Venture off the beaten path with secluded beach camping sites near Second Valley.
A little over an hour south of Adelaide in South Australia, Second Valley is a coastal gem on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Challenging hiking trails, stunning beaches, and opportunities to spot migrating southern right whales are just some of the adventures camping near Second Valley offers. Pitch a tent amid the rugged beauty of Deep Creek National Park, or escape to surf fishing delights at secluded beaches while camping in Newland Head Conservation Park. Just a ferry ride away, Lashmar Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island expands the adventure with rare wildlife sightings, canoeing on the calm waters of Chapman River, and sleeping under the night sky in a swag.
Renowned for its rugged coastal landscape, abundant wildlife, and awesome walking trails, Deep Creek National Park boasts the largest portion of natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Explore the secluded Blowhole Beach for great fishing, hike from the well-appointed Trig Campground to Deep Creek Cove, and look out for western grey kangaroos and short-beaked echidnas. Or, go off the beaten path to Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi, a hike-in campground along Wild South Coast Way on Heysen Trail with timber platforms and picnic tables among shady gum trees.
A little farther along the Fleurieu Peninsula coast, Newland Head Conservation Park is best known for Waitpinga Beach and Parsons Beach. Both beaches are excellent for seasonal surf fishing, tempting anglers with Australian salmon and yellow eye mullet. Walk the four-hour Coastal Cliffs Loop Hike, and take in coastal views of white-bellied sea eagles soaring in their natural habitat. Waitpinga Campground is steps from the beach, offering oceanfront campsites for tents or swags among the mallee heath vegetation or in open areas with shrubs. Amenities include flush toilets, picnic shelters, and a shared BBQ grill.
For a wild camping experience near Second Valley, take the ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. From there, it’s a short drive to Lashmar Conservation Park and the long sandy beach at Antechamber Bay. Swimming, canoeing, and birdwatching are popular here. Encounter Kangaroo Island kangaroos, tammar wallabies, long-nosed fur seals, and even wild koalas. Both Antechamber Bay Campground and Chapman River Campground are suitable for tents and caravans, though campsites are unpowered. Campfires are permitted in designated firepits with seasonal fire restrictions in place.
Summer months near Second Valley, from December to February, are dry and can get very hot, exceeding 30°C during the day. It’s a popular time of year for beach activities like snorkelling. This time of year is also better for seeing native reptiles. Winter is colder, with daytime highs around 10°C, but June to October is also peak whale-watching season. For milder temperatures more conducive to exploring the vast network of hiking trails, consider camping in spring (September to November) or fall (March to May).