THE FLEURIEU’S TOP ACTIVITIES FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING
There are stacks of ways to enjoy the Fleurieu whilst maintaining social distancing protocols. We’ve made it easy for you, so there’s no excuse to #stayhome this winter!
Park it up
With wide open spaces and bulk fresh air, national and conservation parks are ideal for social distancing. The Fleurieu boasts 10 conservation and recreation parks, one marine park and a national park, which are great for autonomous activities like hiking and birdwatching. Just be sure to check in with the Parks SA’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Our pick: who doesn’t love sitting ‘round a campfire? The Onkaparinga National Park and Deep Creek Conservation Park allow contained fires in designated fire pits outside of fire danger season and ban days. Camping in winter just got a whole a lot cosier!
Onkaparinga National Park
Get snap-happy
If your Instagram feed’s currently crammed with snaps of your cat and home-cooked lamb shanks, you need to get out more. The Fleurieu Peninsula’s filled with incredibly Instagrammable spectacles, especially at this time of year when the grass turns a vivid green. Check out this list of photo-worthy spots in the Yankalilla region, for starters.
Our pick: its infinite pine trees and ethereal ambiance make the Kuitpo Forest insanely photogenic (we’re talking serious Magic Faraway Tree-vibes). Even better if you’ve got a drone - just stick to the CASA regulations.
Kuitpo Forest: left - photographer, @trentjohnmartin (via IG), right - photographer, Declan Hartley-Brown
Take a paddle
There’s something serene about paddling Pocahontas-style down a glassy waterway, which the Fleurieu’s overflowing with. Tops spots include the Inman River and Hindmarsh River near Victor Harbor, the Onkaparinga River and the mighty Murray River. If you don’t have a kayak, hire one locally.
Our pick: Canoe the Coorong are nailing social distancing with strict cleaning protocols and contactless kayak delivery, and let’s face it, the Coorong National Park is a sensational spot.
Canoe the Coorong - South Australian Tourism Commission
On your bike
The Fleurieu’s home to an enviable network of bike paths. Scenic options include the gentle, sealed Shiraz Trail which spans from McLaren Vale to Willunga, the Encounter Bikeway between Victor Harbor and Goolwa, and the dual-use esplanade path from Port Willunga to Silver Sands. No bike? No excuse. There are plenty of local bike hire places, so get the wheels in motion.
Our pick: this is about social distancing, not shedding calories, so our top choice is Coast and Co E-Bikes. They’re pedal-assisted so you’ll cover more ground - plus they’re heaps of fun!
Encounter Bikeway - South Australian Tourism Commission
Watch whales
May – September is southern right whale season in the Fleurieu Peninsula and the good news is, you can spot them from shore. The south coast is generally the hotspot for land-based whale watching; top vantage points include the Harbour Master’s Walk near Port Elliot, Granite Island in Victor Harbor and Rosetta Head in Encounter Bay.
Our pick: Rosetta Head, aka. ‘The Bluff’ is a short, steep hike with sweeping views from the top. Whale sightings are a bonus!
Whale watching near The Bluff, Victor Harbor - South Australian Tourism Commission
Cast a line
It seems Alf Stewart was ahead of his time with this social distancing business! It’s good fishing etiquette to stay a few metres apart from others, making it the perfect COVID-friendly activity. Cast a line from the Causeway or Bluff Jetty at Victor Harbor, or over at Second Valley or Rapid Bay. If you snag a garfish or King George whiting, grab some panko breadcrumbs and dinner’s sorted.
Our pick: Even if the fish aren’t biting, Rapid Bay is worth a visit for its towering cliffs and mysterious sea caves which can be admired from the jetty.
