Fantastic Fleurieu

Visitors to Adelaide and its surrounds are spoilt for choice when it comes to tourist regions – the Barossa and Clare Valleys, Adelaide Hills, the river lands – there’s so much on offer.

Add the Fleurieu Peninsula to your list as it’s renowned as one of South Australia’s finest coastal, scenic, and cultural destinations.

Located 40 minutes south of Adelaide, the western side of the peninsula was occupied by the Kaurna people, while several clans of the Ngarrindjeri lived on the eastern side. It was named after Charles Pierre Claret de Fleurieu, the French explorer and hydrographer.

When it comes to quality local food and drink, a visit to the Fleurieu Peninsula is an experience to savour.

There are world-class wineries (located within four distinct wine regions), distilleries, breweries and progressive dining experiences at some of Australia's best restaurants showcasing the freshest regional produce. Choose from cafés, vineyard restaurants, or charming country pubs – or just put together your own delicious picnic feast from food and produce available at one of the many farmer's markets.

If you’re a nature lover, the Fleurieu doesn’t disappoint with coastal and inland adventures, and nature and wildlife experiences. The stunning landscape of rolling farmland, pristine sandy beaches, rugged coastlines and national parks, like Deep Creek National Park, make it a perfect place to holiday all year round.

Hiking and walking trails, cycling, arts and events and self-drive or organised tours – there is something for all tastes. And, of course, no visit to this part of SA would be complete without a ferry trip to Kangaroo Island or a drive up the beach to the mouth of the Murray River at Goolwa.

Map 328 of the Hema Where to Camp Guide Australia has details of several free and low-cost camps on the Fleurieu Peninsula, as well as several caravan parks:

• Cobbler Hill Camping Area, Heysen Trail, Deep Creek 5204 (Map 328 J6). Tents only, toilets, wood barbecue, fee applies
• Eagle Waterhole bush camp, Deep Creek 5204 (Map 328 J6). Picnic table and shelter, potable water, hiking access, fee applies
• Rapid Bay Camping Area, Essington Lewis Drive, Rapid Bay 5204 (Map 328 H6). Tents and campers, toilets inc disabled, picnic table and shelter, electric barbecue, bins, pet friendly, fee applies
• Stringybark Camping Area, Deep Creek 5204 (Map 328 H6). Tents, toilets, showers, fee applies
• Tapanappa Camping Area, Heysen Trail, Deep Creek 5204 (Map 328 J6). Tents, toilets, wood barbecue, fee applies
• Trig Camping Area, Tent Rock Road, Deep Creek 5204 (Map 328 J6). Tents, toilets, picnic table and shelter, wood barbecue, fee applies.
• Waitpinga Camping Area, Dennis Road, Waitpinga 5211 (Map 328 J7). Tents, toilets, electric barbecue, fee applies

Don’t forget to take a copy of the Hema Maps Where to Camp Guide Australia which contains details of more than 5500 campsites and caravan parks on 180 pages of detailed maps covering the entire length and breadth of our great land.