Adelaide Hills

Family-friendly townships in the Fleurieu Peninsula.


Much like the Adelaide Hills, the neighbouring Fleurieu Peninsula is peppered with safe, adorable and family-centric towns. Whichever way you turn, there’s schools, parks and markets, wineries, and a stretch of South Australia’s famous beaches – from Goolwa, looping all the way up to Port Noarlunga. 

Open Google Maps and follow the Fleurieu’s ‘shoe’ for a nature’s playground. It’s no surprise the rental properties in Fleurieu Peninsula fill up every summer. But, it’s also a region that attracts families who are looking for the good life. You know, the large blocks, with gorgeous country-chic houses sitting atop hills, with sweeping valley and sea views. At the very least, you know the ocean isn’t far away. You can just feel it.

The Fleurieu ticks all the Hills lifestyle must-haves, without having to compromise the beach. Even with an Adelaide Hills property, you’re not far away.

Fleurieu living for families

It we had to pick one word that would start to explain towns in the Fleurieu Peninsula, it would have to be… charming. Take a day trip from your Adelaide Hills property to these 5 towns to begin to get a feel for the region.

1. Strathalbyn

One of our personal favourites, there’s no other town quite like ‘Strath’. You can still get a sense for what the town was like, when it was settled back in 1839. Quaint is an understatement. Picture antique markets, historical gardens and turn of the previous century architecture, with new schools and housing developments.

2. Ashbourne

Strathalbyn-adjacent, Ashbourne, is a small community with big flavoured local produce. The kind you can pick up on a Sunday morning from roadside stalls. It’s home to one of the most scenic strips in the Fleurieu, featuring the grandure of old red gums.

3. Victor Harbor

The seaside suburb with the most commercial activity would have to be Victor Harbor. For generations, families have been visiting this little coastal pocket of South Australia… and many choose to retire here, too.

4. Aldinga

If your idea of fun is taking the 4WD onto the beach and making a day of it, Aldinga has one of the few beaches that lets you do it. Surf, fish, meander the laid-back cafes and weekend markets. Life truly is a beach, living in Aldinga.

5. Clarendon

Shoulder-to-shoulder with the Onkaparinga River National Park and Scott Creek, Clarendon is a underrated suburb with close proximity to the world-famous McLaren Vale wine region and summertime beach favourites, Moana and Poart Noarlunga. Around ‘The Vale’, you’ll find gorgeous pubs, a bakery, orchards and historic architecture along the winding roads of this deep valley. Make sure you have your camera on this, oh-so-Hills, Sunday drive.

Visit Nitschke’s real estate office in the Adelaide Hills to chat through your property and suburb questions. Whether you’re interested in small acreage for sale in the Fleurieu Peninsula, got your eye on a specific suburb or are simply curious about life where hills meet the sea, we’d love to support you.

We’re not surprised that it’s one of the most-visited regions in SA. And just imagine, calling this little long weekend favourite, your home.