A DAY IN....
Normanville
The weather’s warming up, so if you’re into underwater sports or casual strolls down a long, sandy beach, you should put Normanville on your must-visit list.
Words: Andrew Rasch
Known as ‘Normy’ to locals and only 76km from Adelaide, South Australia’s first dental surgeon, Robert Norman, founded this picturesque seaside town in the mid-19th century.
Many tourists know Normanville as somewhere to stretch their legs en route to the Kangaroo Island ferry at Cape Jervis. With plenty to see, do and eat, Normanville is also a destination in its own right.
See Head to Normanville’s beautiful beach and stroll along the jetty to soak in the scenery. Surf lifesavers patrol the beach during summer so you can swim with peace of mind.
If you’re after undersea adventures, you can scuba dive and snorkel off the Normanville coast. Since its scuttling in 2002, about 4km offshore, the HMAS Hobart is now a declared marine reserve and an outstanding dive site.
Back on land, visit the HMAS Hobart Memorial Lookout to truly appreciate the town’s ocean surroundings and landscape.
Eat and drink Start your day at the bustling One Little Sister with a hearty breakfast that far outweighs Vegemite on toast or cornflakes. For something adventurous, try the shakshuka – a Middle Eastern-style egg dish in a spicy tomato sauce – or a crab omelette with spring onions and enoki mushrooms.
If you’re hungry later in the day, One Little Sister also serves up tasty woodfired pizzas, which you can take away and enjoy as you watch the sunset over the water.
Don’t forget Aqua Blue kiosk and restaurant in the new Normanville Surf Lifesaving Club building. With everything from quick bites to fresh local seafood, tangy cocktails and fine wines, your food and beverage needs are sorted.
Shop Who doesn’t like some holiday retail therapy? With a wide array of homewares, gifts and clothing, Maudie & Fox will help you find a gift for someone special or a memento of your Normanville visit.
Stay If you decide to stay a night or two, choose the family-owned Beachside Holiday Park, with its cabins, caravans and camping sites. You’ll find loads of facilities for the whole family, including a water park, camp kitchen, games room and private beach access.
The Lady Bay Resort, with its sprawling ocean views, is located next to a nationally recognised golf course. After a pleasant day on the fairways and greens (and sand if your shot went astray), soothe your aching muscles in a spa suite and enjoy a cold drink on the balcony before dinner at the resort’s fine restaurant.
IMAGES: Graham Scheer; SATC/Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism.
Normanville Beach.
Links Lady Bay Resort.
Pizza at One Little Sister.
