Cape Jervis
Cape Jervis was named by Matthew Flinders after John Jervis, a seaman, rose to become Lord of the Admiralty. Cape Jervis is home to some of the best sea and country views to be found in South Australia with views overlooking Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island. Cape Jervis is the jumping off point for daily car and passenger ferry services to Kangaroo Island. It is a 45 minute journey that reveals the spectacular coastline of this part of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Sealink ferry departs daily for the island. Be sure to stop at the lookout before the ferry terminal and enjoy the panorama. Nearby the lighthouse can be viewed.
The famous 1,200 km long Heysen Trail starts at Cape Jervis, while Deep Creek and Talisker Conservation Parks are located nearby. Morgan's Beach is a popular fishing and swimming cove and Fishery Beach is as the name suggests, a great fishing spot. Many fishing charter operators base themselves at Cape Jervis, so there is always an opportunity to wet a line. Cape Jervis is on Tourist Route 52 and part of the Fleurieu Way Tourist Drive.
Carrickalinga
Carrickalinga is a tiny coastal village that's become a popular holiday retreat, thanks to its white sandy beach and fabulous views over Roma Mitchell Bay and Yankalilla Bay. It is believed that the name came from the Kaurna language from the expression Karra-kalya-ngga meaning 'place of red gum firewood'. Carrickalinga has been a favourite holiday destination for many years. Famous for its calm seas, and memorable sunsets, Carrickalinga is also a great spot for crabbing, fishing and all sorts of holiday activities. It is a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon.
The HMAS Hobart was sunk nearby and is an exciting diving attraction. It was originally one of Australia's great naval destroyers and is now Australia's most accessible war wreck. A short 10 minute boat ride from Marina St Vincent, the Hobart enjoys underwater visibility of more than 10 metres most of the year. You'll find plenty of quality coastal accommodation in Carrickalinga. It also offers reef snorkelling and fishing, making Carrickalinga a treasured location. The best approach is from the north via Myponga Reservoir to enjoy dramatic coastal views.
Delamere
Delamere, originally known as 'Glenburn' until renamed, is a rich agricultural area, home to sweeping rolling hills and lush green pastures over Winter. Deep Creek and Talisker Conservation Parks can be accessed through Delamere.
Inman Valley
Located 86 kilometres south of Adelaide, Inman Valley is part of the wonderful journey that leads to the seaside town of Yankalilla. Inman Valley was settled before 1842. In 1839 it was described officially as a lovely valley, ranging from two to six miles in width, well watered and rich in soil for agriculture and herbage for pasture. The Inman Valley Road is lined with majestic gum trees and sits between the river environment of the Coorong and bushland of the Fleurieu Coast. Bushwalkers love this region, while amateur and professional geologists head for Selwyn's Glacier Rock, one of the world's largest glacial relics dating back to when the region was covered with ice. The Heysen trail can be easily accessed at Inman Valley and information is available at the Yankalilla Bay Visitor Information Centre.
Myponga
Myponga is at the centre of rich grazing and dairy country, where herds of Friesian cows are often joined at dusk by mobs of grey kangaroos. The town is 58 kilometres south of Adelaide in the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges. The name derived from the Aboriginal word maippunga meaning locality of high cliffs.
Head to Myponga via Carrickalinga and enjoy views of the coast from hilltop lookouts - some of the best in South Australia. Myponga offers spectacular views of the town’s reservoir and the coast. When in Myponga, be sure to visit the Myponga Country Markets, open each weekend and the Smiling Samoyed Brewery. Attractions in Myponga also include Myponga Beach, kangaroo spotting, a number of conservation parks and the Nan Hai Pu Tuo Temple of Australia Inc.
Normanville
Beachside Normanville has become a mecca for many holiday makers because of its close proximity to Adelaide. It is one of the most peaceful and picturesque coastal hamlets to be found along the Fleurieu Peninsula. The town is 75 kilometres south of Adelaide. Mr Robert Norman planned the town in 1835 and gave it his name. Normanville, established in 1849, is a seaside town home to many shipwrecks along its coastline as it was once the area’s main port. The foreshore at Normanville is first class and the pristine beach, with its heritage listed sand dune system is the main attraction. The dunes stretch all the way from Lady Bay to Carrickalinga accompanied by the clear waters, making the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or swim. A range of shopping, art and craft, accommodation including two large caravan parks and eating options makes Normanville a favourite holiday destination all year round. Visitors can also take part in golf, horse riding, walking, cycling and fishing and other recreational activities. Normanville is home to The Links Lady Bay Golf Course and Day Spa, High Country Trails for horse riding, Ingalalla Falls and a number of playgrounds, walking and cycling trails.
Parawa
Parawa is set up high above the Fleurieu Coast and like so many other areas is blessed with magnificent views. Parawa often records the highest daily rainfall in South Australia, which ensures a green and pristine environment all year round. Attractions include Tunkalilla Beach, which, facing the Southern Ocean is known for surfing, Eric Bonython Conservation Park and Parawa State Forest.
Rapid Bay
Nestled between a long sandy beach and towering cliffs, Rapid Bay is 105 kilometres south of Adelaide and reached by a steeply descending road from the main Normanville-Cape Jervis Road. Rapid Bay is where Colonel Light first stepped ashore on the new colony. He named the bay after his ship the HMS Rapid. He recorded the event by engraving his initials and date on a boulder, now incorporated into a beachside monument. It is reported that he said "I have hardly seen a place I like better". Rapid Bay was once the centre for limestone mining however is now more well known for its extremely long jetty and the fishing and diving opportunities that prevail. The endangered Leafy Sea Dragon has made Rapid Bay its home and is a major reason why Rapid Bay attracts so many divers. While the original jetty built in 1940 is closed to the public, a new jetty (opened in early 2009) is now available for use. Take a stroll along the jetty and enjoy fishing or the beautiful views. Other attractions include Rapid Bay Beach and Rapid Bay Head, which is home to a number of reefs, caves and a variety of marine life. It is an ideal snorkelling and diving location.
Second Valley
Steep coastal cliffs, fascinating geological formations and a small sandy beach help make Second Valley unforgettable. Second Valley's protected waters provide scuba divers with memorable diving experiences as they encounter fur seals and leafy seadragons. Located 91 kilometres south of Adelaide, Second Valley is divided into two parts - the old mill on the main road and, down the valley to the sea, a tiny coastal port reminiscent of a Cornish fishing village. You'll also find local accommodation. Second Valley was originally named Finniss Valley by Colonel Light. Early settlers referred to it as the 'second valley' being the next valley over from the first settlement Rapid Bay. The name Second Valley remained. Sheer cliffs, a popular historic fishing jetty, gorgeous sandy coves and safe swimming areas make it attractive to not only families, but also those seeking artistic fulfilment. Wander along the pathway leading south from the Jetty, noting examples of extreme geological folding in the cliffs. Second Valley is home to Second Valley Beach, Second Valley (or Parananacooka) State Forest, a local playground, caravan park, general store, Historic Leonards Mill and a number of rental holiday homes are available to cater to visitor needs.
Yankalilla
If you're looking for a quiet country haven, Yankalilla is for you. Set in the peaceful valley of the Bungala River, it's overlooked by the wooded hillsides of the Fleurieu Coast. Yankalilla is surrounded by old stone farmhouses, stockyards and gum trees. The bakery is renowned for it's produce. Stroll along the main street to see cottage architecture and lovingly maintained gardens. The nearby coastline offers plenty of sea scenery and Yankalilla is not far from seaside havens such as Normanville, Carrickalinga and Myponga Beach. Yankalilla is home to a number of quality bed and breakfast establishments, perfect for a romantic getaway. The Shrine of Our Lady of Yankalilla has attracted tens of thousands of pilgrims to the town, along with journalists and documentary makers. In August 1994 an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared on the wall of the Anglican church in Yankalilla. Since 1996 pilgrims have been coming to this church from all over the world. Yankalilla is the world's newest Marian Shrine. It is also the second known apparition of Mary in an Anglican church. Yankalilla is also home to a number of art, craft and bric-a-brac stores and the first country Josephite school, opened by Saint Mary McKillop in 1867. The Yankalilla Historical Museum, located at the Visitor Information Centre is well worth a visit and is open daily. Yankalilla is home to many attractions including the local Golf Club (Yankalilla Golf Club), Lions Youth Park (and its impressive skate ramp and BMX track), and the Hills and Seascapes Discovery Drive – Tourist Route 52. Yankalilla also offers a variety of retail and dining options and a number of beautifully appointed bed and breakfast properties are on offer.
Torrens Vale
Situated half way between Bald Hills and Parawa, Torrens Vale is now a ghost town. Previously known as Dairy Flat, it was named a township on 1863. In its heyday it could boast a Wesleyan and Bible Christian Church, two cemeteries, a general store, a primary school, dairy and surrounding farms. Stop in at the lookout along Torrens Vale Road, take in the views and read about the history of the tiny town.
Wirrina Cove
Home of the resort and marina overlooking St Vincent’s Gulf, the resort is spread over 1200 acres and boasts an excellent function and conference centre. Marina St Vincent is the main launching place for diving on the Ex HMAS Hobart wreck. Wirrina Cove is home to the marina, which is a base for fishing charter operators and public boat ramp, as well as a golf course at the Wirrina Cove Resort.