Regional Fuel SurveyData & Analysis

The Fleurieu Peninsula sits about an hour south of Adelaide and is one of South Australia's most important drive-market tourism regions. It covers the local government areas of Victor Harbor, Alexandrina, Yankalilla, and parts of Onkaparinga, taking in well-known destinations like McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor, Goolwa, and the Southern Fleurieu coast.

87 operators responded to the survey, and the results are concerning. The average fuel impact score sits at 8.2/10, which is 0.4 points above the national average. Overall visitation is down 24.8%, revenue has fallen 20.2%, and forward bookings are tracking 16.6% lower than the same period last year.

There is an emerging shift in visitor mix worth noting. Intrastate visitation from South Australians is actually holding up, with many Adelaide residents continuing to visit the Fleurieu as a short, accessible getaway. Last-minute bookings from locals (often midweek or same-day) are partially offsetting the decline. However, interstate visitors are increasingly cancelling or not booking at all, citing the combined cost of fuel, flights, and accommodation as a deterrent. The net effect is that total visitor numbers are still falling, but the makeup of who is visiting is changing.

Wineries and cellar doors across McLaren Vale and Currency Creek report that tasting room traffic has dropped noticeably, with fewer impulse stops from passing visitors. Accommodation providers are seeing a shift from 2 to 3 night stays down to single overnight bookings. Tour operators report smaller group sizes and more price sensitivity. Restaurants and cafes say midweek trade has softened as day-trippers cut back on discretionary spending.