Fleurieu Peninsula Itinerary: The perfect 7-day Road Trip from Adelaide
Last updated: August 2026
The Fleurieu Peninsula, a paradise found only 40 minutes South of Adelaide, and it’s one of the best road trips in South Australia. Home to two iconic wine regions, a coastline that keeps surprising us, charming seaside townships and a national park that feels a very long way from the city. All packed into a peninsula you can drive across in under an hour.
This Fleurieu Peninsula itinerary covers seven days, and it’s built from three separate trips through the region. Every stop on it is somewhere we’ve actually been. You’ll get wine tastings, a coastal drive, hidden beaches, proper hikes and a couple of nights in the bush.
You can use this guide as inspiration to plan your own trip, or follow it from start to finish.
➤ If you’re heading this way, start with our ultimate guide to the best Things to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Fleurieu Peninsula itinerar summary
|
Trip length |
7 days, 6 nights |
|---|---|
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Start and finish |
Adelaide (loop) |
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Total driving |
About 400 km across the week. No day is more than about 90 minutes behind the wheel. |
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Best time to go |
March to May for warm days and small crowds. June to October for whales. |
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Do you need a 4WD? |
No, apart from Blowhole Beach and Sellicks Beach (depending on conditions) |
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Wine regions covered |
McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek |
|
National Park |
Deep Creek National Park |
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Accommodation style |
A mix of camping and unique stays |
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Suits |
Couples, families, first-timers to South Australia |
How long do you need on the Fleurieu Peninsula?
Seven days is the sweet spot, and it’s why we’ve written this Fleurieu Peninsula road trip the way we have. You’ll get both coastlines, wine regions, and the national park.
If you have less time, skip to the shorter versions below. We’ve also put together 3-day and 5-day routes using the same stops.
Getting there: Adelaide to the Fleurieu Peninsula
Almost everyone starts this trip in Adelaide, and a car is the only sensible way to do it.
From the Adelaide CBD, take the Southern Expressway, and you’re in McLaren Vale in about 45 minutes. That’s where this itinerary begins.
From Adelaide Airport, allow 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on where you’re headed on the day.
Coming off the Kangaroo Island Ferry, you’ll land at Cape Jervis at the southern tip. Run this itinerary in reverse from Day 5 and finish inMcLaren Vale.
Without a car, trains run as far south as Seaford, and there are daily buses to Victor Harbor, Goolwa, McLaren Vale and Willunga. Enough to reach a town, but not enough to follow this route.
Fleurieu Peninsula Map
Best time to do this Fleurieu Peninsula Itineary
|
Season |
What it’s like |
Best for |
|---|---|---|
|
Summer (Dec-Feb) |
Hot, dry and very busy. |
Swimming, beach days |
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Autumn (Mar-May) |
Our pick. Warm days, cool nights, ideal for camping and road tripping. |
Wineries, walking and camping |
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Winter (Jun-Aug) |
Cool and wet. Southern right whales arrive in Encounter Bay |
Whale watching, and accommodation with a fireplace |
|
Spring (Sep-Nov) |
Green hills, wildflowers. Whales still around early in the season. Water is still cold. |
Hiking, wildlife and nature |
Autumn is the one we’d go for. March and April give you warm days without the summer heat, empty weekday beaches, vineyards at their best, and empty campsites.
If you’re coming over the summer, at Easter, or during the South Australian school holidays, book everything well ahead. This is Adelaide’s holiday coast.
Before you go: Two 2026 Updates
Deep Creek National Park and the bushfire. A fire came through in early 2026 and burnt more than 4,500 hectares, affecting around 40% of the national park. Most of it has since reopened. Check park alerts before you start your Fleurieu Peninsula Road Trip.
The Algal Bloom. South Australia’s algal bloom first reached the Fleurieu in March 2025. As of mid-August 2026, the southern Fleurieu and Adelaide coast have been reading zero or low levels of Karenia for months. Beaches are open, swimming is fine, and commercial South Australian seafood is safe to eat. The standard advice still applies: if the water looks discoloured or foamy, stay out of it, and don’t collect your own shellfish. Check the official tracker the week before you travel.
Things to do on this Fleurieu Peninsilua Itinearay
We’ve built this seven-day route around the best of the peninsula, with a healthy mix of camping and unique places to stay. If you’d rather browse by activity than follow a day-by-day plan, head over to our full guide on Things To Do Fleurieu Peninsula, which covers 20 experiences grouped by area, all of which we’ve done ourselves.
Let’s start exploring:
Day 1: Explore McLaren Vale
Start the day by exploring the largest sustainable wine region from Australia: McLaren Vale. I would recommend exploring this area on two wheels. We got some vintage e-bikes from Deluxe e-bikes, and took the McLaren Flat trail, which is a short, easy ride with stunning views through the vineyards. You can rent the bike for the entire day and explore some incredible wineries.
When you arrive at your first cellar door of the day, Gemtree, it’s time to stretch the legs. Head towards the Gemtree Eco Trail for a morning stroll. The trail is a biodiverse haven for native birds, plants and animals. It’s an easy trail, accessible for all fitness levels. Come and say hi to the rescue emus Bio and Dyno, and the house-koala.
Gemtree Eco Trail info:
– Distance: 1km
– Duration: 15-20 minutes
– Suitable for: Walking
– Difficulty Level: Easy
– Terrain: Flat
– Access: Elliott Road, McLaren Flat
After a relaxing walk, it’s time to sip on the World’s best wines. There are so many hidden gems within the region. I’ve listed a few sustainable wineries that are worth visiting below:
- Gemtree Wines
- Coriole Wines
- Paxton Wines
In the afternoon, head to the iconic d’Arenberg to blend your own Shiraz.
Where to stay in McLaren Vale?
We’ve listed both camping spots, as well as accommodation to stay overnight.
- Camping at McLaren Vale: Caravan Park Lakeside – bookings required
- Accommodation in McLaren Vale
Day 2: Your first day on Route 31 Coastal Drive
The next two days will give you all the coastal vibes. Jump on Route 31 and enjoy a 31-kilometre scenic drive featuring South Australia’s most pristine beaches, rugged cliffs and charming seaside villages.
➤ We’ve mapped every stop in our full Route 31 Coastal Drive guide if you want the detail.
Begin your journey at O’Sullivan Beach and head towards Port Noarlunga. Your first stop is Christies Beach, known for its long sandy beach, perfect for a morning beach walk. Continue to Rotary Park to relax, grab a takeaway coffee and enjoy the view. Travelling with kids? The Rotary Park Playground will keep the kids entertained while you enjoy your morning coffee.
After lunch, it’s time to hit the water. Grab your snorkelling gear and explore the reef at Port Noarlunga. It’s an aquatic reserve and one of the most accessible snorkelling spots in the state.
Once you’ve had your full underwater therapy, take a stroll south from Port Noarlunga and head towards the river mouth where the Onkaparinga River meets the ocean. This is an excellent spot for surfing. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can hire a kayak or SUP and paddle along the Onkaparinga River
Where to stay on route 31
- Camping on Route 31: Aldinga Caravan Park – bookings required
- Accommodation on Route 31: COAST Motel & Apartments
Check into your accommodation and head to the famous Southport staircase for an incredible sunset. Southport is one of the most photographed lookouts and one of the best spots to watch the sunset on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Day 3: Route 31 continued – Maslin beach to sellicks beach
Your second and final day on Route 31.
Start with breakfast and a very good coffee at Coffee for Goodness in Aldinga. Then head to Maslin Beach for a morning walk that feels like you’re in Greece. If you’re in the mood for a swim, Moana Beach is the perfect spot for a dip and popular with beginner surfers.
As you drive past Port Willunga, remember to return this evening to watch the sunset from one of the man-made caves overlooking the ocean while enjoying a picnic. Or you can treat yourself to dinner at the famous restaurant ‘Star of Greece’.
Route 31 finishes at Sellicks Beach. Whether you’re exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula in a 2WD or 4WD, you can drive along the beach from Aldinga Beach to Silver Sands Beach, or head straight to Sellicks Beach to enjoy the stunning backdrop of rolling hills.
Spend the afternoon fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or taking a long walk toward the end of Sellicks Beach.
Please remember that driving on the beach comes with responsible and respectful driving. Be mindful of the environment when driving on the beach.
Day 4: Scenic Drives from Normanville, Second Valley to Rapid Bay
Today is lookouts, long beaches and two of the most photographed spots on the peninsula.
Start at Myponga Reservoir Lookout, where you can take in the scenic surroundings of the reservoir reserve lookout. If you’re feeling active, stretch your legs by walking or running the trails at Myponga Reservoir Reserve, or head out on the water with your SUP or kayak to explore the 250 hectares of water.
When hunger hits, head to One Little Sister Cafe in Normanville for a well-deserved breakfast. Take your time to stroll through this charming coastal town, located at the centre of a 7.3-kilometre-long beach, making it the largest coastal settlement on the Fleurieu Coast. If you’re in the mood for a dip, swim out to the pontoon at Normanville Beach. he beach is relatively safe to swim under normal conditions and is patrolled by the Normanville Surf Life Saving Club during the summer.
Carry on towards Second Valley, stopping at the HMAS Hobart Memorial Lookout for a brilliant view of the coastline.
Second Valley
This place is popular for swimming, jetty fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. It’s easy to see why this place is one of South Australia’s most instagrammed spot. Enjoy a delicious picnic at the beach, or at the designated picnic area.
Rapid Bay
Your final stop of the day is Rapid Bay! Just a 15-minute drive from Second Valley with absolutely jaw dropping view. Enjoy the scenic drive to this paradise for diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise.
The calm waters of Rapid Bay are perfect for swimming, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, and it’s an ideal spot to launch your boat. Get out and explore! Use your SUP, kayak or boat, to head north and discover a few secret, secluded beaches. Or take a stroll along the jetty, grab your fishing rod, and try squidding!
Places to stay at Rapid Bay?
- Camping at Rapid Bay: Rapid Bay Campground – bookings required
- Accommodation near Rapid Bay
Day 5: A day at Deep Creek National Park
After a few incredible beach days, it’s time to hit the bush.
Deep Creek National Park
Deep Creek National Park, previously Deep Creek Conservation Park, has the largest portion of remaining natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and it is home to an variety of native wildlife such as western grey kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas and more than 100 pieces of birds. This national park has become one of our favourite national parks in South Australia.
Start your day with the 30-minute Stringybark Loop Walk through the beautiful stringybark forest located near Stringybark Campground. This walk is ideal for families. For those seeking more challenging hikes, Deep Creek offers a range of bush walks for both experienced and non-experienced hikers. Our favourite hike at Deep Creek National Park is the Deep Creek Cove Trail, starting at Trig Campground. You can find more information about all the hikes at the South Australia’s Park & Wildlife website.
Head to Tapanappa Lookout for lunch with a view. Enjoy a picnic while looking over the Southern Ocean and Kangaroo Island.
➤ Read our complete guide to Deep Creek National Park to properly plan your trip.
Blowhole Beach
Spend the afternoon at Blowhole Beach, one of the most rewarding beaches on the peninsula, and you have to work for it. Take your 4WD or put your walking shoes on. Start at Cobbler Hill Picnic Area and take either the 4WD track or walking trail down to the beach. This trail winds down a steep hill to the beach, with stunning views of Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island.
Be aware that while hiking down may seem easy, the return climb is quite steep. Make sure you pack enough water and be well-prepared.
➤ Our guide to Blowhole Beach has more details about the track.
Where to stay in Deep Creek National Park?
Campgrounds are booked directly through the parks website.
- Cobbler Hill Campground – bookings required
- Stringybark Campground – bookings required
- Cabin at Deep Creek National Park: Grass Tree Gully
➤ Before you pick one, have a read of our Deep Creek camping guide. It compares every campground and has everything you need to know before you go.
Day 6: Explore Victor Harbour and Port Elliot
Start your day early with some activity by heading to the Bluff at Victor Harbour. Take the 800m Rosetta Trail to the top for a rewarding view. You can keep your walk short or extend it by continuing on the Heysen Trail towards Kings Beach.
The Bluff – Rosetta Trail Info:
– Distance: 800m
– Duration: 1 hour
– Suitable for: Walking
– Difficulty Level: Moderate
– Terrain: Steep
– Access: The Bluff Carpark
Whale watching Victor Harbor
Southern right whales come into Encounter Bay from late May through October, peaking from July to September, and The Bluff is one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the state. Or book a whale watching tour to see these majestic beauties up close.
Then it’s on to Port Elliot to enjoy a well-deserved breakfast! Grab a pie or the donut-of-the-month on the go from the famous Port Elliot Bakery. Or enjoy a relaxed brunch at Beaches.
The afternoon can be either active or relaxed. Whatever you feel like. Horseshoe Bay is one of the sweetest beach settings in South Australia. You can either go for a swim to the floating pontoon, or walk the trails along the coastline for stunning views and gorgeous sunsets from the cliff top.
Where to stay in Port Elliot?
- Camping at Port Elliot: Elliot Beach – Breeze Holiday Parks – Bookings required
- Accommodation near Victor Harbor
Day 7: Wine-time at Langhorne Creek
Your last day, and it finishes at one of the Fleurieu’s best-kept secrets.
Langhorne Creek, only 50 minutes from Victor Harbor, is an incredible wine region that is larger than McLaren Vale, with only 8 cellar doors. You’ll have plenty of time to visit different cellar doors for a tasting, platter or a delicious lunch with fresh local produce. Follow the Grapes For Good Trail and support endangered animals while sipping on South Australia’s most incredible wines.
Where to stay at Langhorne Creek?
- Camping at Langhorne Creek: Frank Potts Reserve – No bookings, $5 donation
- Accommodation in Goolwa near Langhorne Creek
Short on time? 3-Day and 5-Day Fleurieu Peninsula Itineraries
Three-Day Fleurieu Peninsula Road Trip
Five-Day Fleurieu Peninsula Road Trip
➤ Short on time? We’ve also put together s a 5-day self-drive itinerary for the Fleurieu Peninsula, featuring some of our favourite places and experiences across the region. You can read it on the Fleurieu Peninsula’s website.
Where to stay on the Fleurieu Peninsula
Where you base yourself depends on what you’re here for.
McLaren Vale and Willunga
Walking distance to cellar doors and the best food on the peninsula. Best if wine is the main focus of your trip.
Victor Harbor, Port Elliot and Goolwa
The classic holiday towns and the best base for the south coast and the whales.
Deep Creek National Park
If you’d rather wake up in the bouche. Five campgrounds, most 2WD accessible, all booked online before you arrive. We’ve compared every one of them in our Deep Creek camping guide.
Rapid Bay
Rapid Bay has a beachfront campground that’s popular for good reason. Beach, caves, a jetty, a dream for divers and anglers.
A few tips before you go
- Don’t rush – this itinerary has been designed with time to explore and to slow down
- Book cellar doors and experiences in advance, especially on weekends
- Pack for all seasons, the weather can change rapidly
- Be flexible! If the weather isn’t what you were hoping for, or you enjoy a place, don’t stick to these 7-days. Be flexible and make changes along the way that suits your trip.
- Watch for wildlife on the roads, especially around dawn and dusk.
- Have a designated driver if you’re planning on doing several wine tastings a day.
- Check the tides before you drive onto Sellicks Beach.
Plan your Fleurieu Peninsula Road Trip
If you’re heading this way, start with our complete guide to the Best Things to Do on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Or check out our other more detailed guides:
Fleurieu Peninsula Itinerary FAQs
How many days do you need on the Fleurieu Peninsula?
Seven days lets you see the whole peninsula without rushing. Both wine regions, both coastlines and Deep Creek National Park. Three days cover the highlights, and five days is comfortable.
What is the best Fleurieu Peninsula Road Trip route?
Start in McLaren Vale, follow Route 31 down the coast through Port Noarlunga, Aldinga, Sellicks, continue to Normanville, Second Valley and Rapid Bay, then into Deep Creek National Park. Cross to Victor Harbor and Port Elliot, and finish inland at Langhorne Creek. That’s the loop this itinerary follows.
How far is the Fleurieu Peninsula from Adelaide?
McLaren Vale is about 40 kilometres and 45 minutes south of Adelaide. Victor Harbor and Goolwa are around 85 kilometres or an hour and 15 minutes. Cape Jervis, at the southern tip, is about an hour and a half away.
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This is a fabulous article! Thankyou So very much , it has helped me plan my week long itinerary ! Can I just ask a question. We are staying 2 nights in Aldinga with a friend who has a beach house there , but the other 7 nights are free for us to choose a base. I was thinking , Normanville , Port Elliott and Goolwa. What do you think of this suggestion? A better alternative would be greatly appreciated.
Lou
Thanks so much, Lou! We are very happy to hear it helped you plan your week itinerary. I would either suggest staying around Normanville/Rapid Bay area. That’s honestly the most beautiful place to base yourself. We’ve spent a few days at Yoho Delamere for its central location, it’s a stunning accommodation and very close to Deep Creek and Rapid Bay. Happy travels!