Port Elliot, South Australia - Beaches, Heritage and Coastal Walks on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Wander * Explore * Discover
Mar 28, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Port Elliot, South Australia - Beaches, Heritage and Coastal Walks on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Port Elliot is a much-loved seaside town on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, located around 81 kilometres south of Adelaide. With its sheltered beaches, rugged headlands and rich maritime history, it has long been a favourite holiday destination for families and coastal explorers.

The town centre is compact and welcoming, with cafés, hotels, specialty stores and the famous Port Elliot Bakery, known for its award-winning pies and pastries. Add in scenic walking trails and heritage landmarks, and Port Elliot offers plenty to enjoy at a relaxed pace.

Beaches and Coastal Scenery

Port Elliot is blessed with several beautiful beaches, each offering a slightly different experience. Horseshoe Bay is the most popular, thanks to its sheltered waters that make it ideal for swimming, especially for families. Nearby Boomer Beach is more rugged and popular with surfers, while Knight Beach offers a quieter spot with lovely views.

The dramatic coastline, granite headlands and ocean views make Port Elliot a wonderful place for beach walks and photography.

The Harbour Master’s Walk

One of the best ways to experience Port Elliot’s coastline is by walking the Harbour Master’s Walk, a scenic 1.9-kilometre trail that follows the headlands around the bay.

The trail offers stunning views over the ocean, beaches and rocky cliffs, with several lookout points along the way. Interpretive signs share stories of the town’s maritime past, including shipwrecks and early harbour activity, adding depth to the walk.

Railway Heritage and the Cockle Train

Port Elliot has a strong connection to South Australia’s railway history. At the Port Elliot Railway Station and Railway Centre, you can explore displays that highlight the town’s role as a historic port and rail hub. From here, you can hop aboard the Cockle Train and enjoy a scenic journey to Victor Harbor. The railway line dates back to 1854 and is the oldest steel railway in Australia, making the short trip both scenic and historically significant.

Port Elliot Heritage Trail

Following the heritage trail through town is a great way to uncover Port Elliot’s past. Along the way, you’ll see a range of historically significant buildings and landmarks, each marked with informative signage. These buildings tell stories of early settlement, shipping, railways and the challenges faced by those who once relied on Port Elliot as a working port.

Nearby Attractions

Just a short drive from Port Elliot, you’ll find Urimbirra Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see native and exotic animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, reptiles and crocodiles. It’s a popular stop for families and a great way to add a wildlife experience to your visit.

Port Elliot is also well placed for exploring nearby Fleurieu destinations such as Victor Harbor, Middleton, and Granite Island.

Why Port Elliot Is Worth Visiting

Port Elliot offers a perfect mix of coastal beauty, history and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Whether you’re swimming at Horseshoe Bay, walking the headlands, enjoying the bakery’s famous treats or riding the Cockle Train, it’s a town that captures the essence of a Fleurieu Peninsula holiday.

It’s an easy and rewarding stop on any South Australian coastal road trip and a place many visitors return to time and time again.