King of North Bay Carrickalinga review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

A huge two-storey, four-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-lounge beauty in Carrickalinga can accommodate up to 14 guests plus pooches.

The car had barely come to a stop when the doors were flung open, followed quickly by screams and barks of sheer delight as the kids – human and fur – cast their eyes on the magnificent Carrickalinga coastline which was going to be our home and playground for the next four days.

As usual, the criteria for any family holiday booking must include “pet friendly” accommodation as our beloved rescue girls – referred to as the Princepessas – are, of course, very much part of the family. The girls love holidays and they most certainly gave the paw of approval on this one.

Googling “pet friendly” accommodation we came across King of North Bay and, wow, wasn’t it The King! A huge two-storey, four-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-lounge beauty that accommodates up to 14 guests plus pooches.

King of North Bay – 103 Gold Coast Drive, Carrickalinga. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

This trip, with the grandparents in tow and a family friend and her two teenage daughters as well, there was plenty of room on offer. The view alone was an absolute highlight.

Set at the end of a cul-de-sac with massive windows overlooking Carrickalinga’s celebrated North Beach – which is just a short stroll away – meant our view was at a premium. From the front there was a chance you might see a family of dolphins swim along the coastline and, from the back, with the rolling hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula, you could catch a glimpse of a mob of roos, native birds and butterflies. It was glorious.

Dining around the large table, in the open planned living area just off the kitchen, easily drew our crew in to sit around, enjoy a meal and a chat. The house was large but cosy and gave off a real family togetherness feel.

The open plan living area is tastefully decorated. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The open planned living area divided the bedrooms so the adults could have their own private retreat from the kids. The main upstairs bedroom had an ensuite and a small kitchenette as well as beautiful coastal views, from large windows with a balcony for sunset evenings with a beverage. Just below was a second lounge area with a gorgeous large bay window that the princespessas would keep constant watch for pirates – well that is what I would say they were doing!

I’ve always loved the soft Mediterranean light that falls over the Fleurieu Peninsula and the sounds of the gentle surf and fresh sea air made our stay utterly relaxing and truly magical. In the evening as the sun set we all enjoyed gathering in the formal bay windowed lounge, some with a cuppa, others with a glass of wine. Usually the supplied board games would come out and into the night we would play.

In the morning, the lovely sunshine would invite us out. Often the grandparents were happy just sitting out the front, on the plush (supplied) deckchairs, cuppa in hand. With an elevated view they would happily watch on as we took off down the beach. If we weren’t spending time down at the beach having a swim, sunbaking, throwing balls for the Princepessas or just sitting on the soft sand pondering life, we would make the trip into Normanville. Some of us would take the lovely hour-long coastal walk there, the grandparents would do the short drive and others would hop on the push bikes (ours) and take the lovely part coastal bike trail into town to meet up for a coffee.

Normanville has a wonderful vibe with its coffee shops, bakery, restaurants, pub and well stocked supermarket. It’s a bustling little town and very welcoming.

Further south we ventured to delightful Second Valley for the day. The kids and Princespessas had so much fun running around on the sand and curiously investigating around the rocks and crevices of the bay. It’s a quaint little spot and often the waters are still for a nice easy swim.

There was just so much to do and you could do as much or as little as you liked, which made for a truly wonderful, fun, easy, relaxed holiday for all.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in May 2019 and details updated in March 2021

• 103 Gold Coast Drive, Carrickalinga
• fleurieuaccommodation.com.au/accommodation/Carrickalinga/House/263-King-of-North-Bay-103-Gold-Coast-Drive/
• LOCATION Just over an hour drive, 81km south of Adelaide CBD.
• ACCOMMODATION Two-storey house on absolute beach front, which sleeps 12-14 people.
• FACILITIES Four bedrooms includes two queen-size beds, two double beds, four bunk beds and two fold up beds stored under the stairs, three bathrooms including a bath, BBQ area, open fireplace, airconditioning, pets upon application.
• PRICE Average price of $308 a night. Linen and towels not provided.