Aussies and tourists alike have taken to social media to rave about a campground “like no other”.
Nestled between long sandy beaches and towering cliffs is Rapid Bay known for its very long jetty which stretches out to sea for 240m, its “beautiful caves” and secluded beaches.
It is located 150km south of Adelaide on the west coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula and is reached by a steeply descending road from the main Normanville-Cape Jervis Road – and campers are obsessed.
TikTok has become inundated with clips showing off the “low cost” campsite that is surrounded by crystal clear waters with many describing it as “absolutely beautiful”.
Susie, from Western Australia, recently spent time at the popular site after uprooting her life to travel Australia with her partner Andrew.
“An hour and a half outside of Adelaide is one of the most beautiful low cost camps we have ever seen,” she said in a clip.
“If you’re lucky you might secure one of the coveted beach fronts. We were lucky enough to get one, however I will say, be ready to have neighbours very, very close to you.
“If crabs aren’t your thing, head there midweek because it isn’t as busy.”
Chelsea, an expat from New York who now lives in South Australia said the beach was “hard to leave”.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous here [you’re’] surrounded by the cliffs,” she said in a TikTok.
“It’s hard to leave because it’s just so comfortable and gorgeous.
“We walked down towards the cave. It looks like it’s close but it’s not. It’s a bit of a walk but it’s stunning.”
Chelsea was tempted to visit the cave after seeing a photo of it on Instagram.
“I was like ‘I need to find that place’
“Look at it, “ she said while sharing footage of it.
“You can see the entire ocean from it. It’s just like a little nook and seriously amazing. I was just in my pure happiness. My mum was blown away as well.”
Others have also taken to social media, saying they “can’t believe” places like that exist in the south.
“Here we were thinking south Aus was just desert and a city,” one expat wrote.
“I visit here yearly. Love it,” a local wrote, while a third said: “One of our favourite dog friendly camp spots so far in South Australia. We normally don’t pay for camping but this place is worth it.”
Dylan Beach, regional tourism manager at Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism, said it’s easy to think you’re on a beach in the Mediterranean.
“It’s the crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and dramatic cliff faces. You could forget you’re only one hour from Adelaide and think you’re on the Mediterranean coastline somewhere,” he told news.com.au.
“It’s also a popular beach for boaters, fishers, and divers.
“Under the jetty is another entirely different environment with great clarity and somewhere you’ll see the likes of the Leafy Sea Dragon.
“The coastal route takes visitors to the ferry, which departs the mainland over to Kangaroo Island, so it is a popular spot to spend a few nights before or after a journey to Kangaroo Island.”
Mr Beach said Rapid Bay is still relatively unknown compared to other beaches in Australia, but would rival them in natural beauty.
He did say, however, it often reaches capacity in summer.
“But visitors during the off-season won’t have any issues in finding a secluded spot,” he said.
Mr Beach said you’ll also find an important South Australian landmark at Rapid Bay – a boulder on which Colonel William Light, the first Surveyor-General of South Australia, known for choosing the site of the capital, Adelaide, carved his initials after he first stepped ashore.
“It’s reported that he said: ‘I have hardly seen a place I like better,’” Mr Beach said.
And so Rapid Bay was named after the brig HMS Rapid in which Colonel Light and his staff came to South Australia, first landing at Rapid Bay in 1830 en route to Glenelg.
While Rapid Bay is usually calm and relatively safe, tourists have been warned to watch the deep water right off both beaches.
Other than that, due to the beach being protected by Kangaroo Island, it rarely gets a swell.
“So the water clarity and colour on a warm sunny day, as well as the sheer natural beauty with dramatic cliffs right to the beach, is nothing like you’ll see in Australia,” he told news.com.au.
“You can also camp at the beach for a small fee making it a popular location to watch the sunset over the ocean, as you kick back and unwind.”
Mr Beach said South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula region offers some of the state’s finest coastal experiences, with other must-visit beaches like Normanville, Port Willunga, Horseshoe Bay, Blowhole Beach, and Southport Beach.