Spend some time during your stay to see, try, explore, taste and learn all about Ardrossan and its closest neighbours.
Known as "The Home of the Blue Swimmer Crab", Ardrossan and nearby coastal areas are popular for the summer pastime of crabbing. An hour before low tide is the best time to search through the white sandy areas near the weed line, not forgetting to wear a pair of old shoes and socks to guard against nips!
There is a memorial for the whales that beached themselves south of Ardrossan on the 8th of December, 2014. Visitors can visit the memorial by following the "Walk the Yorke" trail south of Ardrossan or by road. The jawbone of a whale is on display at the museum.
The Ardrossan Historical Museum is located on Fifth Street in the former factory once owned by Clarence Smith, manufacturer of the iconic "Stump Jump Plough"
The Museum is open 7 days, 9am to 4pm weekdays and 10am - 4pm on weekends. Includes public holidays (except Good Friday and Christmas Day). Other times by arrangement by phoning 8837 3939.
Windara Reef is the first shellfish restoration reef of its kind in South Australia with the aim to assist in a healthier marine environment and improved fishing opportunities. The reef was built using 60 custom made concrete structures and 800 tonnes of limestone rock layered with juvenile native oysters.
Just off the Yorke Highway, take up trip up the hill for great views across the Gulf St Vincent and also use it as a vantage point for views over the Simec dolomite mine.
You're never too far away from a locally crafted beverage. Check out Emoyeni Wines located within Ardrossan and Barley Stacks Winery, Sunny Hill Distillery and Watsacowie Brewery all within 40mins of the town.
A few kilometres north of Ardrossan is the lovely swimming and crabbing beach of Tiddy Widdy, with many holiday homes and permanent residents. Boats can be launched from the beach, but a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
Built in 1876 the jetty was the hub of a busy grain port. Produce was once carried along the jetty by horse-drawn trolleys to the ships. The jetty is a great vantage point at sunrise to see the amazing display of colour against Ardrossan's red coastal cliffs.
Located 15 km south of Ardrossan, popular for its long sandy beach which is ideal for walking, swimming and relaxing.
If you like to be active while travelling why not have a game of golf at the Ardrossan Golf Club, a roll up at the Ardrossan Lawn Bowls club, go scuba diving at the Zanoni Shipwreck (approval required) or take a wander along the Walk the Yorke trail.
There's also local AFL and netball to watch at the local oval
The wheat silos where built in 1952 and today the towering silos can store in excess of 250,000 tonnes of grain. Ardrossan was the first port in South Australia to have bulk handling wheat facilities.
Travel further down the peninsula and see the amazing silo art along the way.
The stump jump plough resting in the park on East Terrace, is a tribute to Clarence Smith, who manufactured the ploughs in the 1870's in Ardrossan.