Cape Jervis is a pretty town set in South Australia on the tip of Fleurieu Peninsula.
With approximately 300 people living there, it offers an intimate encounter with local life in Australia, as well as some fun and fascinating things to do. If you love wildlife, foodie culture, and incredible scenery, Cape Jervis is the place to go.
From the town itself you can see out across the coastline which connects the Gulf St Vincent, Investigator Strait, and Backstairs Passage, and you can see the Cape Jervis Lighthouse from the headland.
Things to do in Cape Jervis
Because of its close proximity to several bodies of water and its stunning scenery, Cape Jervis plays host to numerous outdoor and cultural activities. It is a small community, primarily used for visitors who take the passenger ferry over to Kangaroo Island. On Cape Jervis, there is a lighthouse that was built on the foundations of a lighthouse that was there a century ago. The modern lighthouse was built in 1972 and is a white concrete building that is easily recognisable due to its unique shape.
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Kangaroo Island
To get to Kangaroo Island you have to travel through Cape Jervis. From the town you can take a ferry across the small stretch of water to the island to explore the fascinating array of animal life that lives there. Expect to see sea lions, kangaroos, koalas and other native species, as well as a backdrop of pristine beaches and lush greenery.
Kangaroo Island in itself has one of the most ruggedly beautiful landscapes in Australia. It’s a small island that is authentic, and not crowded with tourists. It’s perfect for families as well as adventure seekers with a lot to do on the island such as kayaking, walking trails and a trip to Seal Bay.
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Whale Watching
The seas that surround Cape Jervis are often home to magnificent whales, and you can take a boat out into the Victor Harbour area to catch a glimpse of these impressive creatures. The whales migrate from May to November and the area also sees a number of seals and dolphins making their way along the coast. The whale species found most commonly around Kangaroo Island is the blue whale, which is the world’s largest animal.
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Fishing
The Cape is also a hotspot for fishermen and, with a number of companies offering chartered boats out to sea, there’s plenty of opportunity to catch snapper, squid, sharks, tommies, and a other local species. The scenery while out fishing is spectacular, and the Fishery Beach area is known to be a great fishing ground that grew in popularity during the 1950s and 60s.
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Markets
Throughout the Fleurieu Peninsula there are tonnes of tiny towns that host colourful local markets. Each weekend, country markets draw in tourists and locals alike with their homemade jams, fresh vegetables, and handmade trinkets. Cape Jervis’s very own community market is held on the second Sunday of every month with locals selling handmade crafts, and fresh seafood.
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Enjoy the Wine
Cape Jervis is renowned for being the gateway to some of Australia’s best wine regions, which means the restaurants in town serve up a delectable selection. If that’s not enough, you can venture out to some of the surrounding wineries and vineyards that pepper the countryside. After a 45-minute passage to Kangaroo Island, an emerging wine region in Australia, head to one of the many wineries on land, such as Bay of Shoals. Here at their cellar door, visitors can sample wine varietals such as Riesling and Shiraz.
At Dudley Wines, which was established in 1997 by a fourth generation Kangaroo Island local; Jeff Howard. The property is now managed by himself, and his three children along with their families. Their cellar door has won accolades around Australia and was once featured on the Australian reality cooking show ‘MasterChef’. Jeff’s son Brodie Howard is the chief winemaker and has been since 2000, creating both traditional and experimental wines that have brought the focus of the rest of the country to Kangaroo Islands’ wine region.
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Get Back to Nature
There are a number of national parks that can be found in Cape Jervis’ vicinity. The closest, Deep Creek Conservation Park, is located less than half an hour from the town and boasts incredible hiking routes, breath-taking wildlife encounters, and stunning rural views.
Here you will discover western grey kangaroos and a variety of native wildlife. It is an untouched beauty on the Fleurieu Peninsula, 100 kilometres outside of Adelaide’s CBD. Those who are avid bird watchers should make their way here to discover over 90 bird species that live on the conservation park. If you’re more inclined to hiking, there are 15 walking trails ranging from easy to difficult, each with their own beautiful scenery to match.
In the Encounter Marine Park off the coast of Kangaroo Island, there are plenty of ways to get in touch with the aquatic life near the island. You can do this by fishing at Wirrina or Murray Mouth, either at the beach or jetty however, you must respect the sanctuary zones where the conservation of much marine life occurs. Diving is also quite popular along this area, especially at Port Noarlunga Reef as it is easily accessible.
Whatever you decide to get up to in Cape Jervis, you’ll have a great time getting to know this small and beautiful part of Australia.