Kangaroo Island is a go-to destination spot in South Australia for locals and tourists alike. We often tend to focus more on reaching our destination to KI, rather than experiencing the stunning scenes of the Fleurieu Coast on the journey. Or we also like to call it – the Gateway to Kangaroo Island.
The KI ferry departs from the coastal town of Cape Jervis, bringing the ultimate small-town vibes. However, your KI journey will start far before you reach the Cape.
If you are heading from Adelaide, you are sure to drive along the stunning scenes of Main South Road. This is where you will first be introduced to the Southern Ocean Drive, where rolling hills on your left meet eye to eye with the picturesque Southern Ocean. This scene is the perfect taste for what’s to come, although you will be amazed with so much more!
I started my journey in the morning, so I was feeling squeamish for some breakfast...and in need of a coffee. Myponga – meaning “high cliffs” – will be your first stop on your gateway road trip where you can stop at Yore for a tasty brew and either a freshly made sandwich or some baked goods. I went with my go-to coffee and decided to try one of their almond croissants and was it a treat!
coffee and almond croissants @ YORE
If sustainable grocery shopping is your style, you can pick up some freshly baked sourdough, and fill your bags with plenty of other food necessities at Yore as well.
Baked Sourdough @ YORE
After my breakfast, I appreciated the bite of the autumn morning and sunshine peeking through the clouds with a walk along the Myponga Reservoir. The view was stunning, and the slight fog hovering over the reservoir and shifting through the pines was a scene from a movie. On my walk I was accompanied by a mob of kangaroos, which I believe you can find along the reservoir every morning.
Kangaroo @ Myponga Reservior
After walking the reservoir, you can make your way to your next stop, the town of Yankalilla. Expect your car to be embraced by trees either side of you on your drive from Myponga to Yankalilla. Yankalilla is underrated for its antique and vintage stores. I for one am a big fan of second-hand buys, even if I am not purchasing, I love looking at all the nick-nacks and treasures you can find in a small town. It's like a little peak into the life of the local folk.
On my travels, I first visited the Yankalilla Second-Hand and Book Exchange where I gazed upon the many riches, and in the back of the store you can find hundreds of hundreds of books. I walked out of this store with a vinyl LP record, an Agatha Christie book, a trinket tray with painted tulips from Japan, and a Normanville Pottery salt and pepper shaker.
Yankalilla Second Hand & Book Exchange
My second stop was the Yankalilla Trading Store, much different to the first, you will find more household items and furniture. I love mid-century modern furniture, so this store was so much fun to look through...I almost walked out with a vintage lamp. However, I was on a small budget and could not purchase, but I will be back!
Yankalila Trading Store
Next up on the ultimate gateway to KI road trip is the coastal town of Normanville. This town absolutely oozes seaside vibes and is full of many cafes, eateries, and stores to wander through. One is the iconic South Coast Surf Shop that feels extremely nostalgic, and for someone who cannot even stand up on a surfboard, walking through made me want to put on some surf gear and shred the gnar. Depending on the day, you can drive or walk to Normanville beach and either go for a swim, or bask in the cool, salty breeze of the shore.
South Coast Surf in Normanville
Depending on your timeframe, you can either drive through or stop in Carrickalinga – meaning “place of redgum firewood.” Although this town mostly consists of holiday homes and residencies, regardless, the stunning views of the beach and vibrant colours of the hovering hills are a must see. If you fancy a walk along the esplanade, there is an easy walking trail beside the coast, or there are many beautiful lookout points for your Instagram shots.
Now, this next drive is going to take your breath away. We are going to head along the scenic Southern Ocean Drive to Second Valley and Rapid Bay. This drive stopped me in my tracks completely, I was lucky that there was no one behind me while driving because I needed to take in every moment of it. On this drive, you will find the St. Vincent Gulf to your right supporting the towering Norfolk Pine Trees that stand facing the rolling hills. Grasp onto the picturesque scenery before being engulfed by the sloping countryside.
Lady Bay
As you make your way more south, Second Valley is worth the stop. Ideal for a warm day so you can cool yourself in the glimmering, translucent water at Second Valley Beach. However, you can still enjoy the beach on a crisp day by going on a short adventure through the cliffs on the left-hand side facing the beach. You can even challenge yourself to find the Second Valley cave swing for the most Instagram-able photo.
On your way to Rapid Bay, the Delamere General Store is worth the stop. It is the last petrol station and grocer before KI, as well as being a coffee stop and eatery. They have everything from hot food, fruit and veg, deli meat, cheese, and crackers for your grazing board, and more. I would recommend trying one of their specialty coffees, made with recently stocked beans from SOHO Coffee Roasters.
Delamere General Store
As you make your way to Rapid Bay, you will find yourself on yet another show-stopping drive, this time you are among the peaks of the country. Rapid Bay is home to fishing and snorkelling along the jetty, as well as the Rapid Bay Cove Cave – a small ocean formed caved. As my visit was in the Autumn, I wasn’t up for snorkelling, but I did venture through the cave and soaked in the vision of the bay.
Rapid Bay Cove Cave
Before you head onto the ferry to continue your adventure in KI, you can gaze upon the shore at the Morgans Beach lookout spot near Cape Jervis. If you are comfortable, you can also drive your car onto the beach and enjoy a swim with striking views. This beach is an absolute hidden gem!
Morgans Beach Lookout
If you are planning on staying the night, you can camp in Deep Creek National Park at the one of the four, car-friendly campgrounds they offer. If camping isn’t quite your style, the Second Valley Cottages offer a comfortable stay just a short drive to your ferry trip from the Cape.
The Fleurieu Coast has so much to offer, this post doesn’t even cover a quarter of it! You can find the most stunning beaches and walking trails, shop sustainably and support local businesses, as well as appreciate the wildlife and beauty. There is no reason to skip the coast before your KI adventure...just take it slow and enjoy the moment. Our Way.