Welcome to the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula! This hidden gem offers a perfect escape for a blissful long weekend getaway to complement your epic Coastrek adventure. We’ve scoped out the best of the best to provide you with the ultimate weekend agenda.
Thursday – Arrival and Carb-Loading!
The night before Event Day calls for a meal full of substance and Nino’s Italian Restaurant in Victor Harbor is the perfect spot for some carb-loading. If pub faire is more your style, Hotel Elliot has delicious food and a great atmosphere. Eat up, go over your final Event Day game plan, and get excited!
The idyllic seaside town of Port Elliot – one of South Australia’s most popular and home to postcard-worthy beaches.
Friday – Happy Coastrek Event Day!
The big day is finally here! It’s time to reap the rewards of your hard training and dedication in the lead up to today. It’s just one foot in front of the other (and sharing selfies to get those last fundraising donations through)!
Is there a better feeling than this?!
You'll be trekking along South Australia's most pristine coastline and will not be short on stunning views. If you're wanting to schedule in your caffeine hits, we've got you covered at the start line with The Brew Box, or if a mid-trek coffee is more your thing, the legends from One More Sip at our Victor Harbor Luv Stop will be waiting for you! Of course there are many other local cafes along the way too.
When you cross that Finish Line, you’ll experience the Coastrek high! Choose your celebatory drink of choice whether it's your complimentary Prosecco, a Naked Life non-alcoholic cocktail, tea, coffee, hot chocolate or cordial under the fairy lights of the Woohoo Tent. Get your "We Did It!" shot and reflect on your incredible achievements! Afterwards, if you’re up for something stylish, head to Oscars McLaren Vale for a Mediterranean feast. More of a takeaway pizza and wine night? Pizzateca has you covered (and is totally worth the hype!). Or if you want to stick close to the ocean, The Flying Fish Café, serves seafood by the water’s edge.
The Flying Fish Café – fresh catch!
Saturday –Recovery, Retail Therapy and Red, Red Wine!
Start the day with breakfast (or brunch) at Pipi Middleton. Bagels, breaky bowls, and great coffee – you name it, they’ve got it. Then, take a gentle stroll through some of the Peninsula’s unique stores and markets where you’ll find locals selling antiques, collectables, fresh products and home-cooked food and wine. Port Elliot, Victor Harbor and Goolwa are all known for their regional markets held every Saturday, showcasing the best of the best. A win-win as you get in some active recovery. Keeping up gentle movement will avoid any stiffening up of your muscles after yesterday!
Local, fresh, delicious goodness to fill your hearts and bellies at Pipi Middleton.
You guessed it, this afternoon is strictly reserved for some seriously well-earned reward… and yes, that means wine!
McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s oldest and most acclaimed wine regions, is a wine lover and foodies paradise, bursting with more than 80 vineyards and incredible culinary offerings. The d’Arenberg Cube is a must-see on any McLaren Vale visit, but smaller wineries such as Alpha Box & Dice, Down the Rabbit Hole and Maxwell Wines are high on our list for a boutique post-Coastrek experience.
The famous d’Arenberg Cube – have you ever seen anything like it? Impressive from the outside but wait until you see the inside.
PS – if you are some kind of superhuman with legs that aren’t too sore, we suggest cycling along the 9km Shiraz Trail and soaking in the stunning panorma of wineries, farms, gumtrees and ocean views. A form of active recovery, some may say?
Sunday – Soulful and Sight-Seeing Sunday
If you haven't yet had enough of South Australia's beautfiully scenic coastline, we won't let you depart without a trip to Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot. One of the sweetest beach settings in South Australia, it’s known for its unique curvature and turquoise waters.
The Fleurieu also plays temporary home to southern right whales as they migrate from Antarctica in winter to the warmer water off the coast of Victor Harbor and can be spotted from June to October. If you didn't sight them on Friday's Coastrek hike, jump on board a Big Duck Boat Tour for the ultimate view!
These gentle giants are found all over the world, but whale watching in Victor Harbor is a truly magical experience as the whales come to the protective bays to raise their calves in safety.
While you're out exploring, don't miss Second Valley - one of South Australia’s most spectacular beaches featuring distinctive geological formations. Think steep coastal cliffs, old boat sheds, clear blue waters and an abundance of marine life, including fur seals, stingrays and leafy seadragons.
The breathtaking views of Second Valley and it’s unique geological formations.
As your unforgettable long weekend getaway draws to a close and you face the journey home, we suggest sweetening the deal with a treat from Port Elliot Bakery. Whether savory or sweet, you must see what all of the fuss is about. Yes, you will wait in the line for 45 minutes and yes, it is worth it.
Universally acknowledged as South Australia’s best bakery. The regular 50m queues are a testament to its excellence!
One final to pit-stop on as you leave the Fleurieu - Port Willunga Beach. One of the most photographed beaches, famous for its golden cliff faces, crystal clear waters and soft sands – the type that squeaks between your toes.
Located 35km south of Adelaide, Port Willunga is the perfect detour as you depart the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Plenty of steps, plenty of beach, plenty of good food, plenty of laughs and plenty of memories. Be proud for all you have conquered, we certainly are! Until next time!
