Adelaide Australia Beaches

Many claim Adelaide Australia Beaches are the best in Australia.  For many, much of Adelaide’s appeal is due to its coastal setting, alongside Gulf St. Vincent. Many tempting beaches are close to the city, being dotted along its western and south-western shoreline.  Henley Beach is among the closest to central Adelaide and resides off the lengthy Esplanade, where swimming, jet skiing, kayaking and sunbathing are all popular activities. Glenelg is another hugely popular area for regional beaches, along with Largs Bay, Semaphore Park, Somerton Park, Port Noarlunga, Christies, Moana, Maslin and Aldinga, running north to south. Barbecue facilities, picnic tables and nearby restaurants are just some of the amenities that you can expect on the most popular stretches, along with volunteer lifeguards during the busiest weekends.  Vacationing to Adelaide?  Head to our Adelaide Travel Guide.

Glenelg

Located only 10km from the center of Adelaide, Glenelg is a popular vibrant seaside suburb. The main street of Jetty road features many specialty shops and a tram service to and from the city. Glenelg is the site of South Australia’s original mainland settlement in 1836, it features a visitor information center, sandy white beaches, 7 day shopping with over 200 specialty shops, museums and galleries, restaurants and cafes and plenty of holiday accommodation. It’s also home to the Beachouse, a fantastic amusement complex with water slides, dodgem cars and more. Enjoy a drink and soak up the view at the Stamford Grand Hotel on the esplanade, or enjoy a meal whilst watching the boats cruise in to the marina at Holdfast Shores.

The beach is white sand and like most Adelaide beaches, shoals gently away with no sudden drop-off in water depth and is family friendly.  You can walk the 3.5-kilometer Federation Trail from Glenelg to Seacliff and Kingston Park which takes in some of the historic elements of the district, with its one-time workers’ cottages and some outstanding examples of colonial architecture.  If you keep walking to Marino Rocks you will pick up the Marino Rocks Boardwalk Trail.  This an excellent trail stretching for 7.5 kilometers to Hallet Cove, rising and falling as it hugs what is in part a rugged coastline. Hallett Cove Conservation Park has a beach which is suitable for swimming and fishing.

Henley Beach

Henley Beach is one of the two closest beaches to Adelaide central business district and is a favorite spot to cool off after work on hot summer evenings. Henley’s bustling center of beach side activity revolves around the grassy foreshore, jetty and alfresco cafe precinct. There are nine restaurants within the precinct offering a variety of cuisine including Thai, Greek, Italian and good old Aussie fish and chips.  Henley Beach has got to be one of the best value for money beach-side metropolitan suburbs in Australia. Approximately 10kms to the city of Adelaide & 10 minutes to the airport, (without being under the flight path) Henley Beach really can enjoy the ‘ten minute city’ rule.  Aside from being close to some great amenities, you can’t discuss Henley Beach without mentioning the superb beaches & crystal clear waters. Great for families, there is hardly ever surf at Henley Beach & the surf life saving club does a tremendous job patrolling the beaches during peak times. The beach is kept clean & locals are very good at doing the right thing with their dog mess.

Horseshoe Bay, Pt Elliot

Horseshoe Bay located at Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula is a picturesque and sheltered swimming bay, offering swimming & body surfing for all ages. A favorite spot for families, particular during the Xmas holiday period. Enjoy what is arguably South Australia’s best fish and chips at the conveniently located Flying Fish Cafe, overlooking the bay.  Horseshoe Bay is one of the safest and most picturesque swimming bays in Australia offering swimming and body surfing for all ages and is patrolled seasonally.

Middleton Beach

An extremely popular holiday spot for locals from Adelaide to spend their holidays, Middleton has an abundance of holiday homes for rent and enjoys a relaxed laid back vibe.  Middleton Beach is one of Albany’s most stunning seascapes, and is popular for its safe swimming, windsurfing and picnicking.  Five kilometers of pristine white sand means there’s plenty of space to find your own stretch of beach.  Across the horizon are two picture-perfect granite islands, Michaelmas and Breaksea.  Fishing is popular from the jetty and it’s also a great place to watch the sunset into the ocean.  Middleton Beach has picnic and barbecue facilities, as well as playground equipment.

Boomer Beach

Boomer by name, booming by nature, such is the way of the angry ocean surf off Encounter Bay. Not for the faint hearted, the ocean swell comes barrelling in from Antarctica and lashes Port Elliot’s renowned surf beach.  With strong tidal currents and huge waves, Boomer Beach has excellent surfing conditions, which are often suitable for only the most experienced of surfers. Boomer is also well-known for its seasonal whale watching, when each winter humpback whales can be viewed from the shoreline, as they migrate to warmer waters and head to their northern breeding grounds. Boomer Beach is situated in Port Elliot, a small town within driving distance of the city center.

Vivonne Bay

Once proclaimed the ‘best beach’ in Australia, Vivonne Bay is a long, curved, sandy beach superb for picnics, beach combing, surfing and fishing. Experienced surfers enjoy the wonderful turquoise waters; fishing from the jetty, beach, boat or the Harriet River mouth is excellent. The beach can be reached by taking the road just past the Vivonne Bay store. Safe swimming areas can be found near the jetty or the sandy-bottomed Harriet River that enters the bay nearby. On the other side of the river, Point Ellen provides photographers with spectacular views of the Southern Ocean sending its waves crashing onto the cliff-face. Vivonne Bay is the only safe harbor on the south coast of the Island and is the base for cray-fishing boats from November to May. Barbecue, picnic areas, toilets and camping facilities are available.

Island Beach

Known locally as Millionaires’ Row for its fabulous real estate, Island Beach is the quintessential beach holiday location. Fringed by dense bush land, the sandy beach stretches almost as far as the eye can see and provides very safe swimming. A walk along the coast towards American River has plenty of bird watching opportunities. Boats can be launched from the beach.

Long Beach

Long Beach is approximately 12 km long. Four wheel drive vehicles can generally drive on Long Beach without worrying at any time of year. If you have a two wheel drive, from roughly October to April the tide goes out and the sand is hard allowing you to drive on this beautiful beach.

Edithburgh

Sultana Point, just south of Edithburgh is a quiet beach with a number of shacks and dwellings lining the foreshore. There is limited access here due to property owners, with the best access at the southern end of the beach. The long white beach here is fantastic for swimming, and you can even watch the majestic wind towers at Wattle Point Wind Farm and you relax in the crystal blue waters.

The Edithburgh Tidal Pool is an enclosed pool area, which is extremely popular for swimming. Also nearby is a small beach area perfect for swimming. Further along the Edithburgh foreshore, you will find the beach immediately in front of the Edithburgh Caravan Park; this beach is popular for small children to swim. Swimming and diving is popular from the town jetty. The beach at nearby Wattle Point is good for activities, such as swimming or fishing.

Black Point

Black Point’s long stretch of sand edging a glistening bay makes it a popular destination for holiday makers. One of the few remaining holiday spots where you can stay in accommodation right on the beach and soak up the views. Relax while fishing, swimming, sailing, boating or crabbing. Black Point is centrally located on eastern Yorke Peninsula, which is home to fantastic beach-side towns, premier surfing destinations, heritage sites, great restaurants and more.

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach resides on the south-western side of the city, next to the Bindarra Reserve, where it is best reached by taking the Anzac Highway / A5. This is a relaxed and informal sandy stretch, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and off-shore fishing. Nearby are a number of shops and small restaurants, often specializing in seafood.

Moana Beach

Sited on the famous Adelaide coast, Moana Beach is easy to reach and is conveniently close to the Noarlunga train station, with regular trains to and from the central train station. Highlights include sandy expanses ideal for sunbathing,calm waters suitable for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, seaside walks and nearby cafés. You may also like to check out the attractions within the adjacent Moana Sands Conservation Park and the Graham Rabbett Reserve.

Seacliff Beach

Located on the south-western side of the city and within the Kingston Park suburb, Seacliff Beach is always popular with both locals and tourists. Attractions include sunbathing and boating, while there are also convenient gas barbecue facilities. Of interest, both the Marino Conservation Park and the O’Halloran Hill Recreational Park are relatively close by.

Waitpinga Beach

Waitpinga Beach is situated on the outskirts and is easily reached by car. This popular location features strong waves and breaks, and so is favoured by experienced surfers. Waitpinga attracts many locals from all over South Australia, including both surfers and spectators.

West Beach

West Beach is to be found just 5 km / 3 miles from Adelaide Airport and around 10 km / 6 miles from the city centre. Surrounded by vast parklands, this spot features sailing, swimming, surfing, fishing, a nearby golf course and boating sheds.