Family

Your ultimate summer guide to Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula

By Gracie Wallace

Posted on January 4, 2025

Port Elliot is one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s most popular seaside towns, with crystal blue beaches, delicious dining spots, and more.

Port Elliot is the gem of the Fleurieu Peninsula, where sparkling blue beaches have waves for both surfing or boogie-boarding with kids. The town’s got it all – delicious dining spots (including the legendary Port Elliot Bakery), quirky boutique shops with everything from trendy fashion to $5 book treasures, and a plethora of accommodation options.

Just over an hour’s drive south of Adelaide, it’s the perfect destination for a family summer getaway, or a fun day trip with friends. We’ve rounded up all the best bits of Port Elliot, so you can hit the ground running this summer whenever you get the chance!

BEACHES

Port Elliot’s beaches are all accessible via a path that wraps around the coastline, which is called the Harbourmasters Walking Trail. You can start at Horseshoe Bay, the town’s most popular beach, perfect for families with its gentle waves for boogie-boarding, plus the option to get lunch at the Flying Fish or the Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club.

From there, you can follow the trail to Lady Bay, a smaller, quieter beach known for its rock pool, where you might spot a starfish or two, and waves crash against the rocks. If you want to keep going, you can continue along the path to Green Bay, a small and rocky beach that’s not great for swimming, but is a real adventure. Further along is Knights Beach, a popular surf spot, and beyond that, Boomers Beach, known for its large waves and top-notch surf.

DINING

There are so many dining options in Port Elliot from cute cafes and fancier restaurants, to classic country pubs and takeaway spots.

Flying Fish – located right on the beachfront at Horseshoe Bay with a casual kiosk and a nice restaurant, serving up some of the best seafood (and more) in the state.
Cockles Cafe – located on the main strip of Port Elliot, the cafe has a deck overlooking the street or an inside seating area, serving an all-day breakfast and lunch menu.
Port Elliot Bakery – an award-winning, historic bakery on the main street known for their famous ‘Donut of the Month’ and delicious range of baked goods.
Hotel Elliot + Salt at the Elliot – family-friendly pub located on The Strand, with a restaurant, bistro and beer garden along with a separate wine bar and event space.
Beaches – a beautiful, earthy cafe with heaps of vegan and gluten free options, just outside of the main town but still on North Terrace (the main street).
Crisp Port Elliot – a new trendy pizza bar that opened in 2024 where you can get a takeaway pizzas to take down to the beach, or small plates for a chilled out dine-in experience.
The Chicken Run – your classic Aussie chicken shop with all the good stuff from chicken to seafood, chips and gravy, salads and more.
Royal Family Hotel – another popular family-friendly pub on the main street that has been around for over a century!
Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club – the SLSC was recently redeveloped, and now has a volunteer-staffed dining section with everything from wood oven pizzas, self-serve cheese platters, and shareable snacks.

SHOPPING

In the heart of Port Elliot, North Terrace and The Strand are lined with shops, with everything from fashion, quirky knick knacks, books, homewares and more.

Yeo Haus – trendy store featuring apparel, merch, and surf wear, alongside a refreshment centre and more.
Elliot and Me – sustainable, quality fashion.
Mist – fashion, jewellery and accessories.
Living by Design – luxury homewares and furniture.
The Bargain Barn – knick knacks from old to new, and everything in between.
Southern Surf – surf store with fashion, surfboards and beachwear.
Folly’s on Ocean – fashion, jewellery and accessories.
The Strand Books and Records – pre-loved books from $5 and a collection of records.

EXPERIENCES

Beyond swimming, lounging on the beach, eating, drinking, and shopping, Port Elliot has some other great exciting experiences to enjoy during the holidays.

Cockle Train (SteamRanger Heritage Railway) – take a day trip on the train, a great family-friendly experience that winds through Port Elliot and other nearby coastal holiday towns like Goolwa and Victor Harbor.
Port Elliot Rotary Markets – on the first Saturday and third Saturday of each month from 9am to 2pm, supporting small and local businesses.
Harbourmasters Walking Trail – a 1.9km circuit hike between Horseshoe Bay, across the headland to Knights Beach.
Port Elliot to Middleton coastal walk – the 30km Encounter Bikeway passes through Port Elliot and surrounding coastal towns, suitable for cyclists, walkers, skaters, and wheelchair users.

ACCOMMODATION

Port Elliot has heaps of accommodation options to suit every need, from bed and breakfasts and backpacker hostels to hotels, holiday homes, apartments, and a large caravan park with cabins and camping sites.

If you’re traveling with a big group or a few families, Airbnb is a great option, with plenty of cute holiday homes, apartments, and B&Bs to choose from. For camping, caravanning, or cabin stays, the BIG4 Caravan Park has everything you need. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, places like YHA Port Elliot are perfect for backpackers and short stays.

Some families also opt to stay in nearby towns like Goolwa, Middleton, or Victor Harbor and take day trips into Port Elliot – it’s all up to you!