Experience The Fleurieu Peninsula & Mt Lofty Ranges
Make the most of the region and support the local businesses in the area.
Make It a Day Trip!
TreeClimb - Kuitpo, SA
The Fleurieu Peninsula & Mt Lofty Ranges has so much to offer! We’ve compiled a bucket list of things to do while you're visiting TreeClimb Kuitpo Forest.
Wineries, beaches, restaurants, outdoor adventures and MORE. We’ve got a bunch of suggestions to ensure you make the most of this spectacular region.
Kuitpo Forest
Kuitpo Forest Reserve - Kuitpo
Established in 1898, the Kuitpo Forest Reserve, managed by ForestrySA, was the first of several forest plantations in the Mount Lofty Ranges to ensure a sustainable timber resource for South Australia.
It is managed for sustainable commercial forestry while providing for the conservation of native flora and fauna and community use for recreation.
For more information, visit ForestrySA:
https://www.forestrysa.com.au/visit-our-forests/kuitpo-forest/
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Is your type of adventure on two wheels?
Well-marked multiple use trails for walking, cycling and horse riding are available within the Kuitpo and Mount Crawford Forest Reserves.
Now.. before you go, make sure you've read up on the Forest Trail Code as you may encounter other forest users including horse riders and walkers during your ride (this includes native animals too). 🦘
forestrysa.com.au/bike-riding/ -
ForestrySA manages three designated campgrounds in the Mount Lofty Ranges including – Kuitpo Forest’s Chookarloo Campground!
You'll need to jump online to book your campsite and pay prior to arrival.
And how good is a fire pit in winter?! There are picnic areas with fire pits. These are free of charge and available on a first-in, first-served basis.
Camping is permitted from 1 April to 30 November annually, outside of the fire danger season. Wood fires are permitted from 1 May – 31 October annually. (These dates may change in seasons where high fire danger persists).
forestrysa.com.au/camping/ -
Orienteering SA manage multiple courses throughout Forestry SA’s forests.
The Kuitpo and Mount Crawford Forests are home to a range of orienteering courses. Each course is available for general public use, free of charge.Check out more here,
forestrysa.com.au/orienteering/ -
What is The Avenues parkrun?
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!
When is it?
Every Saturday at 8:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at The Avenues Picnic Area, Kuitpo Forest, 94 Black Nursery Rd, Kuitpo, SA 5201. See Course page for more details.
Park run participants also get discount on coffee at TreeClimb 🤭
parkrun.com.au/theavenues/ -
Fancy a walk or a hike through the beautiful Kuitpo Forest?
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kuitpo’s native and pine forests, via the Onkeeta Trail, Tinjella Trail, Chookarloo Walk or Forest Trail.
As well as, South Australia's Heysen Trail! Stretching all the way from Cape Jervis, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, to Parachilna Gorge, in the Flinders Ranges.
Visit ForestrySA’s website for maps and more information: www.forestrysa.com.au
Local Wineries
BOHO Farm - Mt Jagged
There are so many amazing wineries in the surrounding Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu region to do list, however, here are a few to get you excited!
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Karrawatta wines are small batch and made in limited quantities.
3 Vinyards to choose from.
SOPHIE’S HILL, ADELAIDE HILLSOne of the highest altitude vineyards within the Adelaide Hills Wine Region, perfect for ultra premium white wine and red wine production.
CHRISTO’S PADDOCK, LANGHORNE CREEK
Our oldest vineyard located on ultra premium soil along the Angas River in a position that avoids flooding, producing intensely flavoured berries.
ACE OF TRUMPS, SEAVIEW, MCLAREN VALE
South facing site in the Seaview sub region renowned for producing some of the most elegant Shiraz and Cabernet fruit out of McLaren Vale.
Meadows, SA
www.karrawatta.com.au/ -
In 1986, Geoff Hardy, 5th generation decendant of the Australian wine industry pioneer Thomas Hardy, found the ideal site for growing outstanding cool climate grapes in the Kuitpo region in the Adelaide Hills. The vineyard became known as the K1 vineyard, as this unique, ground breaking site was the first vineyard in the Kuitpo region.
Kuitpo, SA
k1wines.com.au -
Experience the wonderful world of Mollydooker or simply enjoy a glass of wine and a platter as you take in our stunning 360 views of McLaren Vale.
McLaren Vale, SA
mollydookerwines.com.au -
Enjoy our fine wines, pizza, cheese, a cosy spot by the fire with an amazing view… and of course some southern (Fleurieu) hospitality!
Mt Jagged, SA
bohofarm.com.au -
Down The Rabbit Hole Cellar Door is a place you can visit, try their wines, enjoy their restaurant, roll out a rug, enjoy platters of delicious goodness, stay for a meal, pour another glass, sit a while... and smile a lot.
McLaren Vale, SA
www.downtherabbitholewines.com.au -
Housed in a heritage-listed barn overlooking sprawling vineyards, visitors are encouraged to book in for either a seated premium tasting, while guided you through their 'Alphabet of Wines', or roll out a picnic rug on the grass with a glass, bottle or platters and relax.
McLaren Vale, SA
www.alphaboxdice.com/
Adventures
Harvest the Fleurieu - Mount Compass
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Providing fresh, local produce and of course, the tastiest strawberries and an optional picking experience; it’s a must-do while you’re in the region.
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You don’t have to go far from Adelaide to paintball in the great outdoors. A fun activity for young or old – an action-packed day in 114 acres of open spaces and natural bush.
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Monarto Safari Park is now the largest safari experience to exist outside of Africa. Spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles, you can fit every major zoo in Australia inside the Park and still have land left over!
The park is located 60 minutes (70 kilometres) from South Australia’s capital city Adelaide and is the gateway to the picturesque Murraylands region. Monarto Safari Park is home to many of Africa’s most impressive animals and also one of Australia’s largest lion prides and giraffe herds. -
Off Piste 4WD Tours is up market, off-road adventure company, unlocking thrilling journeys to hard-to-reach places, showcasing the hidden and rugged beauty of the South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. Idyllically nestled between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, the team tailor and deliver a delicious day out experiencing McLaren Vale's best food and wine being ecologically minded, highly flexible, and informative. Small group, exclusive touring through unforgettable First Nation landscapes, beach drives, amazing wildlife encounters while highly entertained by owner and local, Ben, his partner and chef, Imogen and team of highly passionate guides.
www.offpistetours.com.au/ -
Experience a spectacular ocean adventure just 60 minutes from Adelaide. See seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, beautiful islands and coastline.
www.thebigduck.com.au/ -
Victor Harbor is 84km due south of Adelaide and situated at the head of Encounter Bay. The sea, beaches, spectacular views and wildlife make it a popular tourist attraction for visitors from overseas and interstate. The Victor Harbor Tramway operates from the mainland across the Causeway and around the northwest side of Granite Island. The Causeway is 630 metres long.
The office and stables are located at the entrance to the Causeway. The trams operate every day of the year. Passengers may choose a return trip, or ride across one way and walk the other.
www.horsedrawntram.com.au/ -
“The Cockle Train travels along the oldest steel railed railway in Australia dating back to 1854 when it was constructed to provide a link between the River Murray and the ocean wharfs at Pt Elliot and later at Victor Harbor.
Based at our Goolwa Depot and commences its run each day at Goolwa Station, in the historic Wharf Precinct alongside the River Murray. After crossing the main Goolwa to Victor Harbor Road the line heads off across the plains to Middleton, picking up or dropping off passengers on request, and then to Port Elliot where it reaches the Encounter Bay coast. The station here is operated by the local National Trust and features a small historical museum.”
www.steamrangerheritagerailway.org/our-trains/cockle-train/
Restaurants
Flying Fish Cafe - Pt Elliot, SA
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The Flying Fish is situated on the idyllic beachfront at Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot.
A must-visit while in the area to enjoy their famous fish and chips while soaking up the breath taking views.
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Showcasing an amazing selection of dishes created from the best in local produce. We are open 7 days a week, 8am until late – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with the kitchen open all day!
www.haushahndorf.com.au/ -
With a large focus on Adelaide Hills produce, The Stanley Bridge brings you a full menu rich in flavour. No matter if it is a casual hills lunch or a celebratory dinner, everyone is welcome. kids are welcome, let them play on the lawn whilst you enjoy equally as much.
They cater for all dietary needs, just ask their friendly wait staff for assistance. Eat in or take it away.The Kitchen is open Monday – Sunday
Lunch 12.00 – 3.00 | Dinner 5.30 – 8.30
www.stanleybridge.com.au/eat-drink/ -
Direct from the website | An extraordinary dining experience is to embark upon a journey. We have been entrusted with a beautiful venue in a spectacular setting and have curated the restaurant to make you feel welcome and at home. We do this by having staff who care, chefs who are passionate about the quality of seasonal ingredients, and our purveyors who source the very best products that bring to your palate a “taste of South Australia and beyond”.
www.thebridgewatermill.com.au/ -
A wood oven wine bar in beautiful Uraidla, 25 mins from the CBD.
Serving cheffed artisanal pizzas from locally sourced ingredients, paired with a stunning wine list featuring local drops, SA craft tins and a gin list to die for.
www.lostinaforest.com.au/ -
“WE CONTINUE TO EVOLVE FROM WHEN OUR FAMILY FIRST ARRIVED TO AUSTRALIA FROM ITALY.
WE USE THE TECHNIQUES PASSED DOWN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION WITH LOCALLY SOURCED SOUTH AUSTRALIAN INGREDIENTS.
WE ARE PROUD OF THIS. OUR SUGO, MADE BY THE HANDS OF THE FAMILY USES SOUTH AUSTRALIAN, VIRGINIA GROWN ROMA TOMATOES.”
www.pizza-teca.com/
Beaches
Horseshoe Bay - Pt Elliot, SA
South Australia has stunning beaches and it would take us days to list them all. Here are just a few of our favourites in the Fleurieu region.
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Horseshoe Bay is one of the sweetest beach settings in South Australia.
Spend your summer days body boarding, swimming and building sand castles. Walk the trails along a dramatic coastline for stunning views and sunsets from the cliff top and wander through the charming streets of Port Elliot admiring the town’s historical facades.
Southern Right Whale sightings are a regular attraction in winter.
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Blowhole Beach is a stunning ocean beach near the western edge of Deep Creek Conservation Park. You can walk 2 km to the beach from the Cobbler Hill carpark. Or, if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can drive down the steep track to the Blowhole Beach carpark. You can sometimes see dolphins in the surf and kangaroos nearby.
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Aldinga Beach is a little patch of seaside bliss less than an hour from Adelaide and mere minutes from McLaren Vale’s award-winning wineries.
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Port Noarlunga is a picturesque seaside village located approximately 30 kilometres south of Adelaide and perfect to swim, kayak, snorkel, dive and fish. The red sandstone beach cliffs, long jetty and reef, make it one of the iconic diving destinations in the state.
www.southaustralia.com -
Second Valley has become very popular over the years because it has so much to offer. The beach is pristine and perfect for swimming with great coastal hikes nearby and a small jetty which is great for a spot of fishing. Less than 1.5 hours drive from Adelaide, it's a fantastic day trip for those looking to get away from the city beaches. There's a caravan park just behind the beach if you want to stay for the weekend and a local kiosk which is handy if you forget to bring snacks with you.
www. southaustralia.com -
“There’s not much in Rapid Bay, in fact it’s mostly just the campground with a very small school and cricket club sitting behind it. But it’s a great base for your visit.
The Rapid Bay Campground is located right on the beach, and if you’re lucky enough, you can find yourself a camp spot that looks right out onto the ocean. It was absolutely beautiful opening the curtains to see the beach right in front of us, and hopping out of the van straight into the sand.”
www.exploreshaw.com/top-10-fleurieu-peninsula-beaches-to-visit-this-summer/ -
“One of the most popular beaches in the area, Port Willunga offers something a little different from the other beaches in the area. Sure, it has the similar big rolling cliffs that take you right down to the ocean, it has crystal clear water and a wide sandy shore, but it also has it’s own unique features.
In the cliff face there are a few little caves that have been carved out of the limestone, and provide a perfect shady place for you to set up for the day. The caves are both cool and shady, giving you both a great place to escape the midday heat, but also a perfect view of the ocean.
In front of the caves you can also find the remnants of an old jetty, with only a collection of pylons, also known as “the sticks” standing tall in the ocean.”
www.exploreshaw.com/top-10-fleurieu-peninsula-beaches-to-visit-this-summer/
