Route Summary: Adelaide – McLaren Vale – Willunga – Goolwa – Victor Harbor – Port Elliot – Middleton – Dingabledinga – Adelaide
The Fleurieu Peninsula is the ultimate playground for families. Think coastal adventures, farmyard fun, epic bakeries and kid-friendly wineries — all within just 90 minutes of Adelaide! With a mix of fun, food and natural beauty, this five-day itinerary combines the best of both worlds: grown-up indulgence and kid-approved adventures. You’ll be based in Goolwa for the first three nights and Middleton for the last night, giving you easy access to the entire southern coastline and wine country without long drives (or tantrums).
Day 1
Adelaide – McLaren Vale – Willunga – Goolwa
Total Driving Distance: Approx. 85km
Stay:
Discovery Parks – Goolwa
A stay here is everything the Discovery Parks brand is known for — cabins, glamping tents and powered sites with family-friendly amenities like a jumping pillow, playground and camp kitchen. You’ll also be just a very short drive to Goolwa Beach so catching those epic sunsets over the ocean is a piece of cake.
Image credit :: Discovery Parks
Morning:
- Hit the road from Adelaide and head straight for Gemtree Wines in McLaren Flat. While the adults enjoy biodynamic wine tastings, the kids can explore the Gemtree Eco Trail — an easy nature walk with interactive info signs and picnic spots.
Lunch:
- Stop in at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines — a vibrant, family-friendly cellar door with a casual dining menu, sprawling lawns and even a gorgeous double-decker vintage bus which is used for wine tastings. The whole place is a welcoming, aesthetically-pleasing wonderland!
Afternoon:
- Cruise through the historic Willunga Farmers Market (if it’s a Saturday), which is packed with local produce, coffee and snacks.
- Arrive in Goolwa and settle into your accommodation at Discovery Parks. Let the kids loose to explore the facilities while you get organised.
Dinner:
- Head to THAi DAYS in Goolwa for dinner or even get takeaway and enjoy it back at your accommodation. Trust me — the kids will be having too much fun and won’t want to leave!
Image credit :: Down the Rabbit Hole | Willunga Farmers Market | Gemtree Wines
Day 2
Goolwa
Morning:
- Have a relaxed breakfast in your accommodation. We recommend bringing breakfast provisions as there is a communal camp kitchen for those in tents and all cabins have their own kitchen. (Goolwa Foodland is nearby if you need to grab any supplies).
- Jump aboard the Spirit of the Coorong Cruise for a morning of wildlife and adventure on the water. Choose from a short 90-minute trip or a longer guided cruise into the national park.
Lunch:
- Eat local at Motherduck in Goolwa — a relaxed cafe with local produce and great coffee.
Afternoon:
- Head to Goolwa Animal Farm. Both kids and adults will love feeding alpacas, goats and donkeys and you’ll get a game of mini golf and a trailer ride included in the entrance fee.
- Before dinner, take the family on a walk along Goolwa Beach. The sound of booming waves and the wind in your hair is truly energising.
Dinner:
Duck into Goolwa Foodland and grab some barbecue provisions to enjoy back at the Discovery Park. The kids will love running around with all the new friends they’ve made while you cook and enjoy a pre-dinner drink in peace!
Image credit :: Spirit of the Coorong Cruise | Goowla Animal Farm | Motherduck
Day 3
Goolwa – Victor Harbor – Port Elliot
Total Driving Distance: Approx. 35km return
Morning:
- Ride the historic Cockle Train from Goolwa to Victor Harbor — a heritage railway journey that’s a hit with all ages. Alternatively, take your own car to Victor for the day.
- Once in Victor, walk the causeway (or take the horse-drawn tram) to Granite Island. Spot penguins and seals and take the loop walk to admire the island’s impressive sculptural rocks and coastal views.
Lunch:
- Head to Nino’s Cafe in Victor for family-friendly Italian food or bring a picnic lunch to eat at the Jubilee Adventure Playground.
Afternoon:
- Let the kids burn off steam at Jubilee Adventure Playground. With a flying fox, fort-style climbing areas and barbecues — it’s a great place to spend a few hours.
- Alternatively head to CHOP IT in Victor for an energy-burning family session of axe throwing (ages 12+), or book the on-site Escape Room for an epic family challenge.
- Return to Goolwa but make a slight detour to pick up some sweet treats for afternoon tea from the famous Port Elliot Bakery. It’d be a crime not to try their donut of the month.
Dinner:
Head to the Goolwa Hotel for some traditional pub grub or use your own provisions to make dinner back at your accommodation.
Image credit :: Nino’s Cafe | Visit Victor Harbor | Port Elliot Bakery
Day 4
Goolwa – Port Elliot – Middleton
Total Driving Distance: Approx. 16km
Stay:
These charming, self-contained beach-style huts are set around a communal lawned area which brings a wholesome village feel to your stay. They’re a perfect mix of style and comfort and conveniently just minutes from the surf.
Image credit :: Beach Huts Middleton
Morning:
- Check out of your accommodation at Discovery Parks – Goolwa and head to Port Elliot to explore.
- Either have a casual breakfast at the Discovery Park before you leave or dine in at The Flying Fish Cafe in Port Elliot — a family favourite with amazing beach views and overlooking a playground (bonus)!
- Explore Horseshoe Bay and take the spectacular 1.9km Harbourmasters Walking Trail along the cliffs to Knight’s Beach and back. (Note that the path is cobblestone and may be unsuitable for prams or trickier for wheelchair access).
- Browse the boutiques in Port Elliot. Both Mist and The Old Garage Emporium have a lovely range of clothing, homewares, gifts and jewellery and the South Seas Bookstore has a read for every member of the family.
- Head from Port Elliot to Middleton and have lunch before checking into your new accommodation.
Lunch:
- The Middleton Tavern is an easy, family-friendly pub serving up all the classics. There’s a lawned area for the kids and you may even be lucky enough to catch the Cockle Train passing by.
Afternoon:
- Check into Beach Huts Middleton, then head down to Middleton Beach. Go for a walk, build sandcastles, splash in the waves, or just simply relax.
- Alternatively, book in for a family surf lesson! Kombi Surf runs sessions all year round, but get in touch ahead of time to check their availability.
Dinner:
- For a fancy treat, take the family to Blue’s Restaurant which is located onsite at the Beach Huts Middleton complex. Known for its impressive menu, extensive wine list, friendly atmosphere, stunning setting and even offering a kids’ menu — you really can’t go wrong.
Image credit :: The Flying Fish Cafe | Kombi Surf | South Seas Bookstore
Day 5
Middleton – Dingabledinga – Adelaide
Total Driving Distance: Approx. 90km
Morning:
- Have breakfast in your beach hut. They come with a kitchenette with all the basic necessities to help you fuel up for the day ahead (toaster, microwave, fridge, kettle, tea and coffee).
- Pack up and start heading back toward Adelaide, but don’t be too sad — there’s one more stop!
Lunch:
- Finish your trip on a high with lunch at Lazy Ballerina in Dingabledinga (near Willunga) — a boutique cellar door that’s perfect for families. Book an outdoor table, enjoy the gardens and drive back home with a belly full of pizza and feeling utterly satisfied!
Extra tips for families:
- Book the Cockle Train, the Spirit of the Coorong and Kombi Surf lessons in advance during peak periods.
- Bring bikes or scooters for the kids — it’s a great way for them to get around at the Discovery Parks as they’ll likely meet a tonne of friends and want to scoot around with them throughout their stay!
Image credit :: Beach Huts Middleton | Lazy Ballerina | Steam Ranger Heritage Railway
