Blowhole Beach SA: How To Get to South Australia’s hidden beach
Last updated: August 2026
Blowhole Beach is one of the best beaches in South Australia and one of the hardest to reach. You need a high-clearance 4WD, or a decent pair of legs and about an hour each way. Here’s everything we’ve learned across three visits.
If you’re after a slice of wild, rugged coastline, tucked-away beaches and an epic 4WD adventure in South Australia, then Blowhole Beach in Deep Creek National Park should be on your list. This hidden gem is one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s best-kept secrets, and trust me, it’s well worth taking the steep 4WD track.
➤ If you’re heading this way, start with our complete guide to the best things to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Blowhole Beach Summary
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Where |
Deep Creek National Park, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia |
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From Adelaide |
Around 2 hours to Cobbler Hill, plus the descent |
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Access |
High-clearance 4WD down the track, or walk in from Cobbler Hill |
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The walk |
About 2 km each way, and the climb back up is the hard part |
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Vehicle Entry |
$14.40, booked online before you arrive |
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Facilities |
None. No toilets, no water, no bins. |
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Swimming |
Not patrolled and not recommended. Rips are strong and unpredictable. |
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Dogs |
Not permitted. It’s a national park |
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Reception |
Patchy |
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Best time |
Spring and autumn. Check wind and swell before you go |
Is the Blowhole Beach track open? Current conditions
A bushfire swept through Deep Creek National Park in February 2026, burning around 40% of the park. The Blowhole Beach 4WD track and the walking trail have both reopened, along with Cobbler Hill Campground.
The track also closes after heavy rain, whatever the fire situation. Always check park alerts before you go.
Where is Blowhole Beach?
Blowhole Beach is nestled in Deep Creek National Park on the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, about 2.5 hours south of Adelaide. Deep Creek National Park – previously Deep Creek Conservation Park – is a stunning area packed with walking trails, wildlife, ancient forests and mind-blowing views over the coastline and Kangaroo Island.
Worth saying plainly, because plenty of people land here looking for somewhere else. This is Blowhole Beach in South Australia, not the blowhole at Kiami in New South Wales, Bicheno in Tasmania or the Quobba Blowholes in Western Australia. If you’re after a beach at the bottom of a 4WD track two hours from Adelaide, you’re in the right place.
You’ll find Blowhole Beach at the bottom of a steep, rocky hill. Getting here is part of the adventure. It’s a fun track for 4WD enthusiasts, or for anyone who’s looking for those remote places.
Blowhole Beach road and the 4WD track
The turn-off is Blowhole Beach Road, off Tapanappa Road inside Deep Creek National Park. Follow it to Cobbler Hill Picnic Area. That part is fine in a 2WD in dry weather. The 4WD track down to the beach starts from the day use area.
What the track is actually like:
Do you need a 4WD to access Blowhole Beach?
Yes, you absolutely do need a high-clearance 4WD. The track down to the beach is rough, rocky and steep. It can get tricky after rain. It’s a one-lane track with sometimes a steep drop-off, and you’ll often get loose rocks under your tyres.
But you don’t need one to get to the beach.
If you don’t have a 4WD, you can still visit this beautiful beach. The walk-in is just as rewarding, and probably how most people get down here. You can park either at Cobbler Hill Campground or Cobbler Hill Picnic area and walk the rest of the way. It’s about a 2km downhill hike to the beach, and you’ll find lots of kangaroos who are used to hikers. Bring plenty of water, as the way up will raise your heart rate.
Walking to Blowhole Beach
There are two ways to walk it, and they’re often confused:
The direct walk
Down from Cobbler Hill Picnic Area to the beach and back the same way. About 2 km each way, and allow 1.5 to 2 hours return. It’s steep, but straightforward.
The Cobbler Hill – Marrano Creek Circuit
The longer loop, around 6.7 km about 3.5 hours. More walking, more coastline, and you’re not retracing your steps.
Either way, the descent is the easy part. The climb back out is steep, so bring enough water. Kangaroos hang around the trail most of the way down from the day use area, and they’re very used to walkers.
How to get to Blowhole Beach?
From Adelaide, head south towards Yankalilla and follow the signs to Deep Creek National Park. You’ll want to enter via the Blowhole Beach Road off Tapanappa Road. Follow the signs to Cobbler Hill Picnic Area, and from there, look for the 4WD track down to the beach.
How to prepare for a trip to Blowhole Beach?
This is one of those trips where you want to be prepared. It might be just a day out, but once you’re down there, you’re pretty much isolated. Here’s what I would recommend packing:
Plenty of water
There are no facilities or water sources at the beach
Food
it’s the perfect picnic or bbq spot, but there’s nowhere nearby to grab food once you’re in the park
Fuel up
The closest servo is in Delamere, and the track can consume quite a bit of fuel. Make sure you’re fuelled up.
Recovery gear
Even if you’re an experienced 4WDer, it’s always a good idea to carry basic gear like a snatch strap, shovel and compressor.
Insurance for 4WD travel
If you enjoy off-road travel, consider insurance that gives you peace of mind for trips like this. We went with Club 4×4 as they cover our vehicle anywhere we’re legally allowed to go in Australia. And more importantly, they can recover it if things go wrong.
National Parks Pass
A vehicle entry pass is required. You can either get a day pass or an annual SA Parks Pass to cover your entry. You can purchase your vehicle entry pass online at the National Parks and Wildlife website.
Sun protection
There’s no shade at Blowhole Beach. Bring a hat, and wear sunscreen.
A rubbish bag
There are no bins in the park. Whatever you take down, you carry back up.
Can you stay overnight at Blowhole Beach?
You can’t camp directly on the beach itself, but Cobbler Hill Campground is just up the hill and is the closest spot to base yourself overnight. It’s a basic campground with long-drop toilets and firepits, but the views from campsite 4,5 and 6 are stunning and they overlook Kangaroo Island.
Cobbler Hill has only six sites, so book early, especially over summer and school holidays. Sites 1 and 2 can take a caravan. Sites 4, 5 and 6 have some views but are exposed, and it can get properly windy up there.
Alternatively, there are other campsites throughout Deep Creek National Park, or you can book a nearby stay at Rapid Bay.
➤ Planning to camp in Deep Creek National Park? We’ve put together a complete guide that compares all six campgrounds in our Deep Creek Camping Guide
Things to do at Blowhole Beach
This place is all about switching off and enjoying nature. There’s not much to do, but that’s the whole point.
Walking
You can explore the headland, walk around and explore the area
Fishing
A great spot for recreational fishing
Surfing
Blowhole gets some decent swell and is a great spot for the intermediate to advanced surfer.
Swimming
Swimming is not recommended unless the conditions are super calm. The rips here can be strong and unpredictable. The beach is not patrolled, there are no flags and there’s hardly any phone reception to call for help. If you’re not confident, stay out.
Just relax
Bring a towel, beach umbrella, a good book and take it all in. We’ve never seen this beach busy, so enjoy it while you’re there!
How much does a trip to Blowhole Beach cost?
National Park Entry: A vehicle entry day pass costs $14.40 per day (Or get a year pass if you’re road tripping across SA). This fee is waived when booking your camping permit.
Fuel and food: depends on where you’re coming from and the food you bring
Camping at Cobbler Hill: If you want to stay overnight, you’ll also need to book a campsite, which starts at $27.50 per night, and your vehicle entry fee is included in the campsite fee.
Best time to visit?
You can visit Blowhole Beach all year round, but the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are probably the sweet spots. Summer can get busy and winter brings rain, which makes the 4WD track even sketchier. Check the wind and swell conditions before heading there, this makes or breaks your day.
What to check: a southerly or south-westerly blows straight onto this beach and turns a lovely day into a sandblasting. Offshore northerlies are what you want. Big swells wake the whole place feel wild and rules out swimming completely.
Between May and October, keep an eye out on the water. Southern right whales pass along this coast, and the headlands here are a good place to spot one.
Blowhole Beach Map
The beach sits at the western end of Deep Creek National Park. Turn off Main South Road at Delamere onto Tapanappa Road, follow it through the park to Blowhole Beach Road, and that takes you to Cobbler Hill Picnic Area. The last point you can reach in a 2WD. Everything past here is the 4WD track or the walking trail.
Blowhole Beach FAQs
Where is Blowhole Beach?
In Deep Creek National park at the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. Around 1.5 hours from Adelaide to the park entrance, then another 30 minutes in to Cobbler Hill.
Do you need a 4WD to get to blowhole beach?
To drive down, yes. A high-clearance 4WD with low range But you can also park at Cobbler Hill and walk in, about 2 km each way.
How much does it cost to visit blowhole beach?
$14.40 for a vehicle entry day pass, booked online before you arrive. If you camp at Cobbler Hill, the entry fee is included in your camping permit.
Is there actually a blowhole at blowhole beach?
The name comes from Blowhole Creek, which runs down to the beach. Don’t come expecting a blowhole, come for the beach and the drive in.
Is Blowhole Beach worth a visit?
Absolutely, 100% no doubt about it.
It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. The 4WD track is challenging, but fun, the views are incredible, and you can spend the day relaxing with nothing but kangaroos and crashing waves for company.
There are no facilities at all, the beach isn’t safe to swim on most days, and getting there is either a fun 4WD track or a steep walk in both directions. If you want a beach you can drive onto and swim, this isn’t it.
We’ve visited Blowhole Beach three times now, and every time we’re in awe. There’s something magical about this place: the remote feel, the wild beauty and the sense of adventure just to get there. If you’re planning a trip through the Fleurieu, don’t skip it. It’s a little effort to get to, but it’s one of those spots that’ll be talking about long after the trip’s over.
More Deep Creek and Fleurieu Peninsula Guides
If you’re heading this way, start with our complete guide to the best things to do Fleurieu Peninsula. And for more details, read through our other guides:
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