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.
Tours
Golf
Hiking
Fishing Charters
Beaches
Where to eat
Markets
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.
Star Gazing
Enjoy clear night skies with guided astronomical events—multicultural stargazing & unique astronomy tours with laser pointer and large telescopes.
https://www.thebackyarduniverse.com.au/home/
Phone: Fraser 0488 705 224
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Transportation
Transportation to all these locations can be arranged with:
AM-PM Chauffeurs, phone: 0439 919 404
Fraser from The Backyard Universe in his Door to Door Shuttle Bus
Phone: 0488 705 224