Fun Things to Do at Encounter Marine Park

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Posted 2015-01-08 by Dave Walsh ⇒ follow

Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and many of the best beaches in Adelaide are only a short drive from the CBD.

Forget the pebbles of Brighton Beach in England or the regimented rows of umbrellas at Cannes, the beaches in Adelaide have clean white sand and the sea is beautifully unspoiled. It's easy to head to the closest metropolitan beach when it's time to relax but you should not overlook South Australia's marvellous Encounter Marine Park.

Encounter Marine Park stretches along the Fleurieu Peninsula coast from pretty Port Noarlunga to the top of the Coorong, and out as far as the beaches of Kangaroo Island . Apart from enjoying the natural beauty, there are many fun things to do at places all through the marine park. Boating, canoeing, flying a kite, snorkelling, exploring rock pools, wakesurfing, spearfishing and exploring underwater wrecks are just a few of the water sports that are possible in the Encounter Marine Park.

At Port Noarlunga Beach swimming, canoeing, and enjoying the marine life are all popular. The more adventurous can go exploring the Port Noarlunga reef - snorkelling, scuba and SNUBA diving can show you unseen beauty under water. Over 200 species of marine plant and fish are found at the reef and include bryozoans, sponges, hydroids, ascidians and molluscs, and fishing from the Port Noarlunga jetty is popular too.

The majestic cliffs and crystal clear cool waters of Maslins Beach are most commonly associated with getting naked in public , but just around the corner surfing and swimming are popular water sports at some times of the year. Further south, Port Willunga beach , Aldinga, and Sellicks Beach are beautiful to visit for a day trip, and some are accessible by car and also OK to have your dog off leash.

From Carrickalinga to Cape Jervis is a quieter stretch of coast, but there are fun things to do if you look. Go fishing at Cape Jervis or you can even dive and explore the former HMAS Hobart, the only artificially prepared naval wreck in Australia where divers can gain access to an engine room (permit required).

Victor Harbor has many attractions and taking the Bluff Summit Walk will give you a clear view of this part of the Encounter Marine Park. In the right season you may also be able to spy a whale .

Walking the Harbourmaster's Trail in Port Elliot for stunning coastal views of the marine park is just one of the many fun things to do - see here for more ideas.

Surfing is just one of many water sports to enjoy in Middleton, and there are many other things to see and do there while on a short holiday. Our south coast has some of the cleanest and best beaches in Adelaide.

The larger town of Goolwa has even more aquatic activities to enjoy in the Encounter Marine Park. Water sports on offer include swimming. fishing, canoeing the Coorong and you can also hire a jet ski , even one big enough to take kids with you.