The Fleurieu Peninsula may be just a 45-minute drive from Adelaide, but its vast natural landscapes, charming towns, and coastal offerings make it feel worlds away.
For anyone looking to reconnect with nature, check out these top outdoor activities in the Fleurieu Peninsula for an unbeatable trip to Adelaide’s southern oasis.
Ingalalla Falls
Each year, thousands of people make their way to Second Valley Forest to visit the impressive Ingalalla Falls trail.
Once you arrive at the car park, you can take a short 250-metre trail past rockpools and natural creeks to the stunning Ingalalla Falls. Picnic tables are laid out along the path, perfect for an on-the-go lunch with the family, while the shaded areas provide a spot to rest while you soak in the sounds of rushing water and bird calls
The forest is home to a number of other trails, including the seven-kilometre Jones Journey, popular with horse riders, walkers, trail runners, bike riders, and those exploring with dogs.
Waitpinga Farm Quad Bikes
Waitpinga Farm Quad Bikes has been a family-owned business since 1856, with six generations of farmers caring for the 400-acre property over its lifetime.
When visiting, you can join a guided quadbike farm tour and ride through fields and plains around the property. There is no experience needed to ride, and adventurers ages 12 and up are invited to join. Make sure to keep an eye out for local farm and native animals, who love to come and say hello. If you’re a less confident rider, you can also take a ride in a passenger buggy.
Second Valley Beach
One of the most instagramed places in South Australia, Second Valley Beach offers incredible views of the coastline and unique rock formations bursting with colourful moss. It is a popular spot for swimming, jetty fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving, as conditions are usually gentle.
Right nearby, Second Valley Lasseters Beach offers small caves perfect for less experienced divers. Lasseter’s Reef is a dome shaped reef just 300 metres from the shore, making it great for exploring with the family. Be sure to keep an eye out for rare marine life on your dive, including the Leafy Sea Dragon.
Victor Harbour Tramway
The Victor Harbour Tramway was the first horse-drawn tram passenger service in Australia, first opening in 1894. Today, it continues to take visitors from Victor Harbour to Granite Island, offering visitors the chance to ride on the only horse-drawn tramway in Australia.
The tram is drawn by beautiful Clydesdale horses, who are well looked after by locals. Visitors are invited to go behind-the-scenes and learn all about these cherished creatures at ‘The Stables’, where handlers take you through the process of harnessing, saddling and training the Clydesdales, before you get to meet them for yourself. Complimentary coffee and morning tea is also provided.
Ex-HMAS Hobart Dive Site
On 5 November 2002, the ex-HMAS Hobart was deliberately sunk in Yankalilla Bay to create an artificial diving reef. Today, 90,000 square metres of accessible wreckage can be explored by divers, including access to the engine room, missile launcher, gun turrets and both funnels.
As Australia’s most accessible wreck, diving here is a fun and exciting experience for all. However, you must be supervised by a licensed operator to dive the ship.
Deep Creek National Park
Deep Creek National Park is the largest remaining stretch of natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Home to 100 species of birds, as well as western grey kangaroos and short beaked echidnas, there’s plenty of incredible wildlife to see here. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale on its annual migration from the headland.
Hikers can choose from 15 incredible walking trails throughout the park. The Goondooloo Ridge Walk is recommended for hikers of any experience, leading you around the eucalypt woodland and yakka forest to eventually reach the Goondooloo Ridge Lookout and picnic area. It is one of the highest points in the park, with views of Aaron Creek Valley and Backstairs Passage
Goolwa Animal Farm
Goolwa Animal Farm is a 12-acre family farm in the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula countryside. The property is home to classic farm animals, as well as kangaroos, emus, alpacas, snakes and more.
Every hour, snake handling demonstrations are hosted by the friendly staff, where you can see these reptiles crawl and twist their way around. Or, make use of your entry ticket extras and opt to join a trailer ride or play a round of mini golf. Of course, you can always add animal feeding to your experience to really immerse yourself in the farm’s offerings.
If you’re planning on spending the whole day, you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the picturesque grounds, or relax with a cold drink and a snack from the cafe.
Loving these outdoor activities in the Fleurieu Peninsula? Check out the best festivals in regional South Australia here.
