Glacier Rock

The Glacier Rock is also known as Selwyn's Rock, and is a 500 million year old boulder transported by a glacier from the vicinity of Victor Harbor. A huge glacial ice sheet covered the whole of the south coast 250 million years ago. During this period Glacier Rock was dragged across the Fleurieu Peninsula by the ice helping to groove and scratch rock surfaces between Victor Harbor and Inman Valley. The grooves, scratches and crescent shaped marks on the rock surface of the Inman Valley River bed are significant evidence of the direction of the ice movement. .

The first European recording of Glacier Rock was in 1859 by ARC Selwyn a geologist for the South Australian Government. It was the first European recorded discovery of glaciations in Australia. It was then rediscovered in 1897 by famous geologist Sir David Edgeworth and Dr Walter Howchin, from Sydney and Adelaide Universities. Dr Albert Terrones Mexico pronounced Glacier (Selwyn's) Rock as one of the largest glacial exposures in the world.

Glacier Rock attracts geologists from all over the world.

 

Heysen Trail

Considered by many to be South Australia's most famous trail, the Heysen Trail runs for 1,200 kilometres from Cape Jervis on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula to Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges. The trail passes through some of South Australia's most scenic areas, including national parks, state forests and popular tourism destinations including the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Wilpena Pound.

The trail is ideal for all levels of walkers, with sections of the trail suitable for shorter walks. One of the most popular sections is the walk from Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor. This section follows the southern Fleurieu coastline and winds through Deep Creek Conservation Park and Newland Head Conservation Park. You will see rugged coastlines, heavily wooded valleys and waterfalls. Along the way you will encounter wildlife including Short-beaked Echidnas, Western Grey Kangaroos, and seabirds such as White-bellied Sea-eagles.

The Trail is marked with the distinct red and white colours of the Heysen Trail Logo ensuring that the trail route is easy to identify in the bush and other natural environments.

For further information on the Heysen Trail visit Friends of the Heysen Trail or purchase a Heysen Trail Southern Guidebook from the Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre.

 

 

Ingalalla Waterfalls

Ingalalla Waterfalls are located in the Second Valley Forest 10 kilometres south of Normanville on the Hay Flat Road. The Waterfalls are located within 500 metres of the car park.

Open all year round, it is the perfect place for a picnic. There are extended walks around the forest which are great for fitness.They are many shaded areas and in autumn the leaves of the deciduous trees provide a colourful backdrop to the trees in the pine forest.

 

Myponga Reservoir

The lookout provides sweeping views of the reservoir and surrounding pine forest. Construction of the reservoir began in 1957 and it was completed in 1962. The concrete arch dam wall is 49 metres high and 226 long. The reservoir is 35 metres deep and holds 26,800 megalitres. When full the water spread covers 280 hectares. The reservoir supplies water to the southern metropolitan area and the south coast. Unlike other reservoirs Myponga does not receive any water from the River Murray but instead operates from water collected in the natural catchment. Below the reservoir the Myponga River makes it way through the valleys flowing into Gulf St Vincent at Myponga Beach. The Myponga Reservoir Treatment Plant was built in 1993 and currently serves approximately 50,000 people across an area that extends from McLaren Vale to Victor Harbor.

The newly opened Myponga Reservoir Trail is 3.3km (approx.) loop track on the south east side of the reservoir taking you through open plains, forested areas and native vegetation. It is ideal for walking, running or cycling with room for families to enjoy a picnic. Located via Hansen Street in Myponga.

 

National and Conservation Parks

Deep Creek Conservation Park

Located 11 kilometres east of Cape Jervis, Deep Creek Conservation Park is 4,500 hectares of steep coastal cliffs, hills, valleys, dense heath and forests, native birds and animals. Walking trails explore the region and camping is allowed by permit.

The Park provides spectacular views across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island and The Pages islands. Small coves occasionally break the long cliff lines of the park. The coast is only accessible by four-wheel drive to Boat Harbor or Blowhole Beaches.

The scenery is spectacular with Stringybark forests, rugged cliffs, creeks, waterfalls and breathtaking views of the ocean. Walking trails including the Heysen Trail cross much of the area.

Visitors can drive to Tapanappa at dusk and watch the Western Grey Kangaroos feeding. Fishing at Blowhole and Boat Harbor beaches is popular. Expect other wildlife encounters such as Short-beaked Echidnas, Ring-tailed Possums and Yellow-footed Antechinus. Other mammals which are rarely seen but are of greater conservation significance include the Southern Brown Bandicoot and several bat species.

Over 100 species of birds have been recorded in the area and many are easily spotted when walking in the Park. Species of high conservation importance recorded include Southern Emu Wren, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Peregrine Falcon, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Painted Button-quail, Chestnut-rumped Hylocola, White's Thrush, Elegant Parrot, Lewin's Rail, Latham's Snipe and the Beautiful Firetail.

For further information on Deep Creek Conservation park visit National Parks SA.

**Please note that all Deep Creek Conservation Park entry permits and camping site must be prebooked online or by contacting the Fleurieu Coast Visitor 8558 0240**

Eric Bonython Conservation Park: Eric Bonython Conservation Park covers 6 hectares. It is a fine, but small, example of the pre-European settlement vegetation that once covered this area.

Myponga Conservation Park: Myponga Conservation Park covers 168 hectares and is home to part of the Heysen Trail, which meaders through heath and forest to reach rocky outcrops and attractive waterfalls.

Nixon - Skinner Conservation Park: Nixon – Skinner Conservation Park covers 8 hectares. It represents an island of native vegetation in a picturesque setting, framed by the Myponga Reservoir and pine plantations.

Spring Mount Conservation Park: Spring Mount Conservation Park covers 199 hectares. This park consists of a series of hills and gullies covered with stringybark forest over a diverse understorey.

Talisker Conservation Park: Talisker ConservationPark is located on the south-western area of the Fleurieu Peninsula. It is close to the town of Cape Jervis and adjacent to Deep Creek Conservation Park. The park covers 212 hectares. A remnant of South Australia’s mining past, the old silver-lead mine ruins are of significant heritage value.

Yulte Conservation Park: Yulte Conservation Park covers 41 hectares. This park consists of a series of hills and gullies, and is dissected by several small creeks with gurgling waterfalls. The Heysen Trail meanders through the dense vegetation, where springtime provides spectacular displays of wildlife.

 

Second Valley Forest

Second Valley Forest trails

There are two newly open hiking trail now available in the Second Valley Forest, namely the Jones Journey and the Wilampa Trail. 

Jones Journey:

Time: 2 hours to walk, or 1 hour to ride
Distance: 7km return

The newly opened Jones Journey is suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, this multi-use loop trail is named after the Jones family, who have a long and illustrious association with the forestry department, with over four generations of service predominately in Second Valley Forest. 7km return

Starting at gate JO2 off Bedlam Flat Road, the trail traverses a network of fire tracks through pine plantation. Keep an eye out for soaring Wedge Tailed Eagles along the way. The trail includes good views of the surrounding farmland and Fleurieu coast.

The Jones family history can also be viewed at the Yankalilla Historical Museum at the Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre.

Jones Journey Map 

Wilampa Trail:

Time: 2 hours to walk, or 1 hour to ride
Distance: 7km return

The newly opened Wilampa Trail is suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, this multi-use loop trail is named after the local Kaurna word “Wilampa”,  meaning ‘black cockatoo with yellow or white feathers’. The name recognises the endangered Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo known to inhabit the forest and feed on the seeds of pinecones.

Starting at gate BF12 off Bedlam Flat Road, the trail traverses a network of fire tracks through pine plantation and a mixture of hardwood species. Sections of the trail follow the creek line and passes the Second Valley Forest depot and historic sheep yards. 

On your next walking trail excursion in the Fleurieu Coast region mark this down on your list of things to do.

Wilampa Trail Map

Parawa State Forest, Paranannacooka State Forest and Inman Valley State Forest are also located in the district. For more information contact the Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre or visit Forestry SA.

 

Parks and Playgrounds

Banksia Park Playground
Access via James Ave or Mary Ave (behind Mitre 10).
Playground and picnic area.

Bungala Park
47 Main South Road
Bungala Park offers lots of room for the kidsto run around, with BBQs, shelters, art poles, and the Historic Bungala Cottage.

Carrickalinga Playground
Located on Tuna Crescent, Carrickalinga.Haycocks Point
Gold Coast Drive
Carrickalinga

Mitchell Reserve
Gold Coast Drive, Carrickalinga

Myponga Picnic Reserve
Main South Road Myponga

Normanville Foreshore
Jetty Road, Normanville

Old War Memorial
Main South Road, Yankalilla

Robert Norman Park
Jetty Road/Carrickalinga Road, Normanville

Second Valley Playground
Lot 29 Park Street.
A fun little playground for the kids.

Tuna Crescent Reserve
Tuna Cresent/Lewis Road, Carrickalinga

War Memorial Reserve
163 Main South Road, Yankalilla

Yankalilla Lions Youth Park
This facility caters for all ages and is a great venue for a family day out. There is a skate park, Basketball Rings and BMX track offering action-packed fun for skateboarders and BMXers. A playground caters for little ones. There are two free electric BBQs under shelter and toilet facilities are available.

Yankalilla Memorial Park
Main South Road
The park has BBQs, picnic facilities, public toilets, playground, oval and a public golf course.

 

Scenic Drives

Hills and Seascapes Discovery Drive – Tourist Route 52

Lush farming lands, rolling hills, pristine valleys, stringybark and pine forests, and the unforgettable seascapes. This scenic route is 85kms in length, and allows you to discover some of the Fleurieu Coast's natural wonders.
Some highlights of the drive include: St Mary McKillop’s Cottage, Torrens Vale Lookout, Parawa, Ingalalla Waterfalls, Deep Creek Conservation Park, Tapanappa Lookout, Raywood Nursery, Talisker Mine Ruins, Sappers Hill Road Lookout, Morgan’s Beach, Delamere, Rapid Bay, Second Valley, Lady Bay, Normanville, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Yankalilla at Christ Church Yankalilla.

The Fleurieu Way

A designated tourist drive diverting interstate visitors from the inland highways from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island via the scenic coastal route. After crossing the River Murray at Wellington the Fleurieu Way passes through the famous old wine growing districts of Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale, and through the coastal towns of Goolwa, Victor Harbor, Cape Jervis and Normanville. The Fleurieu Way is over 230km in length. Follow the distinctive brown and gold signs.

Collect a detailed map from the Yankalilla Visitor Information Centre or download the GPS tour guide ‘Annabelle’ from www.fleurieupeninsula.com.au for your iphone.

Driving Tip: Remember that you share the road with farmers, their machinery and stock. At certain times of the day, particularly at dusk, kangaroos are active and will cross the road without warning. For your safety and enjoyment please slow down and enjoy the country pace of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

 

Starfish Hill Wind Farm

The Starfish Hill Wind Farm is located across two hills on the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula near Cape Jervis and was the first wind farm built in South Australia. The site was selected because the area has consistently high winds, is sparsely populated and the land was previously cleared for farming and grazing.

Starfish Hill rises to a height of 306 metres along a north-south ridge about three kilometres from the coastline. Salt Creek Hill, west of Starfish Hill on another north-south ridge, has a height of 220 metres and is about one kilometre from the coast. West of Salt Creek Hill, steep cliffs rise 100 metres above the sea.

There are 23 wind turbines with 15 located on Salt Creek Hill and 8 on Starfish Hill. Each of the turbines has 3 blades with a tower height of 68 metres and overall height of 100 metres from the ground to the blade tip.

The wind farm provides enough energy to meet the needs of about 18,000 households (ie. 2% of the State's residential customers) and adds 1% to the available generation capacity in South Australia.

 

Talisker Mine Ruins

Talisker Mine was once the largest silver and lead mines in South Australia. The Talisker Mining Company began working July 1862. After the arrival of a shipload of Cornish Miners from Glenelg six distinct lodes were located. Within one month ore was dispatched to England for assaying and start made with opening up the mine and building the nearby township of Silverton. At its peak Silverton supported a hotel, post office, chapel, eating house, store, telegraph, resident doctore, school, bank and was serviced by Cobb and Co coaches.

The silver and lead was shipped from nearby Fishery Bay where it was carried to the lighters moored in chest deep water for ferrying to the large ships. 36,000 bags of ore weighing 1,600 tones and 890 tons of ingots were carried in this way.

The period of principal activity for the mine was between 1862 and 1872 and the area was very much considered another Little Cornwall. The mine ruins illustrate typical mid nineteenth century Cornish mining and ore processing techniques and are an important remnant of South Australia's heritage. The mine is located within Talisker Conservation Park and is listed on the Register of State Heritage Items.

Today an interpretive trail through the mine ruins and bushland has been created. The walk takes about an hour. Maps can be purchased from the Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre.