Route 31 Coastal Drive takes in the 31kms of our beautiful coastline (yes, you guessed it, that’s the connection to the name), from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach and everywhere in between. From holiday favourites to hidden gems, this stunning stretch of coastline is a must visit for your next road trip.
The scenic drive lets you take in the amazing seaside views together with our coastal villages, each offering their own unique vibe as well as providing a great mix of things to see, do and explore. To help you plan your trip, our coastal drive map below will have you exploring like a local. Or download to keep it handy!
For more way finding, here are some handy google maps for when you are on your way, just be sure to click the square icon on the right to view the larger map.
Northern entry - Gulfview Road, Christies Beach
Southern entry - Gulfview Road, Sellicks Beach
Travelling in an RV? We have the top tips on great places to stay and great parking tips too when experiencing the coastal drive.
So what will be your first port of call, a great coastal village or a spectacular beach?
Remember #Route31coastaldrive and #valeandcoast when sharing your great insta moments - there will be a few!
Coastal village vibes
Aldinga
Aldinga is a must stop as you make your way along the coastal drive. The Old Coach Road precinct in the Aldinga Township is a hidden gem, with an array of boutiques and shops to explore. There is also great food on offer here, and will likely have you purchasing a few goodies ‘for the road’ of course.
Aldinga is also home to one of South Australia’s and the Fleurieu’s premier southern beaches, and this is one of the locations where you can drive directly onto the beach (beach pass required for Summer - purchase from the on ramp.) Enjoy stunning views as you soak up everything Aldinga offers. You can also enjoy the Aldinga Conservation Park, a freshwater wetland of great spiritual and cultural significance for the Kaurna people.
Top Tip - There is an array of seaside cafes and restaurants, where sea views are best enjoyed with a local beer, wine or gin.
Christies Beach
Christies Beach is a popular beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It is home to a unique beachside shopping precinct where you can get your retail therapy fix, as well as some hidden local gems, from bakeries and restaurants to health food outlets and shops.
This is a great spot to park the car. If you love to live like a local, then take a stroll from Christies Beach to Port Noarlunga. It’s picture perfect any time of the day, but spectacular at sunrise or sunset.
With its white sandy stretches, Christies Beach is enjoyed all year round.
Top Tip – the local caravan park provides direct beach access
Discover more about Christies Beach
Port Noarlunga
This sandy stretch of the coastal drive is a local hot spot and a great place to stop, wander and enjoy.
For the aquatic enthusiast, choose from swimming, paddling a kayak, snorkelling the reef or why not drop a line at the jetty and try your hand catching fresh fish for lunch or dinner, all within walking distance from the seaside village.
For the land lovers, Port Noarlunga is also home to a delightful main street, full of that coastal village vibe, that has mouthwatering eateries (think bakeries, seafood, burgers, cafes, restaurants, healthy eating and more) as well as an impressive range of retail shops to enjoy.
Top Tip – hire your kayaks and SUP’s, lessons are also available and it's your chance to see (or sea) the landscape from a new perspective.
Discover more about Port Noarlunga
O’Sullivan Beach
O’Sullivan Beach is where you will find the fishing enthusiasts, boasting one of the best launching facilities in the region with million dollar views. If you are more of a land lover, this is one of the best vantage points along the coastline, so make sure it's on your list!
We have the latest information on what's biting and great fishing blogs that will have you caught hook, line and sinker!
If you have your dog with you, this is also the spot to be. They are permitted off-leash at all times between O’Sullivan Beach and Christies Beach, but it’s important that your dog is always kept under effective control.
South Port
One of the most photographed beaches, South Port Beach is where the Onkaparinga River meets the sea. With its pristine blue sea, sandstone cliffs and meandering aqua toned river, there is a reason it is a must stop.
You can enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding down the river mouth to the sea or be sure to capture the sunrise or sunset at the Onkaparinga River Mouth. Think pink sunrises and orange sunsets, which are best viewed from the lookout located at the top of the main staircase.
Top Tip – take the staircase to the beach, whilst there are great views from the top, the squeaky white sand between your toes at the bottom is good for your soul (and soles).
Discover more about South Port
Moana
Another popular choice for families, Moana Beach is a bustling beach, with the generous waves also making it a hot spot for local surf schools.
This is one of the locations along the coastline, where you can drive your car onto the beach (beach pass required for Summer - purchase from the on ramp.) Or for those that love the slower pace, enjoy a stroll along the beautiful walking trail that follows the beach and don’t forget your camera, as the beach views and sunsets are amazing.
Top Tip – the local caravan park provides direct beach access.
Maslin Beach (optional detour)
To make the most of your coastal drive, we recommend an ‘in the know’ local detour. The secret is out and it isn’t a hidden gem anymore! Maslin Beach is a great spot that the locals are happy to keep all to themselves.
So what makes this place special? It’s the ochre coloured cliffs that adjoin the crisp white sand, which meets the aqua blue water. Total perfection. But don’t take our word for it, see for yourself.
If you have a furry friend along for the ride, this is a great spot to enjoy a stroll and you are welcome to let them roam free during off leash times.
Fun Fact: Maslin’s claim to fame is it’s Australia’s first nudist beach (southern section only).
Discover more about Maslin Beach
Port Willunga
Home to the famous Star of Greece Shipwreck, Port Willunga Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Australia. Known for its golden cliff faces, crystal clear waters and soft white sands, you can’t help but hop out of the car to capture one of the regions’ most photographed locations.
You can also swim here at any time of the day because the beach is protected by a natural cove. The waves are minimal, making the water safe for little swimmers and ideal if you enjoy paddle-boarding and kayaking.
Or if you want to relax and enjoy the views atop the cliff top, stunning seaside dining at the Star of Greece Restaurant is a must.
Top Tip - SUP hire (Stand Up Paddle)SUP hire (Stand Up Paddle)and lessons available during the warmer months, and for the adventurous SUP Yoga is great.
Discover more about Port Willunga
Silver Sands
Silver Sands is located between Aldinga Beach and Sellicks Beach and is a very popular beach for swimming, surfing and fishing. It also has drive on beach access, (beach pass required for Summer - purchase from the boat ramp or the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Boat ramp. Conditions Apply.) which provides the perfect spot to beach launch your boat.
The long stretch of sand goes on for miles, with breathtaking views of the coastline, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind, maybe even enjoy some fish and chips on the beach, while enjoying the sunset.
Between Sellicks Beach and Silver Sands, you will find the spectacular Aldinga Washpool. It is one of the last remaining coastal freshwater and estuarine lagoon systems along the Adelaide metropolitan coast and of great spiritual and cultural significance for the Kaurna people.
Discover more about Silver Sands
Sellicks Beach
This beautiful beach pushes so close against the rolling hills and red cliffs, you feel like you can reach out and touch them.
Sellicks Beach is perfect for long summer walks and picnics too. You can pack your own using some of the best local produce on offer or take away fish and chips is also a winner. Why not top it off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Heaven!
Sellicks as the locals call it, is a very special place in winter too, with the long stretches of white sand, blue skies and cool sea breeze you almost have the place to yourself! Bliss!
Discover more about Sellicks Beach
We would love to see your snaps of the drive using #Route31CoastalDrive for your chance for a re-share on our social media.
Once you've experienced this coastal taste of our region, discover the many wine, craft beer and award winning gin tastings to be enjoyed. Don't forget the Willunga Farmers Market - SA's first and best farmers market (yes, seriously national award winning - but you be the judge and taste it for yourself!)
Explore more of McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast
