Second Valley Beach

Sea caves, rocky cliffs, secluded sandy nooks. Second Valley Beach is like a fantasy location made real. Just check out the hash tag #secondvalley on Instagram and your jaw will drop. This incredible swim spot in South Australia is a bucket-list worthy destination. Situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula, not too far from where you get the ferry across to Kangaroo Island, it’s definitely one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. A must-do if you’re travelling around the country, or just want a weekend escape from Adelaide.  

Type of spot: 

Coastal beach/rocky cove where you can swim, snorkel, and cliff jump. 

 Type of access:

Access is directly from the car park near the entry. You can walk straight onto the beach, and there are paths that lead to rocky areas and small coves to the south. To reach the cliff jump, duck under the jetty railing on the left-hand side and follow the coastline. Some rock scrambling is involved, so be safe.

Walking distance: 

It’s a short walk from the car park (less than 5 minutes). If you’re exploring the rock areas or cliff jumping spots, expect some uneven ground and light scrambling. Once again, use caution in these areas. 

Best season to swim: 

Late spring through to early autumn when the water is warmer and conditions are typically calm.

Supplies: 

• Water and snacks (there’s a small takeaway shop nearby with limited options) 

• Closed-in shoes if you plan to climb or explore the rocks 

• Snorkel gear for the coves (the snorkelling is especially good between the jetty and cliff jump)

• Sun protection (not much shade) 

Recommended for:

Most people! The beach itself is great for families and casual swimmers, but the rocky sections, cliff jumping, and snorkelling areas are better suited to confident swimmers and those comfortable on uneven terrain.