Walk, cycle and skate trails

Drive south out of Adelaide, and in about 45 minutes you'll reach the Fleurieu Peninsula, for generations a favourite summer holiday playground for Adelaide residents. Adventure parks, national parks and fine restaurants draw visitors all year. Attractions include the Cockle Train, a historic steam-engine that chugs along Australia's first public iron railway, built in the 1850s.

Bordered by a sweeping coastline and countless white sandy beaches, the peninsula is home to the McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek wine regions, and over 20 national parks. Enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Ocean on the 30 minute journey between Victor Harbour and Goolwa. Whale watching is a popular pastime during July to September, when up to 20 southern right whales head here to breed.

The region is perfect for walkers and cyclists - a combined walk, bike and skate trail runs north to south and the 1500 kilometre Heysen Trail starts at Cape Jervis. The Heysen, Australia's longest walking trail, is also one of the longest in the world. Named after Hans Heysen, an acclaimed artist who worked in the area, this magnificently varied trail extends to Parachilna in the northern Flinders Ranges.

If you enjoy leisurely transport, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers Australia's only horsedrawn tram, pulled by massive Clydesdales. It traverses the restored wooden causeway to Granite Island, home to 700 pairs of fairy penguins. Perhaps drop into Urimbirra Wildlife Park to see more than 70 species of Australian animals in their natural environment.

White sands, whales and wine

Drive south out of Adelaide, and in about 45 minutes you'll reach the Fleurieu Peninsula, for generations a favourite summer holiday playground for Adelaide residents. Adventure parks, national parks and fine restaurants draw visitors all year. Attractions include the Cockle Train, a historic steam-engine that chugs along Australia's first public iron railway, built in the 1850s.

The Fleurieu folk are passionate about food. Look out for roadside stalls and farmhouses selling everything from smoked salmon and raspberries to almonds and olive oil. Drop into Blessed Cheese and Medlow confectioners in McLaren Vale and visit weekend farmers markets for fresh seasonal produce.

Bordered by a sweeping coastline and countless white sandy beaches, the peninsula is home to the McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek wine regions, and over 20 national parks. Enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Ocean on the 30 minute journey between Victor Harbour and Goolwa. Whale watching is a popular pastime during July to September, when southern right whales head here to breed.

The region is perfect for walkers and cyclists - a combined walk, bike and skate trail runs north to south and the 1500 kilometre Heysen Trail starts at Cape Jervis. The Heysen, Australia's longest walking trail, is also one of the longest in the world. Named after Hans Heysen, an acclaimed artist who worked in the area, this magnificently varied trail extends to Parachilna in the northern Flinders Ranges.

If you enjoy leisurely transport, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers Australia's only horsedrawn tram, pulled by massive Clydesdales. It traverses the restored wooden causeway to Granite Island, home to 700 pairs of fairy penguins. Perhaps drop into Urimbirra Wildlife Park to see more than 70 species of Australian animals in their natural environment.