What to Do – The Fleurieu Peninsula
Ideally you will drive to Old Coach Road Estate (OCRE) and from there you are centrally located on the lower Fleurieu Peninsula, halfway between Victor Harbor and Mt Compass. The things to do in the region are endless, from flying in a biplane from Aldinga airport, to dining with friends in a cave or visiting the iconic Cube at McLaren Vale. Nature lovers, sightseers, bushwalkers, cyclists and beachcombers are exceedingly well catered for with natural beauty all around.
Fleurieu Beaches
Being located centrally on a peninsula means there are beaches in virtually all directions. Beaches to the south include the beautiful Horseshoe Bay which is only 15 minutes away, with Goolwa Beach and Lake Alexandrina another 10 minutes further to the east. Sellicks Beach, Normanville and Carrickalinga are all less than 30 minutes away to the east and a longer trip will enable you to visit beautiful beaches at Rapid Bay, Second Valley or to catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island from Cape Jervis. Whatever beach activities you want to undertake, whether it be safe swimming, surfing, fishing or boating, there is a beach to suit!
Fleurieu Peninsula is a Wine and Food-lovers' Paradise
The wineries of McLaren Vale and Currency Creek are so easy to reach from OCRE. The Cube at McLaren Vale is a must and a visit can be combined with a wide variety of cellar doors. Alternatively there is the option of a brewery tour with many boutique breweries and distilleries within easy reach. The Smiling Samoyed Brewery is just 15 minutes away and offers delicious wood-oven pizzas as well as a range of beers brewed onsite at Myponga. Foodies can readily enjoy the many fabulous restaurants in the region with special favourites including the Swagman Chargrill at Softfoot Alpaca Farm, Leonards Mill at Second Valley and d'Arry's Verandah at McLaren Vale.
Local Markets
You will love the Willunga Markets held each Saturday morning, picking strawberries and having a coffee at Harvest the Fleurieu in Mount Compass, and the multitude of nearby choices for brunch. Of course this assumes you will be able to pull yourself away from the pleasures of OCRE!
Regular local markets include;
Port Elliot Rotary Market: Lakala Reserve, Young St, Port Elliot, 1st & 3rd Saturday each month rom 9am until 2pm.
Victor Harbor Beachside Market: Grosvenor Gardens, Torrens St, every Saturday from 8am until 12:30pm.
Victor Harbor Farmers Market: Soldiers Memorial Reserve, 2nd & 4th Sunday each month from 9am until 3pm.
Willunga Farmers Market: Willunga High School, every Saturday 8am until midday.
Waterfalls and Bush Walks
Where the Heysen Trail traverses along the beautiful coastline from Waitpinga to Kings Beach is a favoured walk for many OCRE guests which measures 11.5km and is graded moderate to difficult.
However there are several other options for day walks including the popular “Heritage Trail” which is also known as the Kings Head Hike. This trail has points of interest along its 6km stretch and is generally considered an easy walk which extends from Kings Beach through to Kent Reserve in Victor Harbor.
Other segments of the Heysen Trail are nearby, as well as short walks around the Hindmarsh Falls (0.5km return) and Ingalalla Falls. Mount Billy Conservation Park is just 5 minutes drive away from OCRE and provides a 4.7km circuit suitable for walking or jogging amongst native scrubland where there is much wildlife to be seen.
Near-by Options for the More Adventurous
The Fleurieu has some great bike trails suitable for a wide range of abilities. For the very pleasant ride, without the hills, nothing beats the Encounter Bikeway which is well marked and runs along the coastline between Victor Harbor and Goolwa. Why not plan your trip so that you can cycle one way and catch the Cockle Train back? Along the way there are so many beautiful places you can stop for a coffee or snack, or even have a swim at gorgeous Horseshoe Bay!
The Myponga Reservoir, just 15 minutes drive away, is now open to the public enabling a wide range of activities including fishing and kayaking. With prior notice horse riding can be arranged at a beachside location near Normanville which is only 30 minutes away. The Fleurieu Peninsula is also a popular place for hang-gliding and paragliding and a wide range of water sports are available from jet ski hire, to fishing and surfing.
Should you wish to enjoy the views from high in the sky, there are a range of joy flights available less than 30 minutes away. Adelaide Biplanes leave from the Aldinga Airport, helicopter rides can be arranged through Helivista and SA Skydiving regularly offers skydiving onto Basham Beach.
Other adventure options include:
Stay at Old Coach Road Estate
OCRE sits majestically on the hillside overlooking a valley of open fields and native vegetation, down to the Southern Ocean. The villa provides exceptional secluded accommodation perfect for a luxurious escape. Its central location makes it the perfect base to take in and explore the lower Fleurieu Peninsula!
