Port Elliot is located on Horseshoe Bay between Victor Harbor and Goolwa on the southern coast of Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia. It is the perfect holiday base to explore this very picturesque area.
Port Elliot is a popular tourist destination all year round. During the warmer months Horseshoe Bay is an ideal place for swimming, body boarding, fishing or just relaxing on the golden sandy beach.
If you would like to discover the scenic delights of Port Elliot at your own pace you will be delighted to hear that there is network of bicycle tracks and walking trails running along the coast.
During the cooler months whale watching is a popular activity and lures visitors from far and wide. To see the majestic Southern Right Whales cavort in the bay as they migrate from sub Atlantic feeding areas into warmer areas to breed is an awesome experience. A visit to the Whale Watch Centre, just ten minutes away in nearby Victor Harbor , is also well worth a visit.
Surfing is a popular activity all year at Knights Beach , Boomer Beach and Fisherman's Bay 'Chicken Run' - as well as Horseshoe Bay and Commodore Point. Do take care as some of these surfing beaches are only suitable for the more experienced board rider and conditions can change daily. We recommend that you seek local advice about surfing conditions on your arrival.
Fishing is a great way to unwind and have some holiday fun at the same time. You will always see someone trying their luck from the local jetty. Good fishing is also available from the surf beaches.
There also weekend craft and local produce markets in the area which are always lots of fun. Port Elliott Market takes place on the first and third Saturday of each month, it is held at Lakala Reserve Port Elliot and is in easy walking distance of Hotel Elliot. It is a typical country market with plenty of fresh local produce.
The Goolwa Wharf Market is held on the first and third Sunday of each month on Jaralde Park on the wharf at near-by Goolwa. It is an attractive setting and you will find a wide variety of goods available from the 80 or so stalls. For information about more markets and other attractions in the area please visit Government of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula web site.
A ride on a steam train is a lot of fun and a relaxing way to experience the visual delights of this picturesque part of the coast. The 'Steam Ranger' or 'Cockle Train' leaves from Goolwa and travels through Port Elliot to Victor Harbor during school holidays and most weekends over peak season. The 'Steam Ranger' and 'Cockle Train' pick up passengers at the Port Elliot Railway Station, less than 100 metres from Hotel Elliot.
The Urimbirra Wildlife Park is open 7 days of the week and is a great place to see an impressive collection of Australian wildlife. Urimbirra is set on 40 landscaped acres just 5 minutes from Port Elliot. Urimbirra a open Wetland bird sanctuary, a Children's Farmyard, BBQ and picnic areas - as well as koalas and wombats close up all day.
If you are looking for a day of fun and adventure you might consider a visit to the Greenhills Adventure Park at nearby Victor Harbor . They offer something for everyone - golf, go-karts, waterslides, archery, wall climbing and canoeing. There is also kiosk and a cafe - an ideal place to enjoy an ice cream with the kids or relax with friends and a cappuccino.
You will also find a selection of nearby wineries offering cellar door tastings and cellar door sales. They include Currency Creek, Middleton Estate and Langhorne Creek winery. If you are feeling more adventurous you might like to visit the internationally famous McLaren Vale wine district just forty minutes away.
A trip to Victor Harbor to experience a horse drawn tram ride across the causeway to Granite Island to see the fairy penguins or just take a stroll to take in the scenery is well recommended.
You could visit Goolwa, just twenty minutes away from Port Elliot, to visit the Signal Point Interpretive & Visitors Centre - or take a trip on a paddle steamer or see where the mighty River Murray meets the ocean.
A day trip to Rapid Bay to see some magnificent views of the Southern Ocean and Kangaroo Island is another option. Deep Creek Conservation Park is a nature lovers and bush walkers delight - with trails to suit the beginner or the most experienced bushwalker.
Strathalbyn with it's pretty parks on the river and home to some wonderful old buildings and churches continuing on to the old town of Milang on Lake Alexandrina. From there you could continue onto Langhorne Creek, home to some delightful wineries or take a short drive around the lake to Clayton, a lovely small town with parks, boating, swimming, and views of the backwaters and Hindmarsh Island
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful part of the world that you will never be bored during your visit to Port Elliot on Horseshoe Bay .
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