Go for a drive: Second Valley, SA

ABOUT 90 minutes south of Adelaide, the drive to Second Valley takes in broad coastal views, grazing land and busy country towns.

ROLL the car windows down and get in the slow coastal lane for a pleasant drive to Second Valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

This hidden-away cove boasts a sheltered beach, quaint jetty and rambling paths around the rocks. There are also stunning views of the coastal cliffs and deep brown rolling farmland.

Start your journey at Brighton on the A15 rather than the Southern Expressway and take a turn to the right at Gulfview Rd to get to Christies Beach. Here you can drive along the clifftop Esplanade enjoying the sea breezes and magnificent views of the coastline stretching out into the haze.

Arriving at Port Noarlunga, Hortas restaurant above the Surf Life Saving Club is a good place to stop for a refreshment. There are tables, sofas and even deck chairs on its jetty-like balcony from where you can look out on to surf breaking on the reef.

From here, continue on down the Esplanade to the broad expanses of Moana Beach on to Commercial Rd and Old Coach Rd. You can take another right down Tuit Rd to get to the Northern end of Maslin Beach if you fancy “unclad bathing”. Or just keep going to Port Rd to get to Aldinga Beach.

The coast on the shore-side is as interesting as the sea as there are still some old fibro shacks nestled next to double storeyed concrete and brick mansions. Cars are allowed on Aldinga, Moana, Sellicks and Silver Sands beaches from 5.30am to midnight. From here connect with Main South Rd and start the climb up to Myponga.

On the right is the Nan Hai Pu Tuo Temple, a Buddhist complex still undergoing construction and best known for its 8m tall statue of the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin.

The giant, white edifice looks serenely out across parched yellow fields to the vast azure sea.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 3pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.

Continue on through a landscape of brown hills, gum trees and barbed wire fences to the laid-back towns of Myponga, Yankalilla and Normanville.

The Yankalilla Bakery has fresh, tasty vanilla slices, or you could enjoy an ice cream and views of the beach at Normanville’s Kiosk & Café.

From here continue down Main South Rd where a row of young fir trees frames the headland.

The road then turns inland and it’s only five minutes before you’re at the Finnis Vale Dr turnoff for Second Valley.

The jetty at Second Valley. Picture: BERNARD HUMPHREYS

There’s a car park right above the beach as well as public amenities so you can jump in the water right away. Be sure to bring flippers and snorkels as there is plenty of small marine life to spy among the rocks.

And you can test your patience jigging for squid or casting for fish from the jetty. For unsuccessful anglers the caravan kiosk does fish and chips.

If you’re in no hurry, stay to till dusk when the setting sun turns clouds above the now black peninsula to streaks of vermillion and gold.