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Strathalbyn
Surrounded by rolling hills, picturesque valleys, tall gums and farming country, the charming historic town of Strathalbyn is recognised as one of South Australia's loveliest country towns.
Strathalbyn is the unofficial antique capital of South Australia and has one of Australia's most beautiful and photographed churches (St Andrews Uniting Church). Take a 10 minute drive and you are amongst the award winning Langhorne Creek wine region or a 20 minute drive will take you to the Historic port town of Milang situated on the banks of Lake Alexandrina.
Strathalbyn is beautiful to stroll around with the River Angas emerging from the ranges and meandering through the centre. Its banks are a part of the Park lands called the Soldiers Memorial Garden which is considered a centrepiece to the town with St Andrew's Church being a prominent feature. Strathalbyn is also home to many historic buildings and houses.
- Above: Soldier's Memorial Gardens, Strathalbyn
Take some time out and explore our beautiful town. Wander the streets and admire the architecture, have a bite to eat or a great coffee at one of the many cafes or dining spots. Fossick through antique and second hand stores see if you can find that treasure you have always been looking for. Or just go for a stroll along the river and enjoy the tranquillity of the park.
Click here to download a Strathalbyn Town Map
Highlights
High Street
Historic High Street, the original main street is home to buildings and shops of great interest and history. Now it is the main antique precinct of town. There are various other shops including, a lolly shop, crystal shop and food outlets including two pubs. High Street is full of charm and history. Check with individual businesses for opening times.
Station Masters Gallery
Located in the Old Railway Station is the Station Masters Art Gallery. Open 7 days a week from 10am - 4pm, it has continual art exhibitions featuring local and regional artists. It is also a good spot to start the Strathalbyn Art Trail. Pick up a brochure from the Visitor Information Centre.
- Above: Stationmaster's Art Gallery and the Strathalbyn Visitor Information Centre
Soldiers Memorial Garden
A beautiful place to have a picnic, feed the ducks or take a stroll along the River Angus. Walking distance to shops, High Street and all amenities. Located on the other side of the banks is the public swimming pool, a great playground and BBQ facilities.
- Above: Antique Shopping, Strathalbyn - Photo Credit: SATC
- Above: Strathalbyn Skate Park
- Above: Argus House, Strathalbyn - Photo Credit: SATC
- Above: Old Chapel near Strathalbyn - Phot Credit: Lachlan Swan
- Above: Soldier's Memorial Gardens, Strathalbyn
Port Elliot
A destination for all seasons!
Port Elliot is an idyllic seaside village, nestled on the southern coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula. A popular holiday destination located just over one hour south of Adelaide. Spend your summer days on the magnificent beaches; surfing, body boarding, swimming and building sand castles or cruise the coast in search of Southern Right Whales from May to October.
In the centre of town you will find the historic railway station and Port Elliot National Trust Museum. Jump on-board the Cockle Train to Goolwa or Victor Harbor and spend the day exploring our neighbours. The Cockle Train runs year round on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday or daily during South Australian School holidays.
Port Elliot’s main street, The Strand, is the envy of many a small town, bustling with a variety of cafes, pubs, boutiques, galleries and other retail offerings. The Strand is a mixture of historic buildings painstakingly restored to their former glory and modern buildings cleverly designed to fit seamlessly into the streetscape.
Around the corner on North Terrace you will find more cafes, take away food and the best independent book shop in South Australia, South Seas Books. North Terrace is also home to the Port Elliot Bakery where you will find the insta-famous ‘donut of the month’. The locals will tell you get there early to avoid the crowds and ensure you don’t miss out; otherwise you might find yourself lined up along the road waiting for your chance to sample the local delight.
The Encounter Bikeway traverses through Port Elliot, hugging the coastline. Hire bikes from Surf and Sun in nearby Middleton, or bring your own. Cycle through Ratalang (Bashams Beach Reserve) and discover our local indigenous and early European history. Follow the bikeway through to Horseshoe Bay before heading up along the cliff top at Freeman’s Knob. Keep a lookout towards the ocean from this elevated vantage point as there is a good chance of spotting seals and dolphins or even a whale.
Port Elliot is famous for its beaches year round; the locals all have their favourites but if you’re new to the area here is a quick guide: Horseshoe Bay is a sheltered swimming area for those who are not confident in the water, for the more adventurous you can try body boarding around the bay near Commodore Point where the waves can be quite large! The experienced surfers and body boarders will love the challenge of Knights or Boomer Beach to test their skills.
There are several accommodation options available, most within easy walking distance to the centre of town. The ideally located Port Elliot Holiday Park, right on the beachfront above Horseshoe Bay, is extremely popular with a range of cabins and camping sites; or the Port Elliot Beach House YHA has the best views of any accommodation on the Fleurieu Peninsula and rooms to suit all budgets. Those looking for their own space to relax and unwind can choose from a range of self-contained cottages and holiday homes.
Click here to download a Port Elliot Town Map
Highlights
Crows Nest Lookout
Overlooking Goolwa and the Coorong, Middleton and Port Elliot, these are some of the best views you will ever see.
- Above: Crow's Nest Lookout, Port Elliot - Photo Credit: Muhammad Rashid
Horseshoe Bay
A family friendly, well known and highly regarded swimming beach. You can fish from the Jetty, watch the kids play in the Playground or go for a swim in this sheltered bay. Why not follow the rugged cliff around the coast and explore the little bays and beaches. Horseshoe Bay has been a favoured destination for visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula for a long time. Be sure come and experience this very popular destination.
- Above: Horseshoe Bay - Photo Credit: Muhammad Rashid
The Strand
Wander the Strand and you will find yourself moving in and out of craft shops, old buildings and cafes. At the end of The Strand is the mighty Southern Ocean with a sensational lookout over the beautiful Horseshoe Bay and along the coast. This is a great spot to view the passing Southern Right Whales in the Winter. There are a series of beautiful trails meandering around the cliffs of granite, making for a fantastic stroll.
- Above: Walking Trails around Freeman's Knob, Port Elliot
- Above: The Flying Fish Cafe, Port Elliot - Photo Credit: SATC
- Above: Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot
- Above: The Cockle Train, Port Elliot - Photo Credit: SATC
- Above: Lady Bay, Port Elliot - Photo Credit: Muhammad Rashid
Milang
Milang's mild winter days and cool summers make it ideal for holidays all year round. It is perfect for sailing, windsurfing and fishing or to just put your feet up and relax. Pack your binoculars as the lake's shores provide excellent bird watching.
The riverport of Milang was established in the early 1850's and soon became one of the busiest inland ports. Though now one of the quietest river towns, this all changes each Australia Day long weekend when Milang becomes the starting point for one of the largest freshwater sailing classics in the world.
It is a spectacular sight with hundreds of yachts of all sizes setting sail for Goolwa.
Click here to download a Milang Town Map
Town Highlights
Yesterdays Power Rally
In late January collectors and enthusiasts from around Australia gather at the oval for a weekend of activities, showcasing machinery and equipment from by gone days. Milang Oval. Click on the following link to see a Youtube clip of Yesterday's Power Rally.
Milang Goolwa Freshwater Classic
The largest freshwater yacht race in the Southern Hemisphere leaves from Milang in late January and crosses Lake Alexandrina making its way to Goolwa. Around 200 yachts compete and create an excellent atmosphere in the town.
- Above: Boats moored at the Milang Pier
- Above: Milang Pier
- Above: Milang Foreshore
- Above: Milang Foreshore
Mount Compass
The Mount Compass experience comprises of clean fresh air and some good old fashioned country hospitality.
Mount Compass lies nestled between the world-renowned McLaren Vale wineries and the beautiful beaches of the southern Fleurieu Peninsula.
Spend time exploring the hidden valleys of Nangkita and Tooperang, enjoying native flora and fauna or indulge in the tastes of the district's fine food & produce. If you are interested in wonderful local produce, artwork, adventurous activities and lodging in the countryside, then this is the place for you. With pristine, beautiful environment, rich fertile soils, distinct seasons and abundance of water provide the perfect backdrop for your truly authentic experience.
Click here to download a Mount Compass Town Map
Middleton
Centrally located between Goolwa and Port Elliot, Middleton provides kilometres of accessible, scenic coastline and excellent surfing beaches.
Take your bike and ride the Encounter Bikeway between Goolwa and Victor Harbor or laze away the days by staying in Bed and Breakfast accommodation, a holiday home or the local caravan park.
Click here to download a Middleton Town Map
Town Highlights
Surfing
A definite highlight of Middleton is its surfing beaches. Only a short distance from Adelaide this is an ideal place to come for a weekend surf trip or a day trip adventure.
Whale Watching
Middleton is one of the best places to view the mighty Southern Right Whales, who often find their way past Middleton Point and into the bay along Basham's Beach. There are many great vantage points along this coastline. Whale season is June - September.
- Above: Middleton Beach Huts - Photo Credit - Adam Bruzzone