Cape Jervis is a small town with a population of around 300 people located at the very edge of the Fleurieu Penninsula. It's the main ferry terminal to Kangaroo Island which is a popular tourist destination, but for many, Cape Jervis is the smaller, overlooked town that many find to be perfectly charming in all of its remote beauty. While it's home to all the amenities that one could need while visiting or living on the island, it's also within close proximity to many attractions in Southern Australia.
Visiting Cape Jervis gives way to an experience that's unlike visiting a larger city in the country, as visitors can truly get a feel for local life. Exploring the surrounding area will result in nothing short of serenity as the landscape is home to a beautiful ecosystem and virtually untouched seaside land. For beach lovers, Cape Jervis is also a haven for many sea animals and marine life, and it's also home to a lighthouse. As for those who appreciate in-town activities, it's home to local artisan shops and markets. For those planning a future trip to Australia, Cape Jervis should definitely be on the list and these photos prove it!
Visiting Nearby Kangaroo Island
The most popular thing to do from Cape Jervis is visiting Kangaroo Island which is only a short ferry ride away from the mainland. Half the fun of visiting Kangaroo Island is in the trip there; from the ferry, visitors will be able to spot marine life such as sea lions and local schools of fish and once they've arrived at the island, koalas, kangaroos, and other local species thrive in its island environment.
With Cape Jervis being so unpopulated, the natural wildlife has had the chance to maintain their natural habitats without interference from overfishing. Therefore, fishing is a big part of life for the locals as it's possible to catch anything from sharks to squid and even snapper. Fishery Beach is one of the most popular destinations for this and not only is the fishing diverse and abundant, but the landscape while doing so is nothing short of lovely, as the land is wholly untouched. Various signs around fishing areas make it easy to follow the rules and tell anyone fishing exactly what to expect on the other end of their line.
Cape Jervis Lighthouse
The Cape Jervis lighthouse is a spectacular work of architecture and art, as it stands tall and pillar-like as a beacon across the bay. The lighthouse was designed in an uber-modern way and was first constructed back in 1972, making it fairly new still. The Cape Jervis lighthouse can be seen for a total of 18 nautical miles, and the land it sits on is called Lands End, and is also the perfect spot to have a picnic or take in the views over the rocky cliffside below.
Just walking around in this area is a relaxing and worthy experience in itself. Just like much of Australia, Cape Jervis is home to many types of wildlife that are free to wander the landscape, and it's not uncommon to see whales and other animals going about their business with no interference from humans. With views such as these, walking becomes more of a sightseeing experience than a means of physical exercise.
Whale Watching And Local Attractions
One of the most popular places to see whales is by taking a boat to Victor Harbor as they often congregate in that area. The best time to see them is between May and November during their migrational periods, and it's not uncommon to see other marine animals such as dolphins and seals. Around Kangaroo Island, visitors can also see the world's biggest animal, the blue whale.
Another local Cape Jervis attraction is the markets where local artisans sell products that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Just outside of Cape Jervis, visitors can find other towns that have similar markets, with local vendors showcasing products such as homemade jams, handmade items, and locally-grown fruits and vegetables. These are also great places to check out the local food scene, as many fishermen also sell freshly-caught goods there as well. In between market visits, it's fun to check out the local restaurants and see what South Australian food is all about, especially when many of the ingredients are locally-caught and locally grown. Visiting the Deep Creek Conservation Park is another great way to spend the day, as it's less than 30 minutes from Port Jervis and allows visitors to get an in-depth feel for the nature that surrounds this charming town.