Clayton Bay is a small, unhurried place on the western shore of Lake Alexandrina, about 87 km south-east of Adelaide. Most of what there is to do here involves water, birds and big skies. Just beyond are the river towns, islands and wineries of the Lower Murray and the Fleurieu Peninsula. Here's our local guide, written from the deck at Black Swan Lake House.
On the water
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Launch straight from our private jetty and follow the reed-lined edges of the lake. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the calmest times. Watch the wind: the lake is big and chops up quickly.
Sailing and boating
Clayton Bay has a long sailing tradition, and on weekends you'll see small yachts dotted across the bay. Bigger boats and jet skis can launch at the public boat ramp two minutes from the house, and there's room to park your boat at the property.
Fishing
The Lower Lakes support more than 40 fish species, including Murray cod. Try from the jetty, the foreshore or a small boat. Size limits, bag limits and closed seasons apply, so check PIRSA's recreational fishing rules first.
Birdwatching in the Ramsar wetlands
Clayton Bay is inside the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth wetlands, listed under the international Ramsar Convention since 1985. Australian pelicans, black swans and terns are regulars, along with migratory waterbirds in season. You'll often spot kangaroos and the odd echidna on the property too. Bring binoculars and a camera.
In Clayton Bay
- Jones' Lookout: a mosaic compass-rose artwork overlooking the water, opened in 2009
- Foreshore picnics: shady trees, a playground and walking trails along the water's edge
- Sunsets from the jetty: no booking required
Day trips from Clayton Bay
| Destination | Why go | Drive* |
|---|---|---|
| Goolwa | Historic wharf precinct, cafés, Goolwa Beach and boat tours to the Coorong and Murray Mouth | ≈ 25 min |
| Hindmarsh Island & the Murray Mouth | Where the Murray meets the Southern Ocean; walks, lookouts and birdlife | ≈ 30 min |
| Milang | Lakeside town with a jetty and foreshore on Lake Alexandrina | ≈ 30 min |
| Strathalbyn | Heritage town with antique shops, bakeries and the Angas River | ≈ 35 min |
| Langhorne Creek | One of Australia's oldest wine regions, with relaxed cellar doors | ≈ 40 min |
| Victor Harbor | Granite Island, the horse-drawn tram and winter whale-watching | ≈ 45 min |
| Coorong National Park | Lagoons, dunes and huge flocks of waterbirds | by boat from Goolwa, or ≈ 1 hr+ by road |
*Approximate drive times from Black Swan Lake House.
Clayton Bay through the seasons
- Summer: kayaking, sailing, long evenings on the deck and swimming-weather afternoons
- Autumn: still water, golden light and the best fishing mornings
- Winter: fireside puzzles, misty sunrises, rainbows over the lake and whales at Victor Harbor
- Spring: wildflowers, agapanthus by the deck and busy birdlife
Getting to Clayton Bay from Adelaide
Clayton Bay is about 87 km, or roughly 1 hour 15 minutes, south-east of the Adelaide CBD. Most people drive via Strathalbyn or Goolwa. A car is essential: there's no public transport to the town.
Coming with a crowd? See large group accommodation at Black Swan Lake House.
Local questions
What is Clayton Bay known for?
Quiet lakeside living on Lake Alexandrina: sailing, kayaking, fishing and birdwatching in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Ramsar wetlands.
Is Clayton Bay part of the Fleurieu Peninsula?
Yes. It's in the Alexandrina Council area and is promoted as part of the Fleurieu Peninsula region, close to Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island.
Can you swim in Lake Alexandrina?
The lake is fresh water and popular for paddling and boating. Conditions change with wind and water levels, so always check them and supervise children.
Do I need a fishing licence in South Australia?
South Australia doesn't require a general recreational fishing licence, but size limits, bag limits and closed seasons apply. Check the PIRSA recreational fishing rules before you go.
Check your dates
Tell Johan when you'd like to come. He usually replies within the hour.