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FLEURIEU PENINSULA
As the intriguing names of the Fleurieu roll off your tongue – Yankalilla, Carrickalinga, Dingabledinga, Kuitpo and Willunga – you can capture the Indigenous prehistory of this charming region of South Australia.
HISTORY
The Fleurieu Peninsula stretches from the outer edges of Adelaide down to Cape Jervis, where you can catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island, and across the inland of conservation parks and farmland to Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.
At Goolwa’s Signal Point Interpretive Centre, you can learn about the traditions and skills of the Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri peoples, especially the canoe makers who left their mark on so many of the gum trees in the Currency Creek area.
The coastline includes the historic meeting point of English navigator Matthew Flinders and French explorer, Nicolas Baudin who gave the region its name, honouring French nobleman the Comte de Fleurieu.
Local museums give a glimpse into the history of white settlement and the pivotal role of the Murray River in developing trade in the region. Take your choice of transport options; the steam-powered Cockle Train running between Goolwa, Port Elliot and Victor Harbor on Australia’s first railway, or even a horse drawn tram. Historical souvenirs may be hidden in the many antique and bric-a-brac shops in the towns along your way.
WINE AND FOOD
The wines and produce of the Fleurieu Peninsula are well-established in the hearts of gourmet lovers. Across the region, wine production centres abound at McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Currency Creek and along the southern coastline.
Collectively there are over 60 cellar door experiences, many combining superb dining. The new McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Centre is the place to Plan your trip while you sample a few other local secrets such as melt-in-the-mouth fruit jellies made locally by Medlow’s.
TOP SECRETS
•
Whale watching at Port Elliot, Middleton Beach and Victor Harbor (June
–October)
• Wine-tasting at over 60 cellar doors
• Drive The Fleurieu Way tourist route
• Walk along the trails in more than 20 national parks
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
•
McLaren Vale Sea & Vines Festival – June
• Willunga Almond Blossom Festival – July
• Strathalbyn Collectors, Hobbies & Antiques Fair
– August
• McLaren Vale Bushing Festival – October
• Victor Harbor New Year’s Eve Family Night – December
FLEURIEU SELF-DRIVE TOUR
DAY 1
Take a forty minute drive south from Adelaide to the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Centre for detailed information about all the region has on offer. Spend the day visiting cellar doors, craft shops and galleries around McLaren Vale & near by Willunga.
DAY 2
Drive to Goolwa where you can stroll this historic island port. Tours are available to the Coorong, or head down to Victor Harbor and Granite Island for lunch and an evening penguin viewing tour. Maybe stay overnight at historic Port Elliot.
DAY 3
Drive
back to Adelaide via the Fleurieu Way and visit the many seaside towns
– Rapid Bay, Normanville, (great local bakery in the main street)
and Carrickalinga – along the way.
Accommodation -Hotel
Accommodation-B&B