Things to Do on the Fleurieu
Taste world-class Shiraz, ride a heritage train by the sea, watch whales off a granite headland and stand where the River Murray meets the ocean.
Wine, Coast, Whales & the River
The Fleurieu packs remarkable variety into a small peninsula. In a day or two you can taste world-class Shiraz, ride a heritage steam-era train along the sea, watch whales roll past a granite headland, stand where the River Murray meets the ocean, and walk clifftops with Kangaroo Island on the horizon. Here’s how to fill the days.
Sea, Trains & Whales
The Encounter Coast
Victor Harbor, Port Elliot and Goolwa — Granite Island, seaside heritage and the winter whales.
Encounter Coast → 🐋 Winter wildlifeWhale Watching
Southern right whales close to shore from around May to October, off The Bluff and Granite Island.
Whale watching → 🚂 Heritage railThe Cockle Train
Ride Australia’s oldest railway line along the coast between Goolwa and Victor Harbor.
The Cockle Train → 🌾 River meets seaGoolwa & the Murray Mouth
The paddle-steamer port where the River Murray finally reaches the ocean, and the Coorong beyond.
Goolwa →Inland & Beyond
Willunga & the Farmers Market
The historic wine-country town and its celebrated Saturday farmers market.
Willunga → 🥾 WildernessDeep Creek National Park
Eucalypt forest, hidden waterfalls and clifftop lookouts over to Kangaroo Island.
Deep Creek → 🏄 Sand & surfFleurieu Surfing
Learn at Middleton or chase the Southern Ocean swell at Waitpinga and Parsons.
Surfing → ⛴ The gatewayCape Jervis & the KI Ferry
The south-western tip and the ferry to Kangaroo Island.
Cape Jervis → 🏝 West coastNormanville & the West Coast
Quiet beaches, Yankalilla, Second Valley and Rapid Bay down the Gulf St Vincent shore.
West coast → 🏖 The sandBeaches
From family bays to cliff-backed sands — the best beaches near Adelaide.
Beaches →Plan Your Days
- Pair a morning of cellar doors with an afternoon on the coast — they’re minutes apart
- In winter, build a day around whale watching and the Cockle Train
- Follow the two-day itinerary or plan a weekend
- Let someone else drive with a guided wine tour so everyone can taste
Things to Do — FAQ
What are the best things to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula?
Taste at McLaren Vale cellar doors, cross to Granite Island at Victor Harbor, ride the heritage Cockle Train, watch whales in winter, explore Goolwa and the Murray Mouth, walk in Deep Creek National Park, and swim or surf along the coast.
What can you do on the Fleurieu besides wine?
Plenty — the Encounter Coast has beaches, Granite Island and the Cockle Train; there’s whale watching in winter, bushwalking at Deep Creek, the Murray Mouth at Goolwa and the Kangaroo Island ferry from Cape Jervis.
When can you see whales on the Fleurieu?
Southern right whales are typically seen close to shore along the Encounter Coast from around May to October, with The Bluff and Granite Island among the best vantage points. See our whale watching guide.
Is the Fleurieu good for families?
Very — safe swimming beaches, Granite Island, the Cockle Train and easy walks make it a great family destination. See our Fleurieu with kids guide.
The Fleurieu, Planned Around You
Cellar doors, the Encounter Coast, whales in season and the Kangaroo Island gateway — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry