Anthea’s guidebook
Activities
ENJOY, EXPLORE, PRESERVE MYPONGA RESERVOIR RESERVE
Nestled near the township of Myponga on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, about an hour’s drive south of Adelaide, is the Myponga Reservoir Reserve. The trail here is ideal for walking and running with room for families to enjoy a picnic. You can also head to the lookout to take in the scenic surrounds. Shore-based fishing is available within the publicly-accessible area of the reserve.
Myponga Reservoir- Open NOW for activities
Open 1 October to 31 March, 7.30am – 8pm,
1 April to 30 September, 7.30am – 5pm.
Closed on Total Fire Ban Days and for operational activity (gates will be closed).
Car parking available
Fishing available, permit required
Walking/running
Cycling
Picnicking
Lookout
Wildlife and birdwatching
Kayaking/canoeing
No dogs allowed
27 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Myponga Reservoir
ENJOY, EXPLORE, PRESERVE MYPONGA RESERVOIR RESERVE
Nestled near the township of Myponga on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, about an hour’s drive south of Adelaide, is the Myponga Reservoir Reserve. The trail here is ideal for walking and running with room for families to enjoy a picnic. You can also head to the lookout to take in the scenic surrounds. Shore-based fishing is available within the publicly-accessible area of the reserve.
Myponga Reservoir- Open NOW for activities
Open 1 October to 31 March, 7.30am – 8pm,
1 April to 30 September, 7.30am – 5pm.
Closed on Total Fire Ban Days and for operational activity (gates will be closed).
Car parking available
Fishing available, permit required
Walking/running
Cycling
Picnicking
Lookout
Wildlife and birdwatching
Kayaking/canoeing
No dogs allowed
Normanville is the largest coastal settlement on the Fleurieu Coast. The town is located in the centre of the 7.3 kilometre long beach, with Lady Bay and 100 metre high Yankalilla Hill forming the southern boundary and low Haycock Point the northern.
Normanville and Carrickalinga beaches are relatively safe under normal conditions. Best access and facilities are located at Normanville and Carrickalinga. The best shore fishing is from the Normanville Jetty and Haycock Point. Most fishers head out into the gulf in small boats, which can be launched from the beach at Normanville but please check beach and marine condition before attempting to launch.
Normanville Beach is a patrolled by the Normanville Surf Life Saving Club during the summer.
There is now a pontoon 75 meter's off shore from the low tide mark during summer for swimmer's to access.
27 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Normanville Surf Lifesaving Club
Jetty RoadNormanville is the largest coastal settlement on the Fleurieu Coast. The town is located in the centre of the 7.3 kilometre long beach, with Lady Bay and 100 metre high Yankalilla Hill forming the southern boundary and low Haycock Point the northern.
Normanville and Carrickalinga beaches are relatively safe under normal conditions. Best access and facilities are located at Normanville and Carrickalinga. The best shore fishing is from the Normanville Jetty and Haycock Point. Most fishers head out into the gulf in small boats, which can be launched from the beach at Normanville but please check beach and marine condition before attempting to launch.
Normanville Beach is a patrolled by the Normanville Surf Life Saving Club during the summer.
There is now a pontoon 75 meter's off shore from the low tide mark during summer for swimmer's to access.
Cape Jervis is the jumping off point for daily car and passenger ferry services to Kangaroo Island. It's a 45 minute journey that reveals the spectacular coastline of this part of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Cape Jervis is a popular base for fishermen, with good boat, jetty and beach fishing.
Climb aboard a fishing charter or take a cruise along the coast.
Bushwalkers can stretch their legs through nearby Deep Creek Conservation Park or start out on the four day Heysen Trail walk to Victor Harbor.
Cape Jervis is on Tourist Route 52 and part of the Fleurieu Way Tourist Drive.
See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience and top fishing spots.
It's a paradise for divers and snorkelers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Sea dragon.
Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842 and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste.
There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cape Jervis
Cape Jervis is the jumping off point for daily car and passenger ferry services to Kangaroo Island. It's a 45 minute journey that reveals the spectacular coastline of this part of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Cape Jervis is a popular base for fishermen, with good boat, jetty and beach fishing.
Climb aboard a fishing charter or take a cruise along the coast.
Bushwalkers can stretch their legs through nearby Deep Creek Conservation Park or start out on the four day Heysen Trail walk to Victor Harbor.
Cape Jervis is on Tourist Route 52 and part of the Fleurieu Way Tourist Drive.
See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience and top fishing spots.
It's a paradise for divers and snorkelers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Sea dragon.
Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842 and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste.
There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.
Come and experience a wide range of activities such as bushwalking on an extensive network of trails, camping in five campgrounds and viewing the spectacular scenery of Backstairs Passage, Kangaroo Island and the rugged Deep Creek valley.
Deep Creek Conservation Park is the largest portion of remaining natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula and is home to an array of native wildlife such as western grey kangaroos, short beaked echidnas and 100 species of birds that can be heard and seen while walking in the park.
Deep Creek is the only national park within 100km of Adelaide that offers bush camping. Four campgrounds are accessible by 2WD and one is 'hike-in' only and situated on the Heysen trail, making it an ideal environment for a family adventure.
The 15 walking trails in the park provide spectacular scenery of Backstairs Passage, Kangaroo Island and the rugged Deep Creek Valley. The walks range from easy to very difficult so accommodating for all ages and abilities. The walking trail network in Deep Creek Conservation Park includes sections of the famous Heysen Trail.
Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Deep Creek
Come and experience a wide range of activities such as bushwalking on an extensive network of trails, camping in five campgrounds and viewing the spectacular scenery of Backstairs Passage, Kangaroo Island and the rugged Deep Creek valley.
Deep Creek Conservation Park is the largest portion of remaining natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula and is home to an array of native wildlife such as western grey kangaroos, short beaked echidnas and 100 species of birds that can be heard and seen while walking in the park.
Deep Creek is the only national park within 100km of Adelaide that offers bush camping. Four campgrounds are accessible by 2WD and one is 'hike-in' only and situated on the Heysen trail, making it an ideal environment for a family adventure.
The 15 walking trails in the park provide spectacular scenery of Backstairs Passage, Kangaroo Island and the rugged Deep Creek Valley. The walks range from easy to very difficult so accommodating for all ages and abilities. The walking trail network in Deep Creek Conservation Park includes sections of the famous Heysen Trail.
Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed.
HIGH COUNTRY TRAILS - 0408 795 373
129 Williss Drive, Normanville South Australia
HORSE RIDING ON NORMANVILLE BEACH
At High Country Trails you can experience the delight and freedom of trotting on horseback through the shallows of beautiful Normanville Beach.
The hour long beach ride is a quiet ride along the sand dunes with its native flora and fauna. The ride then continues onto the Normanville Beach where you can enjoy a trot along the water's edge and paddle in the sea.
High Country Trails also offer Pony Rides for children under the age of nine. Parents can lead the child around the property on a pony.
Please note the following information is needed for a booking: rider height, weight and riding ability.
From $80 per person
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
High Country Trails
129 Williss DrHIGH COUNTRY TRAILS - 0408 795 373
129 Williss Drive, Normanville South Australia
HORSE RIDING ON NORMANVILLE BEACH
At High Country Trails you can experience the delight and freedom of trotting on horseback through the shallows of beautiful Normanville Beach.
The hour long beach ride is a quiet ride along the sand dunes with its native flora and fauna. The ride then continues onto the Normanville Beach where you can enjoy a trot along the water's edge and paddle in the sea.
High Country Trails also offer Pony Rides for children under the age of nine. Parents can lead the child around the property on a pony.
Please note the following information is needed for a booking: rider height, weight and riding ability.
From $80 per person
With sand dunes, sweeping beaches, village atmosphere and so much of the lifestyle to absorb, this area is the home to the Leafy Sea Dragon, wine enthusiasts, being less than 30 minutes from McLaren Vale wine region, and charming local markets.
Travelers from all over the world are drawn to this seaside haven and its pristine natural splendor.
The Links Lady Bay Golf Course offers the discerning golfer a championship golf course complete with stunning ocean views the facilities are full of charm and quality, reflecting the unique character of the Southern Fleurieu.
The Centre itself offers patrons a stunning location, catering from 10 - 200 people, superb dining and conference facilities, nationally recognized golf course, cellar door and diverse local activities.
33 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Links Lady Bay
73 St Andrews Blvd
With sand dunes, sweeping beaches, village atmosphere and so much of the lifestyle to absorb, this area is the home to the Leafy Sea Dragon, wine enthusiasts, being less than 30 minutes from McLaren Vale wine region, and charming local markets.
Travelers from all over the world are drawn to this seaside haven and its pristine natural splendor.
The Links Lady Bay Golf Course offers the discerning golfer a championship golf course complete with stunning ocean views the facilities are full of charm and quality, reflecting the unique character of the Southern Fleurieu.
The Centre itself offers patrons a stunning location, catering from 10 - 200 people, superb dining and conference facilities, nationally recognized golf course, cellar door and diverse local activities.
You can find this secluded beach in Deep Creek Conservation Park accessed via the 4 wheel drive track on Blowhole Beach Road.
Deep Creek Conservation Park has 15 walking trails which provide spectacular scenery of Backstairs Passage, Kangaroo Island and the rugged Deep Creek Valley. The walks range from easy to very difficult so accommodating for all ages and abilities and include sections of the famous Heysen Trail. Five campgrounds are dotted throughout the park or if camping is not your style check out Southern Ocean Retreats or our website for more options. https://www.yankalilla.sa.gov.au/yankalillaTourism/accommodation
(*Note Park Entry Fees Apply)
Blowhole Beach
You can find this secluded beach in Deep Creek Conservation Park accessed via the 4 wheel drive track on Blowhole Beach Road.
Deep Creek Conservation Park has 15 walking trails which provide spectacular scenery of Backstairs Passage, Kangaroo Island and the rugged Deep Creek Valley. The walks range from easy to very difficult so accommodating for all ages and abilities and include sections of the famous Heysen Trail. Five campgrounds are dotted throughout the park or if camping is not your style check out Southern Ocean Retreats or our website for more options. https://www.yankalilla.sa.gov.au/yankalillaTourism/accommodation
(*Note Park Entry Fees Apply)
Sightseeing
Second Valley Beach is one of South Australia's most instagramed locations. It offers stunning views of the coastline and unique geological formations. This beach is popular for swimming, jetty fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Follow the open valley that narrows at the coast to a gap, through which flows the small Parananacooka Creek and the road to the beach. The small town and caravan park lies on the landward side of the gap. There is a small car park leading to a jetty with the two small beaches to either side.
The eastern beach is sandy and popular for swimming. To the west is a north facing curving long boulder beach attached by rock reefs to a small headland. Conditions are usually calm at this part of the beach; however it is dominated by rocks and reef.
Public toilet facilities are located in the car park. Second Valley Jetty Store is close by for takeaway and ice creams or book in historic Leonard's Mill for a gourmet lunch.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Jetty yase-Second Valley
Second Valley Beach is one of South Australia's most instagramed locations. It offers stunning views of the coastline and unique geological formations. This beach is popular for swimming, jetty fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Follow the open valley that narrows at the coast to a gap, through which flows the small Parananacooka Creek and the road to the beach. The small town and caravan park lies on the landward side of the gap. There is a small car park leading to a jetty with the two small beaches to either side.
The eastern beach is sandy and popular for swimming. To the west is a north facing curving long boulder beach attached by rock reefs to a small headland. Conditions are usually calm at this part of the beach; however it is dominated by rocks and reef.
Public toilet facilities are located in the car park. Second Valley Jetty Store is close by for takeaway and ice creams or book in historic Leonard's Mill for a gourmet lunch.
Nestled between long sandy beaches and towering cliffs, Rapid Bay is 105 kilometers south of Adelaide and reached by a steeply descending road from the main Normanville-Cape Jervis Road.
Rapid Bay is well known for its very long jetty. While the original jetty built in 1940 is closed to the public, a new jetty (opened in early 2009) is now available for use. Take a stroll along the jetty and enjoy fishing or the beautiful views.
At Rapid Bay, you'll also find an important South Australian landmark - a boulder on which Colonel Light carved his initials after he first stepped ashore. It's reported that he said "I have hardly seen a place I like better".
Rapid Bay was named after the brig HMS Rapid in which Colonel Light and his staff came to South Australia, discovering Rapid Bay in 1830 enroute to Glenelg.
Rapid Bay is usually calm and relatively safe, just watch the deep water right off both beaches. It's a paradise for divers and snorkelers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Sea dragon.
It is an unpatrolled beach.
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rapid Bay
Nestled between long sandy beaches and towering cliffs, Rapid Bay is 105 kilometers south of Adelaide and reached by a steeply descending road from the main Normanville-Cape Jervis Road.
Rapid Bay is well known for its very long jetty. While the original jetty built in 1940 is closed to the public, a new jetty (opened in early 2009) is now available for use. Take a stroll along the jetty and enjoy fishing or the beautiful views.
At Rapid Bay, you'll also find an important South Australian landmark - a boulder on which Colonel Light carved his initials after he first stepped ashore. It's reported that he said "I have hardly seen a place I like better".
Rapid Bay was named after the brig HMS Rapid in which Colonel Light and his staff came to South Australia, discovering Rapid Bay in 1830 enroute to Glenelg.
Rapid Bay is usually calm and relatively safe, just watch the deep water right off both beaches. It's a paradise for divers and snorkelers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Sea dragon.
It is an unpatrolled beach.
Carrickalinga Beach means: (Kaurna name: Karragadlangga – red gum fire wood place)
79 kilometres from Adelaide
Carrickalinga is a popular holiday retreat for tourists far and wide, many attracted by its white sandy beach, crystal clear waters, rock pools and great views over Roma Mitchell Bay and Yankalilla Bay.
One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of this coastal village is to take the shared walking track and bike trail to Normanville. The best approach is from the north via Myponga Reservoir to enjoy the dramatic coastal views. For more great views, make sure you stop at the lookout on Forktree Road.
FAST FACT
Carrickalinga was named South Australia's top beach by Lonely Planet in 2013.
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Carrickalinga
Carrickalinga Beach means: (Kaurna name: Karragadlangga – red gum fire wood place)
79 kilometres from Adelaide
Carrickalinga is a popular holiday retreat for tourists far and wide, many attracted by its white sandy beach, crystal clear waters, rock pools and great views over Roma Mitchell Bay and Yankalilla Bay.
One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of this coastal village is to take the shared walking track and bike trail to Normanville. The best approach is from the north via Myponga Reservoir to enjoy the dramatic coastal views. For more great views, make sure you stop at the lookout on Forktree Road.
FAST FACT
Carrickalinga was named South Australia's top beach by Lonely Planet in 2013.