Treat yourself to a break at Aldinga Beach, a small, quiet coastal town on the east coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. It is a popular weekend getaway among Adelaide’s residents and visitors. Thrill to a day along the ocean, go wildlife spotting on a hike through the countryside and explore a 19th-century shipwreck.

Ride the surf, cast your line, snorkel or simply relax at the beach, also called Aldinga Beach. It is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the town and is a long stretch of beautiful sand and blue sea. This is one of the few beaches in South Australia where you can drive your vehicle onto the sand.

Shore dive or snorkel around the wreck of the Star of Greece, a 19th-century three-masted iron ship that lies in about 13 feet (4 meters) of water. The vessel was on its way to Great Britain when it was hit by a severe storm and sank in 1888 with the loss of at least 18 lives. At low tide, view parts of the ship from the beach.

See more of the local scenery on a bushwalking adventure in the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park. This protected area of native coastal scrubland is home to dozens of bird species, such as rainbow bee-eaters and golden whistlers. A variety of walking trails pass through the wild landscape, also providing an opportunity to study rare species of plants, such as lacy coral lichen and orchids.

Back in the town, look at the mass grave for those who died aboard the Star of Greece at the Uniting Church and Cemetery and visit the 19th-century Gothic St. Ann's Anglican Church. This old building was constructed from local stone.

Aldinga Beach is about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of AdelaideOpens in a new window. Come by bus, train, taxi or rental car and enjoy a beachside getaway that offers relaxation as well as plenty of activities away from the sand.