Second Valley

Tucked between rolling hills and the turquoise waters of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Second Valley is a sleepy coastal hamlet that feels a world away from Adelaide's bustle. With a tiny general store, a boat ramp and a jetty that draws anglers and sunset-watchers, this is the kind of place where you kick off your shoes, breathe in the salt air and let the rhythm of the tides set your pace. Its rugged cliffs and sheltered coves reward those who amble – whether you're casting a line, kayaking into sea caves or simply picnicking on the sand.

Highlights & What to See

• Second Valley Jetty & Beach – A classic South Australian jetty perfect for fishing, crab nets or a leisurely stroll. The beach is calm for swimming, and the jetty's end offers views back over the cliffs.
• Sea Caves & Kayaking – Paddle or take a small boat into the caves carved into the limestone headlands. Look for dolphins and sea lions playing offshore.
• Second Valley Lookout – A short walk from the car park delivers panoramic views of the coastline and the Southern Ocean – especially dramatic at sunset.
• Rapid Bay – Just north, this is the site of South Australia's first jetty and a renowned shore-dive site for leafy seadragons and weedy seadragons.
• Deep Creek Conservation Park – A 15-minute drive inland, this park offers walking trails through stringybark forest, with lookouts over the Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island.

Suggested Time to Spend

Second Valley itself is a half-day stop – enough to swim, fish and explore the jetty and caves. To truly soak it in, pair it with a day trip to Rapid Bay and Deep Creek Conservation Park, making a full-day loop from Cape Jervis or Normanville. If you're self-driving the Fleurieu Peninsula, overnight in nearby Wirrina Cove or Normanville to break up the journey.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Rapid Bay – Five minutes north; famed for its jetty, beach camping and exceptional snorkelling.
• Deep Creek Conservation Park – Ten minutes inland; hiking trails, wildlife and dramatic coastal lookouts.
• Cape Jervis – Twenty minutes south; the ferry departure point for Kangaroo Island, with a lighthouse and rugged coastal walks.
• Normanville – Fifteen minutes north; a lively beach town with cafés, a bakery and the Normanville Beach.
• Yankalilla – Ten minutes inland; historic town with a farmers market and the Bungala River walk.

Please check official sources for current details.