to the historic and picturesque town of Yankalilla.

Explore the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula with Magor's Bus Service tours.