Located partway between Second Valley and Normanville, Wirrina Cove is a holiday resort town on South Australia’s beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s a significant site for the Kaurna people as home to a sacred freshwater spring associated with the creator ancestor Tjilbruke. Today, Wirrina Cove provides a setting for golfing, diving and fishing.
Things to do in Wirrina Cove
Sunk just off the coast of Wirrina Cove is the HMAS Hobart, a Royal Australian Navy missile destroyer that fought during the Vietnam War and provided disaster relief in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy. In 2002, the vessel was purposely sunk in Yankalilla Bay as a dive site and is officially known as the Fleurieu Artificial Reef. Elevated views of the reef are on offer from the HMAS Hobart Memorial Lookout.
Golfers can practise their swing at the Wirrina Cove Golf And Country Club, which comprises an 18-hole Championship course set amidst scenic natural surroundings. With 75 bunkers, six ponds and two creeks, it provides challenges for players of all abilities. Local kangaroos can often be seen grazing on the edge of the fairways and there’s a clubhouse where you can refuel after your round.
Constructed in the late 1980s is the Marina St Vincent, which initially served day trips venturing across the Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island. It’s now the launching point for cruises exploring the magnificent coastline of the southern Fleurieu Peninsula. Fishing charters are available with the team at DownWind to lure tuna, snapper and whiting.
Getting around Wirrina Cove
Wirrina Cove is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Adelaide and Adelaide Airport, which has flights to destinations across Australia, Asia and the Middle East. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to and around Wirrina Cove while the Marina St Vincent can easily be explored on foot.