Things to do on
Fleurieu Peninsula

… and things to do near Normanville

Cowrie Retreat is surrounded by beautiful scenery. A range of activities and attractions are at your doorstep or up to 40 minutes away.

From tranquil beach walks to diverse hiking trails to some of South Australia’s most beautiful golf courses to local winery tours and vibrant local markets, the region offers endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

Things to do on Fleurieu Peninsula
Things to do on Fleurieu Peninsula
Things to do on Fleurieu Peninsula
Things to do on Fleurieu Peninsula
Things to do on Fleurieu Peninsula

Tours

Golf

Hiking

Fishing Charters

Beaches

Where to eat

Markets

Cooking Classes

Transportation

Tours

Take the opportunity to explore nearby areas with various guided tours on the Fleurieu Peninsula. From exceptional helicopter tours offering spectacular aerial views and fishing charters to catch King George Whiting to diverse experiences ranging from McLaren Vale winery tours and stargazing to exploring authentic Aboriginal history.

Helicopter Tours, South Australia

For a special experience Helivista offer exceptional tours of the Fleurieu Peninsula.  With a range of flight options, guests have the opportunity to plan the perfect day visiting some of the regions’ wonderful restaurants, or a day trip to Kangaroo Island perhaps dropping in to Bay of Shoals Winery at Kingscote to pick up some wine.

Phone: 61 427 583 027

Email:helivistabooking@gmail.com

Wine Tours

With the award-winning wine region of McLaren Vale only 25 minutes away, we have some of the best wineries and restaurants at our fingertips.

https://mclarenvale.info/

Walk on Country

Kool Tours will guide you through the rich, authentic Aboriginal history of southern South Australia. You will learn about the culture, taste bush foods, and walk the country with Mark, an elder of the Ngarrindjeri people. 

https://www.kooltours.com.au/

Golf

Tee off at some of South Australia’s most beautiful golf courses, including the nearby championship course Links Lady Bay and other prominent courses.

Links Lady Bay Normanville

Ranked amongst Australia’s Best 100 Golf courses, designed by Jack Newton, offering stunning ocean views with kangaroos grazing beside the fairways.   The Links is situated on the edge of beautiful Lady Bay, just minutes from Cowrie. Links Lady Bay offers subtle bent greens on a St Andrew-style sand base course.

https://linksladybay.com.au/golf

Phone:  08 8558 0650

Wirrina Cove Golf and Country Club

With stunning scenic views of the local marina, this 18-hole golf course sits amongst the beautiful wildlife and allows for year-round play for players of all skill levels

https://newterry.com.au/

Phone: 08 8598 2415

Mt Compass Golf Course

Mount Compass Golf Course is a 40-minute drive from Lady Bay and 20 minutes from Victor Harbour. It is a challenging 18-hole links-style public golf course that is brilliantly maintained.

https://mcgc.com.au/

Phone: 08 8556 8500

Victor Harbor Golf Course

Victor Harbor Golf is a scenic golf club on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It is highly rated, has panoramic views, is a haven for birds, and is where you can share your golf experiences with the local kangaroos. 

https://victorharborgolf.com.au/ 

Phone: 08 85522030

Hiking

Explore diverse trails offering panoramic views and opportunities to encounter local wildlife, from the Great Gorge Walk and Jones’ Journey to Deep Creek’s paths and the Heysen Trail.

The Great Gorge Walk

A beautiful 3.6 km return walk on a dirt track alongside the Yankalilla River   This glorious walk is about 3 minutes from Cowrie.  Enter behind Garnet Kelly Park which you passed just before the turnoff into Lady Bay.

https://www.visitfleurieucoast.com.au/blog/the-great-gorge-walk

Jones Journey

A 7 km multi-loop trail named after the local Jones family with generations of forestry service.

https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/jones-journey-second-valley-forest-reserve/

Deep Creek Walks

Offers 15 trails ranging in difficulty, providing views of the sea and rugged valleys.

https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/deep-creek-national-park

The Heysen Trail

Sections 1 & 2 cover 28.5 km from Cape Jervis to Tappanappa, featuring dense native scrub and a spectacular waterfall. The Heysen Trail begins its journey to The Flinders Ranges just 30 minutes from Cowrie at Cape Jervis.  This is such a worthwhile and beautiful walk overlooking The Backstairs Passage, take a picnic and enjoy the native scenery and coastal vistas across to Kangaroo Island. 

https://heysentrail.asn.au/

Fishing Charters

The local waters are home to the famous King George Whiting and provide some of the best fishing in South Australia.  Fishing charters are available out of Cape Jervis which is approximately 30 minutes from Cowrie

Fleurieu Charters: Gary Lloyd has 30 years’ experience in fishing charters

Phone: 088598 0264

Lands End Pro Charter: Mark Rilestone is a professional fisherman

Phone: 0408 805 543

Beaches

There are plenty of beaches around the Fleurieu Peninsula, each with its unique charm and beauty. From Normanville, northwest of Lady Bay, to the white sandy Carrickalinga a bit further north and Second Valley’s southern beach, there are many options to choose from.

Lady Bay Beach

It is a beautiful beach setting, ideal for exploring marine life on the rock reef and snorkelling in fine weather.

Carrickalinga Beach

The beach is known for its white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.

Normanville Beach

A northwest-facing beach with gentle waves, perfect for families.

Second Valley Beach

Offers excellent conditions for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing.

Where to eat

One Little Sister

4/48 Main Road, Normanville. Open 7 days. Phone: 08 8558 3759

Café on Bungala

48 Main Road, Normanville. Open Friday to Tuesday. Phone: 08 8558 2537

Mare Bello Pizza

52-54 Main Road, Normanville. Open Thursday to Sunday. Phone: 08 8558 4002

Forktree Brewery

 935 Forktree Road, Carrickalinga. Open Thursday to Sunday. Phone: 0423 967 566

Lady Bay Hotel

73 St Andrews Boulevard, Normanville. Open 7 days. Phone: 08 8558 0600

Fast Eddies

2/91 Main Road, Normanville. Open 7 days. Phone: 08 8558 2771

Yankalilla Bakery

104 Main South Road, Yankalilla. Open 7 days. Phone: 08 8558 3414

Yankalilla Hotel and Bottleshop

105 Main Street, Yankalilla. Open 7 days. Phone: 08 8558 2011

Arranging Matters

102 Main South Road, Normanville. Open 7 days.  Phone: 08 7120 7345

The Normanville Hotell

46 Main Rd, Normanville. Phone: 08 8558 3200

Aqua Blue

100 Jetty Road, Normanville. Phone: 0488 086 602

Where to eat further a-field

Lost Phoenix Farm

34 Mont Rosa Road, Hindmarsh Valley. Open Wednesday – Sunday 11.30am-5pm. Phone: 0423 822 177

Star of Greece

1 Esplanade, Port Willunga. Open 7 days. Phone: 08 8557 7420

Salopian Inn

Main Road, McLaren Vale. Open 7 days. Phone:  08 8323 8769

Coriole Vineyards

Chaffeys Rd, McLaren Vale. Open 7 days. Phone: 08 8323 8305

The Little Rickshaw

24 Old Coach Road, Aldinga. Open Wednesday – Sunday. Phone: 0403 784 568

The Victory Hotel

Old Sellicks Road, Sellicks Hill. Open 7 days. Phone: 08 8556 3083

Local markets

Willunga Farmers Market

30-minute drive, every Saturday

Normanville Farmers Market

Normanville Village Green, first Saturday of the month

Yankalilla Crafts and Produce Market

Yankalilla Showgrounds, check Facebook for days.

Second Valley Community Markets

Second Valley Hall, Check Facebook for days

Cooking Classes

Enjoy fun and interactive cooking classes with cordon-bleu trained chef, Anita Robin of Foodbuilder.  Choose one of her many classes or design your own.  Classes will be held at the retreat and are approximately 3 to 4 hours long.

Website:  Unique group cooking classes | Anita Robin – The Foodbuilder

Transportation

Transportation to all these locations can be arranged with:

AM-PM Chauffeurs, phone: 0439 919 404