Road Trip to Waitpinga, SA
We love our road trips in Molly our Toyota Coaster Motorhome, and the destination for this weekend’s road trip was Breakaway Farmstay at Waitpinga on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Waitpinga is about a two hour drive from where we live, consisting of a fairly relaxing hour south along the highway, a not-so-relaxing 30 minutes through the traffic close to Adelaide city, and then a peaceful meander the rest of the way through the McLaren Vale region, the outskirts of Victor Harbour and then on to Waitpinga.
We had booked a site at Breakaway Farmstay through Hipcamp as it was close to Waitpinga Quad Bike adventures where my wife had booked a tour for Sunday morning. It also had farm animals to get up close with which was pretty enticing! The last few trips we have been on in Molly we have stayed in caravan parks so it was good to have the opportunity to stay in a different environment. Not exactly free camping but less structured than a caravan park.
We were a tad early to check in to Breakaway Farmstay so took the opportunity to go and check out Waitpinga Beach which was close by.
Hello Waitpinga Beach!
Tucked away on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, this hidden gem is loved by surfers, fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers and hikers. Its sheer beauty is awe inspiring. Picture this: rugged cliffs towering above golden sands, kissed by the azure waters of the Southern Ocean. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to pinch yourself to check if it’s real. Waitpinga Beach is certainly a feast for the eyes.
Don’t let its pretty face fool you, the water at Waitpinga is treacherous and there are numerous signs up to tell you so. You can see the deadly rips and undercurrents for yourself standing on the boardwalk. Swimming is discouraged and surfing is for the experienced surfers only. Despite this (or because of this), surfers flock here to ride the legendary waves, feeling the exhilaration as they carve through the surf. With its exposed location and consistent swells, Waitpinga offers a challenge that keeps surfers coming back for more. Even if you’re not ready to hang ten, watching the surfers from the shore is a thrilling experience in itself.
Of course, no trip to Waitpinga Beach would be complete without a picnic overlooking the ocean. Pack a basket full of local treats – think fresh seafood, crusty bread, and a bottle of wine from a nearby vineyard. Being a warm day when we visited, we set up the deck chairs and picnic table in the shade of the bus. The surf was pretty rough so there was no-one out surfing, but plenty of people fishing from the shore. Waitpinga Beach, it turns out, is a popular spot for salmon fishing.
Breakaway Farmstay
With its comfortable grassy and shady camp sites, cute farm animals, and proximity to Victor Harbour and local beaches, Breakaway Farmstay is a great camping option. It is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The farm boasts over 100 acres of land which makes for a peaceful location, far away from the noisy distractions of urban life. Phone coverage is also patchy which I actually liked. No point checking the phone for messages because there won’t be any!
The owner greeted us on arrival and pointed out our campsite and the location of the amenities. He made us feel very welcome, helped us find the right spot to park on our campsite (the flattest spot!) and nothing was too much trouble. There was a water tank right by our site that we were welcome to use. The toilets were a short walk away and were very clean and tidy. In fact, they looked brand new. Very fancy toilets for a camp site! They are like upmarket portaloos complete with their own hand basin inside. All the camp sites and amenities are concentrated in one pocket of the farm making sure everything is easy to find.
A welcome surprise was the swimming pool. An undercover, heated pool right by the main residence that is free for campers to use. Best of all, when I donned my bathers, grabbed my towel and headed up there, there was no-one else in there! I had the whole pool to myself.
Next door to the pool is a games room which is home to a pool table and a table tennis table. Liz and I spent some time in here too, challenging each other to a game of each. Off the games room is a bathroom which features a toilet and a shower, both of which campers are free to use.
The farm animals are a joy to sit back and watch. Sheep, chooks, ducks and cows can all be seen roaming freely and grazing nearby. In the morning, the owner fed the sheep and campers were welcome to go in and help out. The kids in the camp loved this interactive experience! The bird life is amazing. In the late afternoon I sat outside in a chair just listening to the birds starting to settle down for the night. The magpies and the kookaburras were leading the chorus in full song. They were back again for another rendition to herald in the new day the following morning.
Whether you prefer pitching a tent under the stars or parking your motorhome, camping trailer or caravan, Breakaway Farmstay really does have something for everyone.
Explore Nearby Attractions
While Breakaway Farmstay offers plenty to see and do on-site, its close proximity to Waitpinga Beach, the Heysen Trail and other walking tracks opens up a world of exploration for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll along the coastline, a hike through rugged bushland, or birdwatching in the nearby reserves, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting to be discovered.
Waitpinga Farm Quad Bike Adventures
My wife loved the quad bike adventure. For those craving an adrenaline rush, Waitpinga Farm Quad Bike Adventures offer an exhilarating way to explore the surrounding countryside. Zooming through rugged terrain and scenic trails, participants can experience the thrill of off-road adventure while taking in the beauty of the landscape from a unique perspective. Friendly guides, a huge farming property to explore, cute animals and loads of opportunities to test out her quad biking skills. It was a talking point for weeks afterwards. Highly recommend!
Take a Hike
I opted for a more leisurely adventure – a hike along the Ridgeway Hill walking trail at Newland Head Conservation Park. I parked at Waitpinga Beach and followed the walking track in to Waitpinga Campground which was about a fifteen minute walk.
The campground is well set out and pictureseque, and caters for tent and swag campers. No motorhomes or caravans are allowed. Not suitable for Molly the camper bus, but might be worth bringing the tent to stay a night or two here and explore the walking tracks. Facilities include flushing toilets, communal gas BBQ’s, a picnic shelter and tables and a rain water tank.
From the campground you can choose to do the Cliff Top walk or the Ridgeway Hill trail. I had previously done the Cliff top walk when I walked this section of the Heysen Trail, so opted for the latter. It was a lovely way to spend a few hours. Lots of birds to be seen, and the banksias were in full bloom which was a stunning sight.
Victor Harbour
Just a short drive away from Breakaway Farmstay lies the charming coastal town of Victor Harbor, known for its historic charm and scenic beauty. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Granite Island Causeway, ride the historic horse-drawn tram, or embark on a whale-watching cruise (seasonal) to catch a glimpse of these majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat. There are also lots of restaurants, café’s and bars to explore.
Breakaway Farmstay at Waitpinga offers a unique South Australian getaway, combining the tranquility of a farm stay with the allure of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Whether it’s unwinding amidst the picturesque surroundings, engaging in farm activities, or exploring the nearby attractions, a holiday at Breakaway Farmstay really does have something for everyone. So get on the road in your Toyota Coaster Motorhome, escape the everyday, and embark on an exciting journey to this South Australian gem.
For more location inspiration for you and your Toyota Coaster Motorhome visit our Destination ideas page!
