10 ways to spend the day on the Fleurieu Peninsula with only $30

The Fleurieu is one of my favourite places to visit (I know I am biased is it’s my home, but there’s just so much to love about this little slice of paradise!)

One of the best things about this region is that you can do a lot with not a lot of money. Whether you are travelling solo, are looking to have a date day or have kids in tow, I’ve got you covered.

Here’s 10 ideas on how to spend your day on the Fleurieu without breaking the bank.

Coffee/Fish & Chips and Vitamin Sea

Grab a coffee from Pearl Aldinga. Take a stroll down the beach and scope out where you want to spend the day. Grab some Fish and chips from Jimmies Aldinga, drive onto Silver Sands and spend the arvo basking in the sun (or if it’s cold, have your chippies rugged up in the boot with a view!)

Aldinga Airfield

Go plane spotting at Aldinga Airfield. Perfect for big and little kids, this airport is old school and a treat for all. For $30 you can get a few toasties and coffees, or opt for their delicious homemade baked goods.

Wine time!
Photo credit- Paxton Wines

Visit a cellar door. One we love is Paxtons- they allow BYO food, so bring some platter bits or make some rolls at home, then use your money to buy a bottle of wine and spend the day taking in their glorious view!

Market mornings

Visit the Willunga Farmers Market on a Saturday morning (now located at Willunga High School). Sample some local produce, then fill your basket with some of the best food on the Fleurieu. PS. It’s very easy to go over budget because if you’re like me, you’ll want EVERYTHING. $30 will still get you 2 of the best Brisket toasties from Little Acre Foods and a some cash to spare for something sweet.

SUP and Ice Cream
Photo credit- SUP Down South

Hire a Stand Up paddle board from SUP Down South for an hour and try your best not to fall off into the water. Spend the rest of the day recovering on the sand, with a sneaky icecream from the star of Greece kiosk.

Foodie Road Trip

Follow the new Route 31 Coastal drive. Epic views guaranteed and it takes you past plenty of foodie spots along the way. How about popping into Ivybrook Farm for a tasting, Kickback Brewery for a schooner or Goodness Coffee Co for, you guessed it, some of the best coffee around.

On your bike!

Pack a picnic and ride the Shiraz trail. Pack your own goodies from home and bring a cooler bag, otherwise stop in at the local Foodland and scour their Cheese cabinets if you want to exceed the budget a bit. There’s plenty of spots to enjoy your lunch under the gumtrees on the trail, or at many of the wineries that come off it. Don’t have a bike? You can hire a bike from the visitor centre or Serafinos for under $30.

Take a bakery tour (I don’t know if it’s a thing, but it is now!)

Start with award winning hot x buns at CJs bakery (they also recently won the award for South Australia’s best Vanilla Slice), fresh salad rolls from Pik A Pie McLaren Vale, Vegan Sourdough Cinnamon Donuts and Pork and Fennel Sausage Rolls from The Willunga General Store and Kitchener buns from Homegrain Bakery Aldinga or Mclaren Flat. All close to some lovely walks so you can eat your food with a view.

Jungle in Willunga and Homemade Cakes

Have kids? Or just love greenery? Head to Willunga and visit Jungle in Willunga. Explore the boardwalk and find the animals for just $2. Post jungle walk, head to The Golden Fleece Cafe and order coffee and cake- their homemade cakes and scones are some of the best the Fleurieu has to offer, and they won’t break the bank.

Snorkelling, tasty treats and maybe a sneaky vino in Port Noarlunga

Port Noarlunga, or Porties as the locals call it, has to be one of my all time favourite spots on the Fleurieu. If the weather is good, bring your togs and spend the day on the beach. Sections are patrolled making it safe for swimming and there’s a reef at the end of the jetty- perfect for snorkelling. $30 will see you through the day- think ice creams from Copenhagen, or perhaps coffees from local gems The Flour Store. Or maybe you intentionally didn’t pack lunch and want to grab some of the best fish and chips there is (Port Noarlunga Fish & Chips are famous around these traps). Sucker for a bakery- Becks is a no brainer. And if you want to bend the budget a bit and are having a day without the kids, pop into Noori after you’ve spent all day on the sand. This new hideout come wine bar has got some incredible wines and drinks on offer, as well as a small bespoke menu to boot.