Explore these holiday ideas that will open your mind and challenge your curiosity. Don't be afraid to be surprised.
The Fleurieu Peninsula: it’s a beautiful place. But if you look further, you'll see a restless bunch in search of beauty: unyielding conquerors that won't take 'no' for an answer. Those who follow their heart, forever exploring and where the curious of mind are rewarded for their wonder.
There has never been a better time for Australians to get out and explore the wonders of their own backyard, so we packed the car & spent 48 hours exploring our region with @jade.elise.collins & @jake.applebee, co-founders of lifestyle brand Salty Aura. We visited places these two haven't been to before. That's the thing about the Fleurieu Peninsula, it's a place for those who want a little more.
DAY 1
9.00am - GOODNESS COFFEE CO, ALDINGA
In Australia, coffee is serious business... So of course, our first stop is Goodness Coffee Co, a quaint tin shed café in the Old Aldinga township. We think it’s the most Australian lookin' coffee shop you'll ever see. Spend the morning here enjoying a warm cup of bean juice perched up under the gorgeous eucalypts: the perfect combination. Goodness Coffee Co. serve freshly roasted specialty coffee and homemade light lunches and pastries. We could sit here for hours (and sometimes we do)...
10.00am - FLEURIEU PENINSULA SCENIC ADVENTURE, ALDINGA BEACH TO CAPE JERVIS
Coffee followed by an aerial experience taking in the beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula from the skies - a bird's eye view of our stunning coastline and the incredible colours and textures of the land. From McLaren Vale to Strathalbyn, there’s a little something for everyone if it’s a helicopter tour that you’re after!
Helivista is based in McLaren Vale and offers scenic flight tours as well as lunch and winery packages, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour scenic flight, with wine tasting at three wineries. There’s nothing like celebrating a special occasion in style!
South Coast Helicopters offer scenic flights across the Fleurieu, conveniently based in Strathalbyn less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide. Their range of tours covers tree-studded landscapes to the rugged coastline – they also have a scenic flight that includes a winery stop!
11.00am - PORT WILLUNGA BEACH, PORT WILLUNGA
Mornings sure are magical at Port Willunga, a dream location where the pristine coastline meets the rolling hills & rolling vineyards. Just 45 minutes from the CBD, this beach is an easy day trip location in the Fleurieu Peninsula region. Here you'll find mouth-watering local produce at the Star of Greece & spectacular cliff-lined sandy beaches. What makes Port Willunga Beach incredibly unique is the famous beachfront caves. You'll notice a handful of these epic caves carved into the rock face down here... once upon a time, the local fisherman stored their boats in there. Nowadays they are just a beautiful spot to set up a picnic with your friends and enjoy the views of the white sand & crystal-clear waters.
1.00pm - THE CURRANT SHED, MCLAREN FLAT
Originally built as an undercover shelter in which to prepare and dry currants, this quaint shed is now housing the beautiful The Currant Shed restaurant in McLaren Flat. Set between a delightful lime grove and beautiful vineyards, culinary decadence certainly awaits to be enjoyed here. The menu embraces produce sourced from across the Fleurieu Peninsula, seafood from nearby waters, vegetable goodness picked from their own garden, & a seasonal menu that's often curated by freshness at the Willunga Farmers Market. The menu also features a wine list that promotes the local stars of the region.
4.00pm BOHO FARM, MOUNT JAGGED
Boho Farm is the perfect afternoon picnic location, a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. This gorgeous winery is just off Victor Harbor Road in Mount Jagged, offering unparalleled views of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Enjoy a glass (or two) of beautiful wines, mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas, and cheese boards as you nestle comfortably into the afternoon. Having only recently wandered into the wine-production business, Claire & her partner Luke have collaborated with acclaimed winemaker Nick Dugmore to deliver superb Mount Jagged wines with each label paying homage to the breathtaking property – telling a story of its essence. Think wines like Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé & Shiraz.
5.00pm - LOST RETREATS, MOUNT JAGGED
Nestled between an idyllic lake and the sprawling vineyards of Boho Farm, you’ll find Lost Retreat’s stunning Lakeside Retreat. Lose yourself in this rustic & sustainable accommodation whilst immersing yourself in all that nature has to offer. The retreat is filled with bespoke custom finishes crafted from reused and recycled timber, resulting in a warm and inviting space to enjoy as the sun goes down. Lost Retreats celebrates the synergy of nature and shelter, rejoicing in the natural surroundings, and introducing you to a new simplified luxury in off-grid accommodation.
Lost has partnered with local artisans to provide bespoke goods for its guests including handmade ceramics, local coffee and tea, and hand-blown glassware to name a few. Sit back, relax and soak up your picturesque surroundings – with a wine in hand sourced from right outside your door!
DAY 2
9.00am - VALLEY OF YORE, MYPONGA
Valley of Yore, located a scenic 45-minute drive from Adelaide, is seriously stylish, yet simplistic. The minimalistic and artistic interior of this has exposed ceilings and floors, and a beautiful, lofted dining area. There are gorgeous hanging netted lanterns, plants in funky pots and handmade works from local artists. Valley of Yore––which refers to “yore,” meaning a bygone era––sells locally sourced food and drinks. They have Port Elliot’s Degroot Coffee, local fresh juices, and non-alcoholic drinks, such as crystal-charged botanical beverages.
11.00am - MYPONGA RESERVOIR RESERVE, MYPONGA
Nestled near the township of Myponga, less than an hour’s drive south of Adelaide, is the Myponga Reservoir Reserve. The drive across the Myponga Reservoir's retaining wall and through the catchment is awe-inspiring when the spillway is open. There is a lookout with car parking and a picnic area with splendid views. The journey across the crest of the range provides a sweeping panorama of the landscape back to the Adelaide metro coastline.
The trail here is ideal for walking and running with room for families to enjoy a picnic. You can also head to the lookout to take in the scenic surrounds. Head out on the water for a paddle in your canoe or kayak and explore the 250 hectares of water. Shore-based fishing is available within the publicly accessible area of the reserve, or you can drop a line in from your canoe or kayak.
1.00pm - SMILING SAMOYED BREWERY, MYPONGA
An absolute must-do: The Smiling Samoyed Brewery, is in Myponga overlooking the picturesque reservoir reserve. The perfect stop after a trail & kayaking adventure. Our tip: try their range of beers, enjoy one of their mouth-watering pizzas, pat one of the resident Samoyed’s, and see kangaroos hopping through the fields. You may even see the on-site brewery in action as the next batch awaits.
3.00pm - HARVEST THE FLEURIEU, MOUNT COMPASS
Well-known throughout South Australia, as well as much further afield is gourmet provedore, Harvest the Fleurieu. It is very much like visiting a farmer’s market, with a wonderful array of fruit and vegetables enticingly on display which have been grown on their farm – in particular, strawberries. Harvest the Fleurieu offers delicious sweet juicy strawberries in their ‘pick your own’ patch between October and May each year (depending on the season/weather).
While you are here be sure to wander around the Market Hall & pick up some produce from all over the Fleurieu Peninsula. You’ll find jams, chutney, nuts, olive oil & even candles or beauty products. Harvest The Fleurieu are true supporters of Fleurieu businesses, so it is a great place for a one stop shop to stock up on local delicacies.
6.00pm - LOCO MEXICAN, VICTOR HARBOR
Gorge on a fiesta of flavours at Loco Mexican, a vibrant hot spot to see and be seen in Victor Harbor in the upstairs level of the Harbor Mall. Radiating warm and lively colours, the inside feels energetic with a wallpaper backdrop of orange and red apartments and tables in burnt orange adding character, while a window gives a sneak peek into kitchen creations. Snack on street food like kingfish ceviche, avocado, coriander, corn chips, and coconut lime dressing; while the hungry amigo may choose twice-cooked pork belly, sweet and sour chipotle caramel, char-grilled pineapple, jalapeno cornbread, and Cancun slaw. We recommend accompanying it with the best strawberry & chilli margarita on the Fleurieu Peninsula!
