The best beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula
29 JAN 2025
From heart-shaped rockpools to white sandy beaches, there’s something for every ocean lover along this coastline.
South Australia is no novice when it comes to dishing up shorelines. What’s more is the proximity and abundance of said stretches of sand, making the perfect seaside day just a stone’s throw from the rush of the city. In less than an hour, you can feel like a piece of a pristine puzzle that makes up the coastal playground that is the Fleurieu Peninsula—home to some of the best beaches in the state.
Beaches near Adelaide
Christies beach
A favourite among photographers and creatives, Christies Beach features dramatic golden cliffs and rugged rock formations that rise against the skyline. Less than 30 minutes from Adelaide, this sandy strip of Christies Beach is often bustling with locals and visitors alike.
Port Willunga beach
This sandy hotspot isn’t just appealing for its visual qualities, but also as the nesting ground for one of South Australia’s most iconic coastal dining destinations—Star of Greece. Break bread atop the hill while the sunset breaks the horizon and engulfs beachgoers in a fiery silhouette.
Sellicks beach
One of the few beaches that allows visitors to pull in and park directly on the sand, Sellicks’ expansive white shore is framed by rolling hills. Whether you’re chasing the sunset or the thrill of the open road, Sellicks delivers a distinctive beach experience on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Southport beach
Add a ‘snorkel’ to your beach bag supplies when you head to Southport Beach—unless you don’t like discovering hidden underwater reefs, that is. Just off shore you’ll find Port Noarlunga Reef, a crystal-clear pocket of coast with a world of wonder beneath the surface just waiting to be explored.
Beaches on your way to Kangaroo Island
Rapid Bay
This secluded spot, marked by black rocky formations and green farmland, offers more than just sun and sea but also its secret coves carved by time and tide. Tucked beneath the towering rock face, these hidden caves are the perfect spot to shade off from the hot summer sun after a splash in the bay’s clear blue waters.
Second Valley
Picture this: a public beach that feels private, with pockets of sand hugging the curves of a rocky cliffside. What’s perfect about Second Valley is in fact how curved its shoreline is, accompanied by a short jetty to get your fishing fix before lazing the day away on the sand. Second Valley isn’t just for lazing on the sand, with nearby rockpools to frolic in before a short walk to the nearby kiosk for a bite.
Carrickalinga
Fancy a frolic in a heart-shaped rock pool? Carrickalinga’s unique charm (or nature’s playful twist on the ordinary, if you will) is its distinctly shaped pockets of sea that capture the ocean’s ebb and flow. As if the appeal couldn’t get any stronger, the beach itself is known for its long stretches of sand and picture-perfect blue water.
Waitpinga beach
Like music to a surfer’s ears, Waitpinga Beach offers consistent swell, drawing adventurous from across the peninsula. If surfing isn’t your cup of tea, however, the wide and wild waters make for an excellent view.
Please note, Waitpinga Beach can often pose heavy swells so it is advised you take precaution and understand your own abilities when entering the water.
Blowhole beach
What if we told you that you could see dolphins dancing in the surf and kangaroos grazing in the same line of sight? Thanks to its home, nestled in Deep Creek National Park, this is exactly what you can expect from Blowhole Beach. Gaze across the skyline that meets the water’s edge from the cliffside above or, sink your toes into the sand with a front row seat to an aquatic show.
Beaches near Victor Harbor
Port Elliot
Before making your way down to the shore, the first thing you’ll need to check off your list is a visit to the famed Port Elliot Bakery. Once you’ve braved the queue for the decadent donut of the month, put your sugar high to good use by taking a dip.
Encounter Bay
If there’s one thing you do when visiting Encounter Bay, let it be hiking the Bluff for panoramic views of this popular coastline. If you’re all beached out by this point, you can rinse the salty residue of the sea from your skin with a dip in one of the tranquil lakes, known as Encounter Lakes, fitted out with man-made sandy shores and often buzzing with kayaks and paddleboards.
Boomer beach
If you’re looking for a show, then put Boomer Beach at the top of your list. With a little luck, you might just catch one of the world’s most majestic sights—the Southern Right Whale. Gaze on in wonder as these prehistoric beasts and their massive forms rise and fall from the surface, crashing waves and bathing in the soft misty light. Much like Waitpinga, Boomer Beach also promises consistent surf, making it a popular spot year-round.
Horseshoe bay
While most, if not all, beaches along the Fleurieu Peninsula are family friendly, Horseshoe Bay is completely equipped for those with kids in tow. Aside from its u-shaped shore that feels like an exclusive pocket of sandy retreat, you’ll also enjoy the nearby playground, solar powered benches, barbeque and toilet facilities. If the Southern Right Whale is feeling generous, you may also catch a glimpse in the distance while you enjoy a spot to eat at the onshore cafe.
After all that beach you must have worked up an appetite, right? If you’re looking for something to sink your teeth into after a long day in the sun and on the sand, then check out some of the best places to eat on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
