South Australia, Australia

Petrel Cove Beach

Petrel Cove Beach is a small, picturesque beach known for its beautiful rock formations and strong currents. The beach is easily accessible with a car park located at the top of the area and a short walk down a set of stairs leading to the cove. However, visitors should be cautious as the beach is not ideal for swimming, especially for young children, due to its rocky nature and unpredictable currents.

The beach's natural characteristics seem to fluctuate over time, alternating between a rocky and sandy landscape every few years. This phenomenon, though not fully understood, adds a unique charm to the beach. The beach is also home to a variety of rocks, including round granite boulders and shards of folded and metamorphosed sand and siltstone. These rocks, further away from The Bluff, have retained their original deposition bands and signs of turbulence, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's geological history.

Discover ideal places to stay near Petrel Cove Beach and enjoy the unique charm of its ever-changing landscape and stunning rock formations.

In addition to its natural beauty, Petrel Cove Beach offers a few amenities for visitors. There is a path leading down to the cove, and another path leading to a nearby beach located approximately 600 meters to the north-west. This path offers a pleasant walk and leads to King Head. West Island, another notable landmark, is also close enough to be seen from the beach. Despite its small size, Petrel Cove Beach is not typically crowded, offering a private and peaceful beach experience.

What to do at Petrel Cove Beach?

Amenities

Petrel Cove Beach amenities include parking.

Restaurants

One of the best restaurants near Petrel Cove Beach is Whalers Seaside Dining.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beach's beautiful rock formations and its suitability for walks, rock hopping, and watching sunsets. They appreciate its privacy and the presence of nearby attractions like West Island and another beach within walking distance. However, visitors warn about strong currents, rips, and the beach's rocky nature, making it less ideal for swimming.

Where to Stay near Petrel Cove Beach?

Visitors to Petrel Cove Beach often stay in the nearby town of Victor Harbor, which offers a range of accommodations from hotels to bed and breakfasts. The town serves as a convenient base not only for beachgoers but also for exploring other attractions in the area, such as the historic railway and Granite Island.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Petrel Cove Beach?

Latitude: -35.5923142 / Longitude: 138.5997904

Petrel Cove Beach is located in South Australia. The following map of Petrel Cove Beach shows the exact location.

Petrel Cove Beach: Weather Today

📅 Sunday, July 6, 2025
Today might not be ideal for classic beach activities at Petrel Cove Beach. The air temperature will reach a high of 14.5 °C, and the sea temperature is 14.8 °C. Expect some fog, which may obscure the sky. The chance of rain is minimal. The wind will be moderate, but occasional stronger gusts are possible. The waves will be moderate as well. The UV index will reach 3.
🌬️

Air

Low / High6.2°C/14.5°C
Feels Like (High)12.7°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature14.8 °C
Wave Height1.1 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance8%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:24/17:15
Sunshine Hours8.6 hrs
UV Index3.15
Cloud Cover48%
💨

Wind

Speed15.5 km/h
Gusts31 km/h
DirectionNW

These beaches might also interest you

Beaches near Petrel Cove Beach