The Sandcastle House, Pelican Point, Limestone Coast
Things to do around Pelican Point
This is the list we leave for guests. Everything is on the Limestone Coast and within about an hour's drive of the house.
Without getting in the car
The beach is out the front and the house faces the sunset. Pelicans are regulars on the bay, and there are binoculars under the TV. On a clear night, walk outside at about 11 and look up.
Fishing and boating
Fishing and boating are a big part of life at Pelican Point. The beach boat ramp is next door to the house, so you launch a few steps from the door. Most people leave the boat on its trailer, either down the side of the house or on the sand.
Rock lobster is what the area is known for, and we've caught whiting here ourselves. The recreational rock lobster season in these waters runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 May 2027. Size, bag and pot rules apply, and the SA Fishing app from PIRSA has the current ones.
Carpenter Rocks, five minutes away, is a working southern rock lobster port. The fleet moors in Bucks Bay, and there's a second public boat ramp there beside a large car park.
Within half an hour
A relaxed beach walk, and the general store for milk, bread and takeaway.
A sinkhole lake you can swim in. It gets busy on warm days.
The crater lake the town is known for, with a walk around it. It turns a vivid blue over the warmer months.
Coastal views from the southernmost point of South Australia.
Pools and a gym, for a wet day.
A bit further
A sinkhole turned into a sunken garden.
A walk around the rim of a dormant volcano.
Wineries for tastings and tours.
Lunch in town and the Bowman Scenic Drive along the coast. The street market runs on set dates, listed on the Beachport Community Facebook page.
An outdoor swimming lake, open over summer.
Where we eat
The yellow fish and chip shop. The best flake we've had.
Go for the seafood chowder. Waterfront Cafe and Bompas are in town too.
Wagyu beef, served as a set dining experience.
Fresh seafood on Allan Drive, with a fish and chip truck out the front.
Our pick for a meal in Mount Gambier.
Shops and markets
- Mount Gambier has the supermarkets, Kmart, Big W, Bunnings, BCF, chemists and medical services.
- Port MacDonnell has a grocer and a chemist.
- Mount Gambier Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9am to 12pm at Cave Gardens.
Take the roads slowly at dusk, dawn and after dark. You will meet emus, kangaroos, wallabies and wombats.