IAN AND ROSE’S LOCAL GEM'S - This is what your hosts enjoy doing locally…….you might too!

CLIFF TOP WALK

We feel walking the Heysen Trail to the immediate west of the Retreat is on a par with any walk in Australasia….…for coastal drama, flora and fauna and the shear wilderness qualities …….try to do this half hour walk [both ways] for the good of your soul.

SWIM THE ABORIGINAL FISH TRAP

Descendants of local aborigines tell us the stone walled pond on Kings Beach immediately below the Retreat was used as a fish trap by their ancestors…..…it is a beautiful and protected place to swim  or snorkel and a wonderful place to watch the sun come up…….or practice your yoga or whatever is your thing.

VISIT THE LOCAL  FARMERS  MARKET  FOR  YOUR  WINTERGARDEN  LUNCH

The market takes place every Saturday morning on the Reserve opposite the main Woolworths shopping centre in central Victor…. stock up with local specialities for a lazy lunch in the much loved winter garden attached to your retreat ….in an unequalled coastal ambience….we eat there ourselves when its available.

WALK TO THE BLUFF FOR BREAKFAST OR LUNCH

Many people enjoy the 30 minute walk to Victors famous Bluff… ….then rewarding themselves with breakfast , lunch or just a coffee or drink on the spectacular WHALERS BY THE BLUFF deck overlooking Encounter Bay ,Granite Island and Victor Harbor itself………located on the north side of the Bluff…..ring on 85524400.

GOOD FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND GOURMET FOODS

LOCAL DINING

We like the BEACH HOUSE CAFE…just 10 minutes away and centrally located at 62 Franklin Parade in Encounter Bay….its bouncy and beachy and does wood fired pizzas and curries…and does take away as well….is open most nights but ring first on 85524417.

If we feel like Asian we trek a little further [15 mins] into the RED ORCHID NOODLE BAR AND RESTAURANT overlooking the beach in central Victor [Esplanade] which is always good value…..phone 85528488 or 85529277.

When nearby dining with a view is on the agenda you cannot go past WHALERS BY THE BLUFF…7 minutes away ….85524400.

PERSONALISED MASSAGE IN THE RETREAT

If you feel like a special treat or to learn a technique like tai chi we strongly recommend the highly experienced Bill Brockschmidt…..who loves coming to the Retreat to add his skills to its healing qualities…and at $70.00 per hour represents great value [ usually recoupable from  medical benefits]….phone 0448884188 for an appointment.

DARRYS VERANDAH AT MCLAREN VALE   

A great food and wine experience at D’Arenberg winery….. Restaurant 0883294848.

RUSSELL’S PIZZA AT WILLUNGA

Russell Jeavons is known all over the world for his brick oven expertise…he only opens one or two nights a week so booking is essential……0885562571.

KINGSBROOK AT CURRENCY CREEK

A clever handcrafted ‘french provincial’ character pervades this interesting country house and winery…..great for lunch or coffee but always ring first on 0885554007.

WILLUNGA FARMERS MARKET

Every Saturday morning in the heart of this historic ‘wine and produce’ town.

FLYING FISH CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT AT PORT ELLIOT

Right on the water edge of very popular, safe and intimate scaled Horse Shoe Bay and opening right onto the sand this is one of the most attractive restaurants with attached café/kiosk in the State. Phone  0885543504

AQUACAF GOOLWA

Located on the lake edge in an old boat house at 87 Barrage Road this café is full of ambience with indoor and outdoor seating and interesting, quality food…..0885551235.

ENCHANTING GOLF

The old VICTOR HARBOR GOLF CLUB has great ocean views, a wonderful natural setting [kangaroos abound] and a friendly country course ambience….. it is only 15 minutes away on Yankalilla Road….phone 85522030 for visitor information and tee time availability.

RAYWOOD NURSERY AT DEEP CREEK CONSERVATION PARK FOR A PICNIC

Located 35 minutes from the Retreat on the way to Cape Jervis [and KI] this colourful nursery is integrated attractively into the native bushland and is a great location for an interesting  picnic on the doorstep of the popular conservation park next door…..Tapanappa Road Delamere 0885980267.

ALEXANDRINA CHEESE COMPANY 

Located 8km south of Mt Compass this internationally successful enterprise produces milk and cream like only our grandparents would remember….from the now rare Jersey cow…and the cheeses are to die for…..stop for a coffee and snack while you stock up on amazing cheeses, yogurts, ricottas, fetta etc…. Sneyd Road MT  Jaggard…open 7 days till 4.30

AUTHENTICITY DAY SPA AND HEALTH RETREAT AT PORT ELLIOT

Clever reuse of the old Governers summer residence makes a beautiful tranquil setting for personal pampering or just a healthy coffee or snack……14 Waterport Road 0885542088.

HOTEL ELLIOT

Great value and good quality food and wine in an old hotel ambience set centrally at 35 The Strand, Port Elliot….0885542218.

DAY WINE TRIPS TO LANGHORN CREEK OR MACLAREN VALE

These both are memorable trips that showcase not only the excellent and often famous regional wines but also local produce,eating and arts and crafts.

NORTH ADELAIDE HERITAGE GROUP

It’s worth coming all the way to Adelaide just for the experience of staying in one of these world class apartments, cottages and suites ... 08 82721355. http://www.adelaideheritage.com/

LIFETIME PRIVATE RETREATS KANGAROO ISLAND

Spend a few days on stunning Kangaroo Island. Stay at LifeTime private retreats in your own luxury private home and discover wildness, vitality and laughter in one of the world's great wild island hideaways. http://www.life-time.com.au/