Adelaide Beaches and the Glenelg Coast

(Adelaide, South Australia - SA, 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 amongst 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.

Aldinga Beach

Address: The Esplanade, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5173, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8323 9944
Situated in the southerly suburbs and close to Port Willunga, Aldinga Beach is a scenic spot, within the charming seaside resort of Aldinga. Featuring golden sand, calm waters and good facilities, Aldinga is popular for sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving and sailing.

Boomer Beach

Address: Ocean Road, Port Elliot, South Australia (SA), 5212, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8552 5738
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 centre.

Brighton Beach

Address: The Esplanade, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5048, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8229 9980
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, snorkelling and off-shore fishing. Nearby are a number of shops and small restaurants, often specialising in seafood.

Henley Beach

Address: The Esplanade, Henley Beach, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5022, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8463 4500
A westerly seaside suburb close to central Adelaide, Henley is one of the most popular beaches in the area. With golden sand, clear water and a lively seaside atmosphere, Henley is the perfect place for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing. Neighbouring attractions include a number of gift shops and highly regarded restaurants, cafés and wine bars, often with stunning views of the coastline. The nearby Henley Grange Memorial Reserve and the John Mitchell Oval both serve as useful points of reference.

Maslin Beach

Address: Gulf Parade, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5170, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8384 0666
Maslin Beach lies roughly 50 minutes to the south, alongside Seaford Rise, where it has long been a popular destination with a designated secluded area for nudists. This scenic, sandy stretch has good amenities, including barbecue facilities and a small playground area for young children.

Moana Beach

Address: The Esplanade, Moana, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5169, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8323 9944
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, snorkelling 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.

Myponga Beach

Address: Myponga Beach Road, Myponga, South Australia (SA), 5202, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8323 9944
Roughly an hours' drive to the south of the city centre, Myponga Beach is a quiet spot, most popular with locals in the Aldinga Bay area. Featuring secluded stretches and frequent high waves, Myponga often has exceptional surfing conditions.

Parsons Beach

Address: Dennis Road, Victor Harbour, South Australia (SA), 5211, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8552 5738
Fronting Encounter Bay and lying within the Newland Head Conservation Park, Parsons Beach is located just over 90 km / 56 miles to the south of Adelaide, in the Victor Harbour area, where it can be easily reached by car via the A13. With strong waves, Parsons attracts keen surfers from far and wide.

Seacliff Beach

Address: The Esplanade, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5049, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8229 9980
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

Address: Dennis Road, Victor Harbour, South Australia (SA), 5211, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8552 5738
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

Address: West Beach Road, Adelaide, South Australia (SA), 5024, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8552 5738
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.