Cape Jervis

Cape Jervis, or in Kaurna language, Parawa, is a small community at the western tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula which has become the gateway to Kangaroo Island. Ferries to and from the island operate from here across the Backstairs Passage to Penneshaw, a 45-minute journey to the island paradise. A popular fishing spot for locals, there are several operators that provide fishing charters and cruises along the rugged coastline which forms part of the Encounter Marine Park, encompassing the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula and the east coast of Kangaroo Island. The nearby beaches showcase pristine sands and sparkling shallow rock pools perfect for kicking back and relaxing with an afternoon dip, or marvelling at the stunning lighthouse.

Historically, the nearby Fishery Beach to the south was the former site of the Cape Jervis Whale Fishery, and is now a State Heritage Site dedicated to a coastal revegetation program that reestablishes habitat for the beautiful Red-tailed Glossy Black Cockatoo.

If you have time to explore a little further, Deep Creek Conservation Park is just a 20-minute drive south-east and offers stunning coastal walks, picnic areas and wildlife that are often happy to spend time in your company. The secluded Blowhole Beach, in particular, has a beautiful vista over the Encounter Marine Park to the eastern point of Kangaroo Island and is well worth the hike down (and back up!).