The Coastal paradise and wine region of the Fleurieu Peninsula

The Fleurieu Peninsula is not far from South Australia's capital, Adelaide, but it is in a world of its own. This amazing peninsula arguably has more attractions per square mile than anyplace else on the South Australia coast. If you're looking for adventure, it has great surfing beaches, fantastic trails, world renowned diving areas and exciting family activities. If you're a wine lover you probably already know about the Fleurieu Peninsula. It is one of Australia's and the world's premier wine growing regions. In between the coast and the wineries is a peninsula filled with an amazing variety of places to see and things to do for the whole family.

When you're on the Fleurieu Peninsula, you simply have to go explore Granite Island. Don't worry, you don't have to take a treacherous boat trip to get there. In fact, you can go there in grand style aboard a "tram" drawn by Clydesdale horses across a wooden causeway. Or, if you prefer, you can walk across the causeway and then take the 40 minute stroll around the island on the boardwalk. Take a break in the shade under a Norfolk Pine, go fishing at Screwpile Jetty or take the family on the penguin tour. Granite Island is made for a relaxing day outdoors.

Be sure and pack up your surfboards when you plan a trip to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Some of South Australia's best surfing beaches are located on and near the peninsula. Experienced surfers head for Boomers and Waitpinga, while the "grommets" hone their surfing skills along the beaches between Goolwa and Middleton at the edge of Victor Harbor.

Whether you're an experienced diver or a family who doesn't want to get wet, you can enjoy viewing the sea life on the FleurieuPeninsula. While you're on GraniteIsland, you can watch the underwater activity from the floating platform. For a close look at whales and dolphins, take a whale or dolphin watching tour.

McLaren Vale is one of Australia's most celebrated wine growing regions. A bird's eye view will show you why. This large and prosperous town is completely surrounded by vineyards and farms. The town owes its prosperity to its fine wines and produce and puts them on display in the wonderful cellars and restaurants you will find throughout the town.

How many vintners are there in the McLaren Vale region? Estimates vary, but it is said that there are as many as 270 independent growers of grapes and over 50 wineries. These include many boutique wineries and some of the better known names such as Hardy and Seaview, both of whom have been growing grapes in McLaren Vale since 1850. A man named John Reynell takes credit for establishing the first vineyard there, back in 1838.

As you can see, you won't want your visit to the Fleurieu Peninsula to be a short one: plan on staying for awhile. You can base yourself in McLaren Vale or the Langhorne Creek area if you're there for the wine. If you're there for the beach, the Victor Harbour area is great for the whole family. Don't stress about it too much, though. Wherever your Fleurieu Peninsula accommodation is, you will love it and be within easy reach of everything on the peninsula.