Getting Lost In: Port Elliot

Port Elliot is one of my favourite seaside towns on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It has everything you really need in a coastal town- a epic bakery, cute shops, a great pub, all the essentials and beautiful swimming beaches and views.

Every time I visit I find it oh-so-easy to spend a day there as the hours quickly disappear. Below are a few of my favourite places, as well as some things to visit and things to do while you’re visiting this glorious place.

Coffee and Tea

De Groot Coffee Co

Real coffee enthusiasts will love De Groot Coffee Co. Situated in the industrial estate of Port Elliot, this café sells ridiculously good brews and sweets to match. If you fall in love with their coffee (there’s no doubt you will) then you can purchase their beans by the bag.

Wildfire Organic Tea and Apothecary

This tea shed is tucked away on Hill Street and it’s an absolute charmer. On the weekends (and other selected hours) the shed dishes out pots of handcrafted tea, iced teas and the best iced chai lattes you’ll ever have. If you’re vegan or vego then you’ll love their locally made raw treats, brekky options and crumpets which go perfectly with Jane’s range of teas. If you’re feeling creative you can dabble in making your own tea blend by using the ingredients in the apothecary.

Eateries

Walter Melon– This café is a favourite, with a cosy interior and lovely staff. It  has a short but sweet menu, with plenty of delicious options, as well as a cracking wine list with local vinos. If you love a brew then their coffee is exceptional.

Jelly– A general store, post office, fresh produce stop and cafe rolled into one. Housemades chai’s, toasties with caramalised onion and freshly baked cakes are their jam.

Thunderbird– Modern dining just off the main drag. Cracking drinks list, seasonal menu and lovely interior- somewhere to go if you’re looking a bit beyond a cafe experience.

Retro Vibe Cafe– It’s like being stuck in a orange and retro coloured time warp, and I love it! They stock all the cafe essentials- sandwiches, quiches, coffee and plenty of yummy things.

Flying fish café– Views of Horseshoe Bay, a excellent range of meals for lunch and kid friendly. They also offer takeaway if you’re looking for more of a casual affair on the sand.

Cockles Café– Offering a cracking brunch and lunch menu, Cockles is a firm favourite among tourists and locals alike. Enjoy a coffee on the deck in the summer- it’s the perfect place for people watching.

Jetty Food Store– These guys offer a huge range of fresh organic veggies and locally sourced produce to takeaway. They also offer a selection of premade food to have in, as well as some seriously good coffee. This is one of my favourite places to buy produce- it’s like having a farmers market in a shop.

Port Elliot Bakery– I’m going to call it and say this bakery makes the best donuts I have ever tasted. Try their donuts of the month- with flavours ranging from espresso martini to triple choc tim tam- you won’t be disappointed. They stock all the favourites too- pies, pasties, huge sausage rolls and a large range of sweets.

If you love a bit of pub grub then head to Hotel Elliot or the Royal Family Hotel, both located in the centre of town.

You’ll also find plenty of food for on the run. There’s Port Elliot Fish and Chips, Knead Pizza, Mr India and The Chicken Run (who apparently make awesome chips!).

Shop til you drop

Port Elliot offers a range of shops for those with some money to burn, with everything from homewares, to surf clothing and second hand stores filled with some serious gems.

South Seas Trading– This is by far my favourite store in this seaside town. If beautiful books, homewares and simply beautiful things are your jam then you need to visit this place. It’s easy to spend a hour in this store (i’m not exaggerating), and no doubt you’ll find yourself purchasing things you don’t need, but just have to have!

Southern Surf– A independent and awesome surf store stocking all the big names in surf brand clothing for the whole family. The perfect place to visit prior to hitting the beach.

South Seas Books and Trading– If you love books and homewares then stay away (kidding, run don’t walk). This cozy and quaint store is so impressive, and is the ultimate book nerds heaven. They also offer coffees and small sweet treats, so you can feed both your hunger for words and caffeine.

Follys On Ocean, Living By Design, The Strand Gallery, Elliot and Me, Hana Home, Mist– I could rave about them all, but they are the places to go if you love home wares, art and beautiful things.

The Strand Records and Books– This is the place to be if you love a good read or classic vinyl find. You could easily spend a hour in here and you’ll come out with some cracking finds. Be sure to bring cash.

Yeo Haus– A neat little clothing company that sells some very cool threads. Long sleeves, beanies, unisex wares and colourful shorts- they have it all. I’ve only been once and I have my eye on multiple things.

If you love to reuse and buy second hand, then you’ll be overwhelmed for choice in Port Elliot. There are plenty of Op and Second Hand shops to choose from, with plenty of books, glassware and nanna blankets to buy. It’s my heaven.

Get immersed in the great outdoors

Horseshoe Bay is a short drive from the Main Street of Port Elliot, making it the perfect place to go for a dip or eat your baked goods on the sand. Swimming here is generally safe as it’s secluded and is also great for stand up paddle boarding.

If you head up to Freeman Lookout, you’ll score an amazing view over the bay and beyond. I love starting at the lookout, heading past Ladies Beach (there’s some bench seats dotted around to take in the view) and walking on the path that heads to Knights Beach. There’s a perfect little spot, Green Bay, which is secluded with turquoise waters, just on the path that is worth a stop or a cheeky photo at least.

If you don’t want to get sandy then at Horseshoe Bay there is a huge park and lawn area, perfect for the kids to run around on and burn off some energy. There is also BBQ facilities if you want to bring your own grub and cook up a storm. You can also set up shop at Continental Park just near the Freemans Lookout- huge grassed area for the kids, picnic tables and toilet facilities.

If you have the kids in tow then check out the Cockle train- the little (and big kids) kids will absolutely love it.

If you love to go for a ride or a walk the pack the runners and head to one of the many shared paths. You find one running from Port Elliot to Victor Harbor, as well as out towards Normanville. If you head that way be sure to stop into Basham Beach when during the right season you can do a spot of whale watching. I use the the SA Whale Watching site to track the whales- they have even been spotted in Port Elliot!

Have a Sleep Over

Port Elliot is the perfect place for a mini vacay, so why not stay a night or two. I haven’t personally stayed in the town, but have heard great things from multiple families about the Big 4 Holiday Park. It’s just by the beach in Horseshoe Bay, making it the perfect place for families with kids, or just those wanting to be a stone throw from the ocean.

I’ve also had a look over Stayz and Airbnb, and these little joints are on my next to-stay-list:

• Elanora Rose 1900 Cottage– A cosy cottage that sleeps 8 with a indoor fireplace.
• Schmooze on Inn– Sleeps 9, modern facilities, walking distance to all the main attractions.
• 1853- The Old Police Station– A heritage listed property, a stone throw from Horseshoe Bay and sleeps up to 8.
• Brooklands Heritage Bnb– A 1840’s cottage nestled away in nature, the perfect place for couples- this on our must visit list- we are just looking for an excuse to go!
• Sunningdale House Central Port Elliot– A 1800’s home tastefully renovated, sleeping 8 and right in the centre of town. I’m itching to bring the girls here for a mini vacay!

Have you been to Port Elliot before? What are some of your favourite places to visit- I’d love to know! Flick me a line in the comments.