Things to do in Cape Jaffa

Fishing in Cape Jaffa

Cape Jaffa Holiday Park sells bait and tackle at Reception making it easy for you to enjoy some local fishing without having to drag it all the way from home. You do not need a fishing permit whether you are fishing off the Jetty, off the beach or in a boat.  There are however rules & regulations on the sizing of the fish you can keep & also a catch limit/quota.

Cape Jaffa also has a boat launch facility which is the Council’s jurisdiction. Boat ramp users can either purchase an annual permit for $120, this will essentially allow the permit holder unlimited use of the ramp for the duration of the permit.  The permits are a “zip tie” permit that affixes to the boat winch, where it is visible for the inspectors. Alternatively, there is a ticket machine at the boat ramp where users can purchase a daily ticket for $12.

Day passes and annual passes (1st July – 30 June) are available to purchase at our Reception.

Wineries in Cape Jaffa

Cape Jaffa is a hidden gem of incredible South Australian wines. A few wineries to visit on your Cape Jaffa winery itinerary include Norkfolk Rise that has a beautiful Cellar Door with local produce cheese platters and amazing tastings available, are all grown on their 140-hectare estate vineyard that uses the cooling maritime influence of the majestic Southern Ocean to make their wines stand out.   Cape Jaffa Wines is also worth a visit, with tastings available most days including their famous addition, Loophole Brewing, for a complete taste of the region. Wangolina Station lies close by with their cellar door offers platters of food and great wine tastings. This vineyard grows Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and many more varieties for you to taste and learn more about. Lastly, on your Cape Jaffa Wine tour is Mount Benson, located a short distance away on Wright’s Bay Road famous for their red wine blends including a delightful aged, fortified wine. 

Kingston SE beach

Kingston SE Beach is a beautiful beach that is perfect for swimming. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing so many locals make their way down for a morning catch. The beach can be accessed by car so feel free to drive down and set up a picnic, some chairs and some beach games for a fun day on South Australia’s gorgeous south coast. Kingston SE has a few residents which you’ll hopefully get to see including pods of dolphins and fur seals which enjoy swimming along the coastline!

Kingston SE also has a local golf club, a museum, a seafood shop, bakeries and takeaway options so you can enjoy the full day exploring this seaside town.

4WD tracks in Cape Jaffa

Cape Jaffa is home to some amazing 4WD tracks including the Cape Jaffa Beach Drive, also referred to as Pink’s Beach Track. This 20km long beach is easily accessible during summer but can driven all year round for you 4W-Drivers.

The Little Dip Conservation Park is home to birdlife and wildlife but also a fantastic 4WD track. Starting near the coastal town of Robe you’ll make your way up to the Little Dip Beach and exploring beautiful and secluded bays.

Some other hidden gem 4WD tracks include Stoney Rise and Bishops Pate. Be sure to plan ahead and do your own research before heading out for a day of 4WDing. 4WD recoveries – 8am – 6pm minimum charges apply. Phone Mark 0488 788 096.

The Big Lobster

We couldn’t not include The Big Lobster. Also known as Larry, this is one of Australia’s “Big Things” and when travelling down South Australia’s coastline you’ll have to park the car and grab a selfie with him before you head off. Located on Princess Highway, this famous sculpture celebrates the large population of pelicans in the area. Wait, no the large population of lobsters, that makes more sense! Located in Kingston SE, the South Australian fishing town needed a mascot to stand proud and represent the area and Larry couldn’t have down a better job.

Lobster Fishing in Cape Jaffa

Well speaking of Larry the Lobster; Cape Jaffa is home to Southern Rock Lobster, also known as Crayfish, so if you’re into fishing then dinner is sorted! With recreational Lobster fishing – you do need a “pot Licence” that can be obtained from the Department of Primary Industries & Regions South Australia (PIRSA) & again, there are strict rules & regulations on the sizing & quantity you can keep. There is a PIRSA office in Kingston, SE.  The local PIRSA staff are fabulous & really active in the Kingston SE & Cape Jaffa region in inspecting fishers & advocating & educating people!

You can contact the Local Office on 8767 2358 – and they have information & brochures on catch limits & sizes. They are not in the office all the time – so it might take a few goes at getting through.

Kingston SE Jetty, South Australia

The Kingston SE Jetty is over 1km long! That’s right, it’s 1,219 metres long to be presise and is well worth a visit when visiting Cape Jaffa or the local regions. The area is home to plenty of interesting history which can be uncovered with the local signage. With many heading down to the Kingston SE Jetty for a lobster catching session, it is often home to many locals and tourists looking to catch a delicious dinner.

Long Beach, South Australia

This famous beach is one of South Australia’s most iconic beaches and a representative of the Limestone Coast. With crystal clear waters and kilometers of white sandy beaches, this idyllic stretch of coastline is a must-visit when staying in Cape Jaffa.

The family-safe beach mostly has gentle waves and can be driven on with car and 4WD, making it the perfect place to set up shop for the day. Completely secluded picnics by aquamarine water, dolphins playing by the shore and local birdlife playing in the sanddunes, you’re bound to have an amazing day.

Cape Jaffa Lighthouse

The Cape Jaffa Lighthouse was established in 1872 on Margaret Brock Reef, 8km out from sea. In 1974 the ligthouse was dismantled and moved to Kingston SE where people can now step inside and learn about this incredible history.

Owned by the National Trust of South Australia, grat care has been taken into preserving this lighthouse in pristine condition, making it a grat tourism spot for people travelling the Limeston Coast. With guided tours available at designated times you can learn even more about the rich history of this architecture, the area and why it has become a symbol for the local maritime industry.

Bernoulli Conservation Reserve

This reserve is a protected area just outside Cape Jaffa making it the perfect visit when staying in Cape Jaffa Holiday Park. The conservation park stretches 266 hectares and acts as a beautiful home for local wildlife and birdlife. With over 40 unique species of bird calling Bernouilli Conservation Reserve their home, it’s a great place for birdwatchers to spend a few hours exploring the walking trails. With Fairwrens, Honey eaters, Orange-bellied Parrots, Babblers, Fieldwrens and Hooded Plovers on the checklist; be sure to bring your binoculars.

This reserve offers a few unique environmental habitats including coastal dunes, fields and shrub lands which makes it a great home for so much birdlife.

Butcher Gap Conservation Park

The Butcher Gap Conservation Park is a gorgeous coastal scrub located between the Coorong National Park and the coastal town Robe. This conservation park has a wetland area, Salt Lake and Butchers Lake. With plenty of Australian wildlife living in this Conservation Park and seasonal waterbirds like white-faced herons, mountain ducks, chestnut teal and swans; this makes for a calm and relaxing walk.

The Butcher Gap Conservation Park Interpretive Trial will have you exploring the different habitats that make up this beautiful seaside coastal scrubs.

Cape Jaffa Seafood and Wine Fest

The Cape Jaffa Seafood & Wine Fest is a fun day that features live entertainment, kids activities and incredible food and wine. This day brings the Cape Jaffa and broader community together for one the local’s favourite days of the year. Sunday 12th January 2025 11am – 6pm, gates open at 10:30am

Naracoorte Caves

The Naracoorte Caves is a must visit when heading down south to the Limestone Coast. With 28 caves in the area and four open to the public, these underground worlds are absolutely incredible and well worth a visit. With self-guided walks and cave tours the Naracoorte Caves has plenty of awesome activities for you and the family. Start with the easy self-guided walking trail, then explore the Wonambi Fossil Centre with exhibitions that are rich in history. The Victoria Fossil Cave has incredible tours where you’ll learn about the bones in the cave, the research and heritage surrounding the cave and the region. The Bat Centre and Blanche Cave are also well-worth a tour, these one hour tours are home to one of the only 2 known breeding places for the Southern Bent-Wing Bat and these creatures are believed to have been here since megafauna roamed this land. Want more info? Then be sure to add this to your itinerary!

Tantanoola Caves

The Tantanoola Caves are one of South Australia’s most amazing caves and definetely worth the trip out to visit. A guide will take you through the history and geology so you can get a deep dive lesson into this cave and the region’s facinating landscape. Learn about the formations, how it was shaped by the ocean and how it’s evolved over thousands of years.

There is also a cliff top walking trail with incredible views and picnic grounds, so be sure to pack a lunch and have a day living life as a geologist.