15 Best Sights in Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

The 1860s stone cellar door at Coriole Vineyards sits among nasturtiums and hollyhocks on a hill with stunning views of Gulf St. Vincent  and the surrounding region. The surrounding vines produce some of Australia's most exciting Italian varietal wines, such as Fiano, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano. Coriole also grows olives and makes olive oils, which you can taste along with their wine. Enjoy all three as part of a meal at on-site restaurant Gather, which foregrounds foraged and estate-grown ingredients on a seasonal menu of delicate share plates.The hosted tastings are excellent and should be booked ahead.

At South Australia's first farmers' market—and arguably its best in terms of the quality of the products and the overall experience---there are more than 60 stalls showcasing local cheese, meat, and produce as well as famous bakeries. There family-friendly, Saturday-morning-only market also has excellent freshly brewed coffee and legendary brisket and pickle sandwiches. Visiting here is a wonderful way to get to know local culture. Occasionally, producers offer workshops on topics such as cheese making.

A progressive picnic matching South Australia's finest artisan cheese with wines from the region's best wineries. The tour, which can last around four hours, begins at the Blessed Cheese shop, where the staff will arm us you with a cooler full of cheese, dried fruits, crackers, and nuts; a map; and tasting notes, before sending you off to taste at wineries along the way (A$50 per couple). Tour providers in the area like Top Food and Wine Tours offer an all-inclusive package that includes a driver/guide and lunch on this trail (A$320 per person for 8 hours).

The surf here is very big thanks to the exposed reef break. Most waves are dumpers, hence the name Boomer, and can get up to 15 feet high. As a result, this is a beach for surfers and strong swimmers. Waves decrease toward Victor Harbor, providing lower surf and usually calm conditions. In summer the surf tends to be mostly flat, but you need to be vigilant of rocks, rips, and sharks year-round. There is an excellent view down the entire beach from the headland at Port Elliot; from here you can spot the southern right whale, which in winter claims this area as its territory. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming.

Traveling the route of South Australia's first railway line—originally laid between Goolwa and Port Elliot, and extended to Victor Harbor in 1864—the Cockle Train traces the lovely Southern Ocean beaches on its 16-km (10-mile), half-hour journey. The train runs by steam power, subject to availability and weather conditions, daily during summer school holidays (late December to late January), on Easter weekend, and on Wednesday and Sunday in the winter months. A diesel locomotive pulls the heritage passenger cars on days of Total Fire Ban.

A sliver of land stretching southeast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, this park hugs the coast for more than 150 km (94 miles). Many Australians became aware of the Coorong's beauty from the 1970s film Storm Boy, which told the story of a boy's friendship with a pelican. These curious birds are one reason why the Coorong is a wetland area of world standing.

Winemaker Chester Osborn is known for powerful reds and fortified wines as well as quality whites with eye-catching names (the Cenosilicaphobic Cat, anyone?). The winery, family run since 1912, is dominated by the stunning architecture of the d'Arenburg Cube, which is an attraction in itself and overlooks the vineyards, the valley, and the sea, as well as d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant. The tempting seasonal lunch-only menu uses local produce for its Modern Australian dishes.

Set sail from here for daily tour cruises upon the Spirit of the Coorong, a fully equipped motorboat that offers a 90 minute (A$40) cruise to the Murray Mouth and a 3½-hour (A$95) or 6-hour cruise (A$125) that explore further into Coorong National Park. The 3½-hour tour runs from October to May and both longer cruises include guided walks, lunch, and afternoon tea. Visitors can also enjoy locally brewed craft beer and whiskey at Fleurieu Distillery located in the old railway goods shed on the wharf or go shopping at the Goolwa Wharf Markets on the first and third Sunday of each month.

This island is linked to the mainland by a 650-yard causeway, along which Clydesdales pull a double-decker tram. Within Granite Island Nature Park a self-guided walk leads around the island, which is filled with sculptures.

Look out for seals in the shallows.

This wide, sandy beach faces east at the short jetty and swings round to face south against Commodore Point. Because the bay is well protected on either side the waves are relatively low, making this a great swimming destination. However, waves can be heavy during a high swell and surge up the steep beach. The safest swimming is at the western end near the Surf Life Saving Club that also houses a busy restaurant and café. Fishing is popular around the jetty and boundary rocks. Amenities: parking; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

One of South Australia's most popular beaches for beginner and intermediate surfers, Middleton is known for waves that roll in gently rather than breaking violently. As a result it’s perfect for those still honing their technique, and several companies offer surf lessons here year-round. The entire beach is composed of fine sand that slopes very gently resulting in predictable, even sets that also suit bodyboarding. Thanks to the very wide surf zone, it is moderately safe to swim in the inner surf zone on the bar, but swimmers are advised not to venture beyond the first line of breakers as strong currents occupy the trough between the sand bars. Amenities: parking; toilets. Best for: surfing; walking.

Goolwa is the home port of paddle-steamer Oscar W. Built in 1908, it's one of the few remaining wood-fired boiler ships and after plying the river as a trading boat was converted into a tourist attraction in the 1960s. When not participating in commemorative cruises and paddleboat races, the boat is open for inspection and, in warmer weather, one-hour cruises and longer trips that include a lunch stop—check the website for upcoming dates.

On a quiet, unpaved back road, boutique winery Pertaringa (meaning "belonging to the hills") makes limited quantities of mouth-filling reds and several whites. At the cellar door facing the vines, you can sip Two Gentlemen's Grenache and Scarecrow Sauvignon Blanc, a great accompaniment to a bring-your-own picnic, or make up a platter from the selection of cheese and other goodies sold at the cellar door. If you want to try something a little more exclusive, the A$15 Icons Tasting features a super premium Shiraz and Cabernet.

The center tells the often graphic story of the whaling industry along South Australia's coast, particularly in Encounter Bay. Excellent interpretive displays spread over three floors focus on dolphins, seals, penguins, and whales—all of which can be seen in these waters. In whale-watching season the center has a 24-hour information hotline on sightings.

Seven kilometers (4½ miles) west of Victor Harbor, the Bluff is where whalers once stood lookout for their prey. Today the granite outcrop, also known as Rosetta Head, serves the same purpose in very different circumstances. It's a steep, 1,400-foot climb to the top via a formed trail to enjoy the bluff views, or you can park near the summit.