10 Awesome Things To Do In Middleton

Located on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, the town's name is believed to have been derived from ‘Middle Town’, the halfway point between Victor Harbor and Goolwa on the railway line.

Middleton is popular for surfing, kite surfing, fishing, swimming, holiday activities and its famous bakery!

We have compiled a list of ‘Top Awesome 10 Things To Do in Middleton’ – a mixture of beach, leisure and cultural activities to keep all visitors entertained when stopping by Middleton.

1.Whale watching

The Southern Right Whale can often be seen off the low cliffs during June to September, with the most common location being off Middleton Point.

For about 90% of the time, the whales are spotted at Basham's Beach between Middleton and Port Elliot. You can stand on the foreshore and watch them, or join a whale watching boat tour such as the Big Duck Boat Tour from Victor Harbor.

2.Hindmarsh River Walks

The Visitor Information Centre in Victor Harbor has maps with 5 different estuary walks that take in the natural beauty of the Hindmarsh River Estuary.

The walks vary in duration from 20 minutes to 3 hours, and allow visitors the chance to discover an area with ecological significance being home to red river gums, rare swamp paperbark trees, and birdlife including species such as black chinned honey eaters and hooded plovers.

3.Encounter Pathway

Middleton is the perfect destination to start a cycling trip on the Encounter Pathway. This shared bike path runs along the foreshore, connecting through to Victor Harbor, and the stretch between Middleton and Port Elliot is its most spectacular.

The pathway is baby stroller and wheelchair-accessible and is popular with walkers, cyclists, skateboarders, and roller bladers. Hire a bike from Fleurieu Adventures and venture out to discover one of the popular routes towards the river port of Goolwa or cycle to Victor Harbor.

4.The Steam Exchange Brewery

For something a bit different, head to this local brewery that produces preservative-free beers. Situated in the nearby Goolwa Wharf Precinct, the range of beers includes their flagship ‘Steam Ale’ and a British-style dark ale ‘Southerly Buster Dark Ale’.

5.Surfing

Surf & Sun provide award-winning surf lessons at Middleton where you can learn to surf at one of South Australia’s most spectacular beaches. They provide all surfing equipment and an expert surf instructor so you’ll be up and surfing in no time!

6.Goolwa Animal Farm

Situated close to many of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s great beaches, this family run animal farm is a fun day out with plenty of activities and things to do.

They have typical farm animals but also a colony of wallabies, 3 different types of kangaroos, alpacas and emus. Pony rides, tractor train ride and play areas ensure a great trip for all with a cafeteria and picnic tables for parents to relax.

7.Art and craft galleries

Art and craft galleries are dotted around the region and provide tourists the chance to buy original paintings, sculptures, jewellery, ironworks, design, and woodwork.

In Middleton, you can visit the Blue Temper Ironworks or the Gunther George Paukner Gallery, or stop into the Artworx Gallery or Goolwa Community Arts and Craft Shop (in Goolwa), or the Ocean Street Art Gallery or Kiri Kiri Aboriginal Art Gallery (both in Victor Harbor).

8.Alexandrina Cheese Company

Located just half an hour from Middleton, foodies will love it here as they serve freshly brewed coffee, artisan cheeses including their Encounter Bay Edam and Fleurieu Feta and a delicious cheesecake that draws tourists in from miles.

9.Newland Head Conservation Park

West of Middleton lies this protected area with two rugged sandy beaches popular for fishing and surfing, a campground and many walking trails including the Heysen Trail that crosses through the park.

10.Hindmarsh Falls

Just 15 minutes from Middleton, this cascading waterfall is best viewed in winter or after periods of heavy rain. A pleasant walk leads you to a viewing area and there are picnic tables to relax and enjoy the peace of the bush and try spotting honey eaters and thrushes.