5 must-visit Fleurieu Peninsula beaches

5 OF THE BEST BEACHES ON THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Just an hour's drive from Adelaide lies South Australia’s coastal playground, the Fleurieu Peninsula, and some of the state’s best beaches.

Ready to dive in? Start in the Encounter Marine Park. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to swimming, paddling, fishing and surfing. Follow the lead of local Instagrammer Jake Wundersitz of @wunderlust.media who has listed his top 5 beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

1. Southport Beach

My favourite beach has to be Southport at Port Noarlunga. Being so close to Adelaide, it’s great for ducking down and catching a quick wave before or after work. This place has always been my go-to beach in summer and is also great for fishing, kayaking or just taking-in the scenery. Plus the stairs leading down to the sand make for amazing photos.

2. Blowhole Beach

You'll find Blowhole Beach in the Deep Creek Conservation Park, about 1.5 hours drive from Adelaide. The beach itself is only small but it's rarely crowded due to its location. There’s also plenty of wildlife to encounter in and out of the water, from dolphins to kangaroos.

3. Second Valley

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.

4. Waitpinga Beach

Waitpinga and Parsons beach in Newland Head Conservation Park are two of my favourite surf beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula. When the waves are small, it's a very fun place to surf, however swells become extremely heavy on bigger days so people should be wary of their abilities and not paddle into anything they’re uncertain about. These beaches boast beautiful soft sand and are both great spots for fishing.

5. Port Elliot

There are lots of different beaches along the Port Elliot coastline including Horseshoe Bay, which is a great swimming beach and good for families. Knights Beach is great for surfers and bodyboarders while The Dump a top spot for keen swimmers. You’ll find a range of smaller options as you head further down towards Chiton Rocks.

Bonus Beaches

Sellicks Beach: One of the few beaches where you can drive your car straight on to the sand, along with nearby Silver Sands.

Port Willunga: One of the most Instaworthy spots on the Fleurieu Peninsula thanks to the old jetty pylons and spectacular sunsets.

Thank you to Jake from @wunderlust.media for sharing his five best beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Grab your surfboard, camera and swimmers and we’ll meet you there! If you need more inspiration or temptation, check out our 5 best beaches on the Yorke Peninsula, on the Eyre Peninsula, on Kangaroo Island, on the Limestone Coast and in Adelaide.