8 Best Sights in Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

At South Australia's first farmers' market—and arguably its best in terms of the quality of the products and the overall experience---there are more than 60 stalls showcasing local cheese, meat, and produce as well as famous bakeries. There family-friendly, Saturday-morning-only market also has excellent freshly brewed coffee and legendary brisket and pickle sandwiches. Visiting here is a wonderful way to get to know local culture. Occasionally, producers offer workshops on topics such as cheese making.

Traveling the route of South Australia's first railway line—originally laid between Goolwa and Port Elliot, and extended to Victor Harbor in 1864—the Cockle Train traces the lovely Southern Ocean beaches on its 16-km (10-mile), half-hour journey. The train runs by steam power, subject to availability and weather conditions, daily during summer school holidays (late December to late January), on Easter weekend, and on Wednesday and Sunday in the winter months. A diesel locomotive pulls the heritage passenger cars on days of Total Fire Ban.

Set sail from here for daily tour cruises upon the Spirit of the Coorong, a fully equipped motorboat that offers a 90 minute (A$40) cruise to the Murray Mouth and a 3½-hour (A$95) or 6-hour cruise (A$125) that explore further into Coorong National Park. The 3½-hour tour runs from October to May and both longer cruises include guided walks, lunch, and afternoon tea. Visitors can also enjoy locally brewed craft beer and whiskey at Fleurieu Distillery located in the old railway goods shed on the wharf or go shopping at the Goolwa Wharf Markets on the first and third Sunday of each month.

This island is linked to the mainland by a 650-yard causeway, along which Clydesdales pull a double-decker tram. Within Granite Island Nature Park a self-guided walk leads around the island, which is filled with sculptures.

Look out for seals in the shallows.

This wide, sandy beach faces east at the short jetty and swings round to face south against Commodore Point. Because the bay is well protected on either side the waves are relatively low, making this a great swimming destination. However, waves can be heavy during a high swell and surge up the steep beach. The safest swimming is at the western end near the Surf Life Saving Club that also houses a busy restaurant and café. Fishing is popular around the jetty and boundary rocks. Amenities: parking; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Goolwa is the home port of paddle-steamer Oscar W. Built in 1908, it's one of the few remaining wood-fired boiler ships and after plying the river as a trading boat was converted into a tourist attraction in the 1960s. When not participating in commemorative cruises and paddleboat races, the boat is open for inspection and, in warmer weather, one-hour cruises and longer trips that include a lunch stop—check the website for upcoming dates.

The center tells the often graphic story of the whaling industry along South Australia's coast, particularly in Encounter Bay. Excellent interpretive displays spread over three floors focus on dolphins, seals, penguins, and whales—all of which can be seen in these waters. In whale-watching season the center has a 24-hour information hotline on sightings.

Seven kilometers (4½ miles) west of Victor Harbor, the Bluff is where whalers once stood lookout for their prey. Today the granite outcrop, also known as Rosetta Head, serves the same purpose in very different circumstances. It's a steep, 1,400-foot climb to the top via a formed trail to enjoy the bluff views, or you can park near the summit.