Just a short drive from the bustling metropolis that is Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula showcases the best of everything South Australia has to offer in one beautiful location. The dreamy countryside gives way to white sandy beaches while the visitor-friendly McLaren Vale is a wine lover’s paradise known for producing some of the best drops in the world.
While visiting the region explore the Murray Mouth and the surrounding wetlands, bush walk through Deep Creek National Park, catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island, try your hand at surfing down Goolwa Beach or follow the Fleurieu Art Trail and discover works housed in over 40 galleries across the Fleurieu Peninsula.
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When your day is done or you need a refreshment mid-excursion, you’ll have no problem finding a boozer to quench your thirst. The Fleurieu Peninsula has a wide selection of watering holes ranging from classic country hotels to modern gastropubs, with the one thing they all have in common being good beer and even better service. Here is a selection of the best pubs on the Fleurieu Peninsula worth a visit.
McLaren Vale Hotel
McLaren Vale
Having been crowned Best Overall Country Hotel in 2023, it’s safe to say the McLaren Vale Hotel is top shelf. Located in the heart of South Australian wine country and recently redeveloped, this public house accommodates both locals and those passing through.
The redesign gives the hotel a modern feel that matches the upmarket pub fare and cocktail bar found in the Bellevue dining and bar area, serving as a tribute to the property’s former name from 1901-1939.
If the fancy stuff isn’t your vibe, drop into the laidback Vale Bar and knock back a few froths with the locals while playing pool or watching the big game on multiple TV screens.
Find out more about the McLaren Vale Hotel here.
The Old Bush Inn
Willunga
Known as the top pub on the Willunga high street, this state heritage-listed inn is pokies-free with a focus on food, craft beers and local wines.
This is your typical country pub with a great selection of beers on tap and an unpretentious menu that even includes a few vegan dishes.
Get down on a Thursday for “schnitty night” and get stuck in while admiring the history of this 181-year-old pub.
Find out more about The Old Bush Inn here.
Hotel Elliot
Port Elliot
Just minutes away from Horseshoe Bay and Freeman Lookout, Hotel Elliot is the ideal spot to soak up everything Port Elliot has to offer. Arrive via the famous Cockle Train that stops opposite the pub and enjoy a few drinks while listening to live music on a Sunday.
Order food in the restaurant, bistro or beer garden and select from a range of impressive options including share platters, Queensland tiger prawns, Wagyu rump steak and the classic pulled pork burger.
If you’re more of a cocktail-type operator, pop next door to the Salt at the Elliot wine bar where you can sample local vinos or choose from a decadent selection of spirits and cocktails. We recommend the Elliot Martini made with Chambord, vodka and pineapple juice.
Find out more about the Hotel Elliot here.
Victory Hotel
Sellicks Hill
If you love a view, head to the Victory Hotel and watch the sunset over Sellicks Beach and Aldinga Bay while enjoying a pint of the local stuff or a glass of vino from the pub’s 8,000 cellared bottles.
First built in 1858, the Victory Hotel has been restored to its former glory and consists of a front bar, restaurant, specialist wine cellar, and bottle shop. The upmarket pub food is curated by head chef Andy Luks who sources local produce for his seasonal menu.
Without a pokie machine in sight, this is a great place to stop for a meal and a beer after a day of adventuring around the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Find out more about the Victory Hotel here.
The Greenman Inn
Ashbourne
Built in 1865, the Greenman Inn was originally the Post Office and General Store for Ashbourne before being transformed into a watering hole in 2018. Merging modern sensibilities with country charm, the Greenman has a seasonal menu and extensive drinks list to boot.
Dog-friendly, there’s also a large children’s play area outside, with The Greenman Inn welcoming to all who pass through Ashbourne. It’s also known for serving great coffee if it’s not beer o’clock.
Find out more about The Greenman Inn here.
Corio Hotel
Goolwa Beach
After you’re done surfing for the day make your way to the Corio Hotel for a meal and a pint at one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s most iconic country pubs. Established in 1858, the Corio is straight out of a time capsule with the 80s décor and friendly staff making you feel right at home.
The front bar has Coopers on tap, a pool table, TAB facilities and a pokies room, while the family-friendly bistro serves up a selection of tasty treats with plenty of seafood options, including oysters, salt and pepper squid and the hotel’s famous Corio seafood platter that’s packed with fresh, local seafood.
Find out more about the Corio Hotel here.
Mount Compass Hotel
Mount Compass
It might look like somebody’s house when driving past but don’t be discouraged by the simple-looking façade. The Mount Compass Hotel has a great atmosphere where you can enjoy classic pub meals while sipping on a craft beer or local wine.
The old-fashioned sports bar ticks all the boxes while the pleasant beer garden means you can sit outside and enjoy a cold one while watching the world go by. How’s the serenity?
Find out more about the Mount Compass Hotel here.
Middleton Tavern
Middleton
Smack bang in the centre of Middleton, this popular tavern has been owned and operated by the Mack family for over 25 years. The iconic whale painting adorning the outside wall greets punters as they enter the family-friendly atmosphere curated by this awesome country pub.
There’s a real community vibe when visiting the Middleton Tavern, with darts, poker and 8-ball tournaments held weekly and the bar and bistro areas catering to all tastes. Drop in Monday to Friday for lunch specials and dinner deals or head to the bar daily for a surprisingly affordable pint of Coopers best.
Find out more about Middleton Tavern here.
Yankalilla Hotel
Yankalilla
This is the definition of a classic country pub. The Yankalilla Hotel is open from 10am to 10pm, serves high-quality pub grub (burgers, schnitzels, fish and chips) and has a solid drinks list that includes craft beers, local wines and several cocktails.
There are happy hour specials, weekly meat tray raffles, live music on the weekends and a dedicated sports bar for the punters. With the hotel’s website proclaiming they “exist to create an unforgettable experience,’ it’s hard to argue if you’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy the hospitality of the Yankalilla Hotel. Two thumbs up.
Find out more about the Yankalilla Hotel here.
The Normanville Hotel
Normanville
The coastal town of Normanville was established by South Australia’s first dentist, Robert Norman, who also opened the Normanville Hotel in 1851. Family-owned and operated by the Blackrock’s since 1973, the Normy has several dining and bar areas, a bottle-o and accommodation options.
History buffs will enjoy the scattering of photos and local artifacts on display throughout the hotel, while the beer garden is the place to be on a warm summer day.
Find out more about The Normanville Hotel here.
Anchorage Hotel
Victor Harbour
There’s not a lot of choice when it comes to pubs in Victor Harbor, which is surprising when you consider it’s a tourist hot spot. The Crown is fine if you’re after a no-frills tradie pub, but for mine, it’s hard to go past the Anchorage Hotel.
This early 1900s guesthouse is a great place to shack up for the weekend. The beach is just metres from the hotel and the bridge to Granite Island is no more than a 10-minute walk.
But it’s not just the location, the Anchorage Hotel is a hospitable pub where you can grab a decent feed while sitting outside and breathing in the fresh sea air.
Like many coastal towns, the menu is seafood-heavy, but you can also order classic pub food and pizzas. The drinks list is solid and if there on a weekend you might even catch some live music.
Find out more about the Anchorage Hotel here.
Cape Jervis Tavern and General Store
Cape Jervis
If you happen to find yourself in Cape Jervis, it’s probably because you plan on catching the ferry across to Kangaroo Island. There might not be a great deal to see in the small coastal town, but if you’re after supplies and looking for a feed or a quiet pint, the Cape Jervis Tavern and General Store is the place to be.
As the name suggests, this tavern is both a general store and a pub. The general store serves up snack food like fish and chips, burgers and toasted sangers, while the tavern slings pizzas, Thai and general pub grub.
There’s a really friendly vibe with both the staff and patrons happy to have a chat or offer advice on the area. An ideal place to sink a few cold ones before the short ferry ride across the Backstairs Passage.
Find out more about the Cape Jervis Tavern and General Store here.
