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Myponga – Willunga
If a short section of formed gravel road
is acceptable, head to Myponga via Carrickalinga. The views from the
hill tops are some of the most spectacular in the State. Alternatively
take the main road north. Gently rolling hills, grazing sheep and cattle
country and old gum trees provide an attractive drive north. Keep a look
out for seasonal specialist nurseries, offering displays of roses, begonias
and native flora. The highway strikes the coast in spectacular fashion
at Sellicks Beach with magnificent views from the steep hillsides of
the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges. At Aldinga Beach and Port Willunga,
coastal scenery warrants regular breaks in your journey. At Willunga,
slate mining was an early industry, still evidenced in local roofs, footpaths,
fences and bridges. The annual Almond Blossom festival, in late July,
reflects the importance of this industry. Historic buildings dating back
to the 1840s and the Courthouse Museum make an interesting diversion.
A range of accommodation and fuels is available.
McLaren Vale
The vines start to appear on all sides. McLaren
Vale has been synonymous with fine wines for over 150 years. South Australia’s
first vineyard was established at Old Reynella in 1838. The area has
42 wineries with cellar doors and many are small family concerns where
the notion of "meeting your maker" reflects the opportunity
to discuss bouquets, cellaring potentials and other vital information
as you taste. The wineries offer quality aromatic whites that include
Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, full bodied Chardonnay and Semillon. Undoubtedly,
the region is best known for its rich, robust reds, in particular its
Shiraz. The beauty of the surrounding hills, the pristine beaches and
rugged coastal scenery has inspired artists to paint here for many years.
Their works are found in a number of galleries in the district. The Fleurieu
Biennial, Australia’s foremost landscape art prize is a feature
of the district.
Towards Adelaide
North of McLaren Vale is the Onkaparinga
River; its estuary provides significant bird watching opportunities while
its gorge provides walkers and canoeists delightful outings. The historic
village of Old Noarlunga is sited at the head of the gorge and a swing
footbridge provides access to the Onkaparinga River National Park. The
river meanders widely across wetlands with a boardwalk facilitating visitor
access. There are a number of coastal beachside towns leading towards
Adelaide that include Moana, Port Noarlunga, Christies Beach and then
into the suburbs of Adelaide.
The foreshore drive along Lady Bay at Normanville.
Melbourne to Adelaide
The Fleurieu Peninsula straddles the main
coastal route between Melbourne and Adelaide - Coastal Explorer’s
Way and is adjacent to the inland Country Lover’s Way. This is
one of the most compelling journeys in Australia. It includes some of
the very best of coastal and inland driving - the Great Ocean Road, the
wineries of Coonawarra, Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale, World Heritage-listed
Naracoorte Caves and stunning national parks at Cape Otway, Grampians,
Coorong, Deep Creek and the natural wonders of Kangaroo Island. The towns
of Apollo Bay, Lorne, Port Fairy, Mt Gambier, Robe, Goolwa, Victor Harbor,
Mannum, Penola, Hamilton, Halls Gap and Ballarat are there to provide
for your accommodation and service needs and there is a free Melbourne
to Adelaide Touring Map available at information centres en route. Visit www.travellink.com.au. |
