Fleurieu Peninsula – 7-Day Itinerary

The Fleurieu Peninsula, a paradise found only 40 minutes South of Adelaide. Here you’ll immerse yourself in one of South Australia’s most beautiful locations. Apart from being home to two iconic wine regions, McLaren Vale wine region and Langhorne Creek, The Fleurieu Peninsula is also known for its breathtaking coastline, charming townships, and a variety of inland and coastal adventures.

We’ve spent a lot of time exploring this region, and each time we discover something new that blows our mind. This itinerary is for those who want to see it all. Wine tastings, coastal drives, hidden beaches, epic hikes and the country side. Use it as an inspiration to plan your own trip, or follow it as a guide when exploring this beautiful part of South Australia.

Things to do Fleurieu Peninsula

We have listed the top things to do in the Fleurieu Peninsula in this 7-day travel itinerary for you to make the best out of your road trip through South Australia. This itinerary has a healthy mix of camping, as well as staying in unique accommodation in the Fleurieu Peninsula. When looking for more things to do, head over to our list of 20 Unforgettable Things To Do in the Fleurieu Peninsula for more inspiration.

Let’s start exploring this beautiful part of South Australia!

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:

1. Gemtree Wines
2. Coriole Wines
3. Paxton Wines

Places to stay at 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 near McLaren Vale: Tiny House: AirBnb Cozy Casa in Willunga

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. Read the full guide about Route 31 Coastal Drive here.

Route 31

Route 31 will take you past some spectacular beaches! 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? We got you, 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. Once you’ve enjoyed some 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 sport for surfing. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can hire a kayak or SUP and paddle alonh the Onkaparinga River

Places 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 staircase at Southport for an incredible sunset. Southport is one of the most photographed lookouts and one of the best spots to watch the sunset at the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Day 3: Continue on Route 31

Today is your second and final day on Route 31. Start with a delicious coffee and some yummy breakfast food at one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s favourite coffee shops ‘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 ends 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 you’ll explore some incredible lookouts, a few of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s most popular places, and long-stretched beaches. Start your day at Myponga Reservoir Lookout, where you can take in the scenic surroundings of the reservoir reserve lookout.

Feeling active? Stretch your legs by walking or running the trails at Myponga Reservoire Reserve, or head out on the water with your SUP or kayak to explore the 250 hectares of water.

When hunger strikes, 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.

Continue your journey towards Second Valley, with a quick stop 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: Yoho Delamere

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.

Blowhole Beach

The afternoon is perfect for a beach visit. Make your way to Blowhole Beach with your 4WD, or put on your walking shoes. Start at Cobbler Hill Picnic Area and take either the 4WD track or walking trail 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.

Places to stay at Deep Creek National Park?

You can book the campgrounds directly on the South Australia’s Park and Wildlife website, see links below. Make sure to read through our Deep Creek Camping Blog and find out where to stay and what to do.

• Cobbler Hill Campground – bookings required
• Stringybark Campground – bookings required
• Cabin at Deep Creek National Park: Grass Tree Gully

Day 6: Explore Victor Harbour and Port Elliot

Head 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.

Places to stay at Port Elliot?

• Camping at Port Elliot: Elliot Beach – Breeze Holiday Parks – Bookings required
• Accommodation near Port Elliot: Lost Retreats Mount Jagged

Day 7: Wine-time at Langhorne Creek

It’s your final day exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula! Make it count and finish with a bang at one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s best kept secrets: Langhorne Creek.

Langhorne Creek

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 near Langhorne Creek: Birks Harbour Retreat – Goolwa

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.

Planning your own Fleurieu Peninsula trip? Let us know if you follow our route, and if you have any questions or need help planning, just ask. Happy Road Tripping!

Other blogs about the Fleurieu Peninsula:

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