The Fleurieu Peninsula is a stunning region located just south of Adelaide in South Australia, stretching between the Gulf St Vincent to the west and the Southern Ocean to the south. It’s easily accessible with most towns and attractions just a 45 to 90 minute drive from Adelaide, making it the perfect destination for a day trip or a relaxing weekend away. Read on to discover how we spent our time there.
Victor Harbor
We began our day in Victor Harbor which is one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s most popular coastal towns. Known for its seaside charm and relaxed pace, Victor Harbor is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region. Boasting wide, sandy beaches and a historic causeway, the town has an inviting feel. After a wander around the waterfront, we were ready for our first adventure of the day.
Ride on the Cockle Train to Goolwa
One of the highlights of our visit was riding the Cockle Train along the spectacular coastline from Victor Harbor to Goolwa. The journey takes about 30 minutes and hugs the shoreline for much of the way, offering sweeping ocean views. Our journey was aboard a heritage diesel Red Hen railcar but during school holidays one can enjoy a nostalgic ride on a steam train.
When we reached Goolwa, we hopped off the train for a brief stop, enjoying a leisurely wander through the historic riverside town where the Murray River meets the sea.
We then popped back on the train for the return journey to Victor Harbor which was just as scenic as the outward trip. The Cockle Train
Seafood Lunch at The Larder Kitchen, Victor Harbor
Back in Victor Harbor, we stopped for lunch at The Larder Kitchen, which was an absolute treat. The menu showcases the best of local seafood so we couldn’t resist opting for the ocean sharing platter which comprised Moreton bay bugs, king prawns, black mussels, fried squid and crispy tempura fish. Everything had been freshly prepared and tasted full of flavour. The Larder Kitchen
Horse Drawn Tram from Victor Harbor to Granite Island
One of the most charming experiences in Victor Harbor was our ride on the iconic horse-drawn tram. Stepping aboard this beautifully preserved heritage tram felt like traveling back in time as our Clydesdale horse gently pulled the wooden carriage.
The journey took us across the Granite Island causeway which is a narrow bridge stretching 632 metres over the sea, linking the mainland to the island. At a leisurely pace, the crossing took around 15 minutes, allowing us plenty of time to soak up the views and to appreciate this historic mode of transport. Horse Drawn Tram Victor Harbor
Walking tour of Granite Island
Our guided walk around Granite Island with Mark from Kool Tours was especially meaningful for its focus on the island’s Aboriginal heritage. As we followed the coastal trail, Mark shared stories of the traditional custodians of the land and explained how many of the native plants and flowers we passed were used for cooking and medicinal purposes. He pointed out plants that have been used to treat ailments, flavour food and support daily life for thousands of years. Listening to these stories while surrounded by rugged granite rocks gave us a much stronger connection to the island and a respect for the land.
Our one hour walk took us all around the island offering stunning panoramic views in every direction and after walking back across the causeway we hopped into the car, ready to head inland. Kool Tours
McLaren Vale Wine Region
Located just south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is a sun-soaked wine region famous for its bold Shiraz and Grenache. Rather than sample wine from a cellar door we opted for something rather different. Wine tasting doesn’t get much more memorable than sampling Aphelion Wines with owner Louise served from the back of a Ute right in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region. Parked beside the vines, glasses in hand, we sipped our way through wines while looking out over the very rows of grapes where some of them came from. The setting was wonderfully atmospheric, with vineyards stretching out on one side and natural bushland on the other.
Louise shared stories about the land and the Aphelion winemaking philosophy, making each tasting feel connected to the surroundings. The casual charm of enjoying their award winning Grenache tastings alfresco rather than inside a winery made for an unforgettable experience. Aphelion Wines
E- Tuk Tuk Ride through the McLaren Vale vineyards
Yet another new experience was in store, as just a short drive away, we met Shayne and Rachel from Tours SA EBikes for an hour long ride in an electric tuk-tuk through more of the McLaren Vale vineyards.
Exploring McLaren Vale by e-tuk-tuk turned out to be a really fun and enjoyable way to view the vines as we made our way along quiet cycle paths. Shayne was very friendly pointing out birds and the occasional wallaby as he gently cycled us along. It was a wonderfully laid-back way to experience the beauty of the McLaren Vale and we even had opportunities to pedal the e-tuk tuk ourselves. Both e-bikes and e-tuk tuk’s are available to hire. Tours SA e-bikes
Sunset Dinner at Silver Sands Beach Club
We rounded off our day along the Fleurieu Peninsula with dinner at the Silver Sands Beach Club. This beachfront restaurant and bar at Aldinga Beach offered a relaxed, casual seaside dining experience coupled with sweeping ocean views.
Seated at a window table, we sipped cocktails as the sky gradually changed from soft pinks to fiery oranges. From the extensive menu we both settled on delicious pâté for starters as the sun dipped below the horizon. Moving on to main’s neither of us could resist a delicious roast lamb dinner. Silver Sands Beach Club
Visiting The City of Marion – My Namesake City
On our drive back to Adelaide from the Fleurieu Peninsula, we made a brief detour to the City of Marion. It was really fun to stop in a place that shared my name, after all it’s not every day you stumble across a town or village with your own name. When I noticed Marion on the map I knew instantly that I wanted to go there and have my photo taken by a city sign.
Final Thoughts
From historic trains and horse-drawn trams to coastal walks, vineyard experiences and sunset dinners, our day exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula captured everything that makes this region so special.
We were guests of the Fleurieu Peninsula and as always, all views and opinions are my own.
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