South Coast - A day on the: Ron explores Middleton and Pt Elliot in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia
For many of us, the South Coast is full of childhood memories of fishing or making sandcastles with dad on the beach at Port Elliot's picturesque Horseshoe Bay. For others it's the memory of battered fish and chips at The Flying Fish Café that keeps them coming back for more. Such pleasures may prompt some to hit the Encounter Bikeway and burn off a few calories by pedaling across the great expanse of the South Coast wonderland.
The epic sweep of Middleton Beach and nearby Port Elliot are a mere hour and fifteen minutes drive from Adelaide and if you haven't been there for a while you'll notice a few changes as a minor renaissance occurs in historic Port Elliot.
One of the more recent accommodation options involves the re-telling of an old Port Elliot story. The old Arcadia Guest House is a longtime landmark, with many honeymooners having made their way to this spectacular stretch of coast over generations. Today they're still coming but now they come from all over the world. It's now the Beach House Youth Hostel which opened earlier this year. The YHA has breathed new life into the Fleurieu favourite.
Richard Mussell, CEO YHA SA: "This YHA has one of the best views in South Australia if not Australia. We're looking forward to seeing some whales passing in winter."
Thirty percent of all bookings so far have come locals driving down from Adelaide and why not when you consider that a room for mum, dad and two kids with a spectacular view, costs just $115 a night. A single bed will cost you $28 a night but you will have to share facilities like the kitchen with other guests. That makes for a great way to meet people in a very funky setting.
The contemporary feel is due in part to the creative input of Kate Harry - the owner of nearby "Little Bird" - one of several new premises open for anyone in need of a little retail therapy. Here you'll find an eclectic mix, with the emphasis on good quirky designers.
Kate Harry, 'Little Bird': "A lot of them use recycled materials. Quite often there's a lot of vintage fabrics, vintage furniture, vintage pieces that find their way into 'Little Bird'."
Just down the street there are more great designs courtesy of artisans across the Indonesian archipelago. Dog Dragon offers plenty for the weekend retail warrior.
And next door another new arrival on North Terrace at Port Elliot. South Seas Books and Trading is the brainchild of Sarah Taylor. Like many she's opted for a sea change - bringing her love of books with her and a few followers from town.
Sarah Taylor, 'South Seas Books': "The idea was that I'd have it looking like a living room so you could come in, sit down, be surrounded by books and interesting bits and pieces I've picked up from different places."
From children's' classics to classic art - it's all here. And should you tire of the South Coast you can always immerse yourself in far-off destinations courtesy of Sarah's forensic approach to tracking down a 'good read' for her customers. Then again come the winter chill you may want to head outdoors to greet more new arrivals to this holiday playground. The annual migration of the Southern Right Whales should start soon and you can bet Annie Le Ray at Mindacowie at Middleton will be keeping an eye out for them.
Annie Le Ray, 'Mindacowie': "Winter is a lovely time to sit around the cosy fireplaces and there's complimentary port. If you want to go upstairs to spot the whales we supply beanies and binoculars. There are really good views of Basham's Beach from upstairs so you're bound to see some."
Mindacowie - a one time temperance hotel - has four main bedrooms full of old world charm and Magpie Cottage out the back with classic rural views. To book your stay and enjoy all the delights - both old and new - on the South Coast, contact Annie on 8554 2112.
Port Elliot Beach House YHA
Family Room $115 per night
10 % discount for YHA members
Ph 08 8554 1885Little Bird Shop
1 / 38 North Terrace
Port Elliot
Open daily 10am - 4.30 except Tues and WedSouth Seas Book & Trading
53 North Tce
Port Elliot
Open daily except Tuesday
10am - 5pm
Sundays 11am - 4pmMindacowie B&B
Middleton Rooms from $165 per night inc breakfast
Ph 08 8554 2112Published 9th May 2010
