Best Adelaide Beach to Visit – comparison of all beaches 1-hour from Adelaide

West-facing a perpetual stretch of coastline, Adelaide is never short of stunning beaches to enjoy. To help decide which Adelaide beach is the best for everyone to visit, I ended up visiting all the beaches within a 1-hour drive from Adelaide.

After visiting all these beaches, I have concluded with a brief suggestion on the best Adelaide beaches to visit, followed by a comparison table and a detailed review of each beach within a 1-hour drive from Adelaide.

Hope you can find this article useful.

5 Best Beaches to Visit in Adelaide

1. Port Noarlunga Beach
2. Semaphore Beach
3. Port Willunga Beach
4. Maslin Beach
5. Largs Beach

Many people will rate Glenelg Beach as the best beach to visit in Adelaide. However, Glenelg Beach is usually very crowded and does not offer the relaxing feel a beach should offer.

Port Noarlunga Beach is by far the best beach within a 1-hour drive from Adelaide. It offers a breathtaking coastal view, a soft sandy beach, and a fantastic snorkelling experience. You can enjoy your slice of heaven on the beach and still have all the shops and restaurants within easy reach.

5 Best Secluded Beaches to Visit from Adelaide

1. Myponga Beach
2. Maslin Beach
3. North Haven Beach
4. Tennyson Beach
5. South Port Beach

Tucked away in a little valley, Myponga Beach is the most secluded yet beautiful beach you can find within 1-hour’s drive from Adelaide. At sunset, be sure to find a spot near the Rock Formations for a spectacular display of nature’s light show.

5 Best Adelaide Beaches for Families with Kids

1. Semaphore Beach
2. Port Noarlunga Beach
3. St Kilda Beach
4. Port Willunga Beach
5. Grange Beach

Overall, Semaphore Beach is the best beach for families with kids. It’s a beautiful and safe beach, with a range of events and activities throughout the year to keep everyone occupied. With many restaurants and shops nearby, it will also keep your little one’s tummy very satisfied.

Comparison Table of All Beaches 1-hour from Adelaide

Here is a comparison table of all beaches within a 1-hour drive from Adelaide (in order from north to south).

A busy scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the busiest beach on this list) is used to compare how busy the beach usually is.

Beach (North to South)	Drive From ADL	Busy scale 1-10	Swim	Snorkel /Surf	Fishing	Drive On	Toilets	Food & Shops	Dog Friendly
Thompson Beach	55 min	2	No	No	Raking Crabs	Yes^	Yes	10min Drive	On leash
Middle Beach	40 min	1	No	No	Raking Crabs	Not stated	Yes	No	No current regulation
St Kilda Beach	35 min	4	No	No	Not easy	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
North Haven Beach	35 min	2	Yes	No	Breakwater	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Largs Beach	30 min	4	Yes	No	On Jetty	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Semaphore Beach	30 min	8	Yes	No	On Jetty	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Tennyson Beach	25 min	3	Yes	Surf – depend on wind	Yes	No	Nearby	Nearby	Yes -conditions apply
Grange Beach	25 min	6	Yes	Surf – depend on wind	On Jetty	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Henley Beach	20 min	9	Yes	Surf – depend on wind	On Jetty	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
West Beach	20 min	4	Yes	Surf – depend on wind	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Glenelg Beach	20 min	10	Yes	Surf – depend on wind	On Jetty	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Brighton Beach	25 min	7	Yes	Surf – depend on wind	On Jetty	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Hallett Cove Beach	30 min	4	Not the Best	Snorkel	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
O’Sullivan Beach	35 min	3	Strong Rips at times	Surf	Yes	No	Yes	No	Off leash
Christies Beach	35 min	4	Strong Rips at times	Snorkel & Surf	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Port Noarlunga Beach	35 min	5	Yes	Snorkel & scuba diving	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes & No – see article for details
South Port Beach	35 min	2	Yes	Surf	Yes	No	Yes	Nearby	Yes -conditions apply
Seaford Beach	40 min	2	Strong Rips at times	Surf	Robinson Point	No	Yes	No	Yes -conditions apply
Moana Beach	40 min	4	Yes	Surf	Ochre Point	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Maslin Beach	40 min	3	Yes	Snorkel & Surf	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes -conditions apply
Port Willunga Beach	45 min	5	Yes	Snorkel & scuba diving	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Aldinga Beach	45 min	4	Not the Best	Snorkel & scuba diving & surf	Yes	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Silver Sands Beach	50 min	3	Yes	Surf	Yes	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Sellicks Beach	50 min	3	Yes	No	Yes	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes -conditions apply
Myponga Beach	60 min	2	Yes	No	Rock Reefs	Yes^	Yes	No	Yes -conditions apply

1. ^ Drive on (vehicle access to the beach) permitted only in designated areas.
2. * Drive on (vehicle access to the beach) permitted from 05:30 to 24:00 with an entrance fee/ permit & in designated areas.

Adelaide Beaches – from north to south

Thompson Beach

Thompson Beach is the farthest northern beach on this list. Hence, you don’t usually find a lot of visitors on Thompson Beach. In saying that, it is slightly busier than Middle Beach on most days, although Middle Beach is much closer to Adelaide.

Like many of the northern beaches in Adelaide, Thompson Beach is a flat sandy beach. On low tide, the water goes out quite far, which has made Thompson Beach one of the best places in Adelaide for raking blue swimmer crabs every year between September and April. With that being said, you do need to be prepared for a 30 minute (if not 1 hour) long walk before catching the first crab on low tide.

Thompson Beach is Best For:

• Raking Blue Swimmer Crabs (September to April)

Restaurants and Shops:

• There are no restaurants and shops at Thompson Beach, but you can find them nearby at Old Port Wakefield Road.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Thompson Beach:

• The drive to Thompson Beach from Adelaide is mainly paved roads. There is only a small section of unsealed road on the Esplanade, Thompson Beach.
• There are plenty of free car parks along the Esplanade.
• Vehicle access (drive on) on the beach is permitted only in certain areas outside of the conservation park (check out their website for detailed information). A 4WD is required to drive on the beach & know your limits, don’t get bogged.

Dogs at Thompson Beach:

• Dogs are to be kept on a leash at all times on Thompson Beach.

Middle Beach

Middle Beach is Thompson Beach’s little cousin. They share many similarities, yet are different in many ways.

Middle Beach is Best For:

• Raking Blue Swimmer Crabs (September to April).

Restaurants and Shops:

• Not available.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Middle Beach:

• Once you have turned off Port Wakefield Highway, there is a significant portion of dirt roads to drive on before reaching Middle Beach.
• There is a large designated area next to the beach to park your car (free).
• No signage or current regulations stating if vehicle access (drive on) on the beach is allowed (at the time of writing this article – May 2022). However, there is a large entry point next to the beach, which is suitable for a car to drive through.

Dogs at Middle Beach:

• There is currently no signage at the beach or regulations stating if dogs are allowed on Middle Beach (at the time of writing this article May 2022).

St Kilda Beach

It may surprise you when I say it, but a visit to St Kilda Beach is usually not about the beach.

St Kilda Beach offers a peaceful view of the St Vincent Gulf. This tidal flat is not suitable for swimming or fishing, but it is a great sanctuary for birds. St Kilda Beach is also home to the St Kilda Mangrove Trail and the enormous St Kilda Adventure Ground.

St Kilda Adventure Ground is a gigantic free outdoor playground, built along the seafront of St Kilda Beach. It offers a giant Volcano with slides, an impressive 3-level castle with spiral slides, 2 sets of flying foxes to suit different age groups, a 25-metre long bouncy boomerang, a massive pirate ship, a basketball court, and a range of standard playground equipment.

The St Kilda Adventure Ground is great fun for kids to spend hours in without ever feeling bored. As an adult, I even had the urge to go on one of those giant slides. Picnic and BBQ facilities are right next to this playground, so families can easily spend a whole day here for free.

A short walk from St Kilda Adventure Ground, you can enjoy a stroll along the St Kilda Mangrove Trail to explore and appreciate a tranquil mangrove forest. Access to this 400-metre boardwalk is free, but you will need to pick up an access key card from the Tackle ‘N’ Tucker shop before visiting.

Make sure you spray plenty of mosquito repellent before heading into St Kilda Mangrove Trail.

If interested, you can also check out the nearby St Kilda Tramway Museum to learn the history of tram travels in Adelaide. You can also ride one of those vintage trams to St Kilda Adventure Playground from the museum (it will make the kids excited for hours). However, this museum is currently (May 2022) only open on Sundays and public holidays, so plan ahead of time if you are interested.

St Kilda Beach is truly a hidden gem in Adelaide, especially for families with kids. The kids can spend the whole morning at St Kilda Adventure Ground before enjoying a picnic nearby. In the afternoon, the whole family can join a stroll along St Kilda Mangrove Trail before exploring the history of tram travels in Adelaide.

St Kilda Beach is Best For:

• Families with kids.

Restaurants and Shops:

• St Kilda Tackle ‘N’ Tucker – fishing needs + fish & chips
• St Kilda Beach Hotel

Vehicle Access & Parking at St Kilda Beach:

• Free carparks are plentiful around St Kilda Beach and St Kilda Adventure Ground
• It is not possible to drive on St Kilda Beach.

Dogs at St Kilda Beach:

• Dogs are not allowed within St Kilda Adventure Ground but allowed anywhere else along St Kilda Beach.
• Dogs are to remain on a leash between 8 am to 6.30 pm in all council reserves.

North Haven Beach

North Haven Beach is a relatively new beach and the farthest city beach in Adelaide north. Because of its location, North Haven Beach receives much fewer visitors than Adelaide’s other city beaches. This makes North Haven Beach the most secluded city beach in Adelaide.

The water at North Haven Beach is usually clear and calm, which is great for a swim. However, there is often a significant amount of seaweed on the beach, which I found unpleasant. If the seaweeds don’t bother you much, then this secluded beach will be yours to enjoy on those hot summer days.

Fishing can also be very fruitful near the breakwaters on either end of North Haven Beach. However, surfing is usually out of the picture as the water here is often very calm between the breakwaters.

North Haven Beach offers an incredible sunset view, especially near its marina.

North Haven Beach is Best For:

• Relaxing stroll
• Fishing

Restaurants and Shops:

• North Haven Surf Life Saving Club
• Gulf Point Centre (5 minutes drive) for a selection of restaurants and cafes.

Vehicle Access & Parking at North Haven Beach:

• There is a decent-sized carpark near the beach entrance at North Haven Beach (free).
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at North Haven Beach:

• Dogs are allowed at North Haven Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving months (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.

Largs Beach

Largs Beach is one of my favourite local beaches in Adelaide’s north & a great place to watch the sunset.

Largs Beach is a stunning beach 30 minutes north of Adelaide. It is only a less than 5 minutes drive from Semaphore Beach, but with much fewer people around.

Just like a typical Adelaide beach, Largs Beach offers soft white sand and crystal clear water. This wide beach stretches all the way to its neighbouring Semaphore Beach and North Haven Boat Ramp.

Largs Beach also offers an old-world charm with many historic buildings nearby, especially along Jetty Road. One building that really stands out along this street is the Largs Pier Hotel. For some reason, the arches on this building keep reminding me of the Colosseum. It may just be my eyes playing tricks on me, but you may want to check it out in person.

Largs Bay Jetty is another historic feature of Largs Beach. It is a timber jetty and relatively long for Adelaide standard. When it was first built in 1882, Largs Bay Jetty was an impressive 640 metres in length. After being damaged by a severe storm in 1953, Largs Bay Jetty was restored and shortened to only a third of its original length.

There are many activities you can enjoy at Largs Beach. You can

• Enjoy a swim and sunbathing at the beach – there can be a small amount of seaweed along the beach, which shouldn’t impact much on your experience.
• Take a leisure stroll on Largs Bay Jetty.
• Catch some blue swimmer crabs from Largs Bay Jetty.
• Let kids have fun at the playground.
• Indulge in some delicious fish & chips from the kiosk.
• Explore the historic Largs Bay village along Jetty Road.
• Watch the incredible sunset from the beach.

Largs Beach is Best For:

• Families with kids
• Beach getaway
• Fishing

Restaurants and Shops:

• Largs Bay Kiosk – Fish & Chips, burgers, hot dogs.
• Largs Pier Hotel
• Queenies Store – cafe on Jetty Road, a great spot for brunch.
• Shops are available on Jetty Road.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Largs Beach:

• Free parking in the designated carpark or on the side of the road.
• Drive on not permitted

Dogs in Largs Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Largs Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving months (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.
• Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on Largs Bay Jetty.

Semaphore Beach

Semaphore Beach is the best place for the perfect beach day. The beach itself is relatively flat, the sand is soft, and the water is clean and calm. There just isn’t much to fault in Semaphore Beach. The only thing I can think of that may make Semaphore Beach imperfect is the frequent events and festivals.

Semaphore Beach hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, which makes Semaphore a bit crowded during these times. In saying that, some people may enjoy this aspect of Semaphore more than I did. I do enjoy these activities/festivals themselves, but as far as a beach holiday goes, I prefer it to be relaxing and relatively quiet.

If you are interested in the festivals and events in Semaphore, here is a list for you:

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks
• Australian Day Fireworks
• Greek Festival (January) – Amazing food and atmosphere.
• Feast on the Foreshore, Semaphore’s Big Gay Out! – celebrate & support the LGBTIQ community.
• Adelaide International Kite Festival (Easter)
• Semaphore Music Festival (October)
• Semaphore Street Fair (November)
• Semaphore Summer Carnival (Summer School Holidays)
• Seaside Carols at Semaphore (December)

In addition to these yearly events, there is also a range of other activities you can join near Semaphore Beach.

• Join a Semaphore to Fort Glanville Steam Train Ride for a different view of Semaphore Beach.
• Ride a vintage hand-crafted wooden horse (built in 1928) on the largest operating carousel in Australia at the Semaphore Carousel.
• Admire the only working timeball in the world at Timeball Tower.
• Stroll along the Esplanade and Semaphore Road to appreciate the well preserved historic buildings in Semaphore.

Semaphore Beach is Best For:

• Families with Kids
• Catching up with friends
• A perfect beach day

Restaurants and Shops:

• Barry’s Burgers – for delicious burgers and fries.
• Royal Copenhagen – for your ice cream craving.
• Sotos Fish Shop – no beach day is complete without fish & chips.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Semaphore Beach:

• Off-street parking along Esplanade and Semaphore Road (free).
• Car parking spots can be scarce on busy days – you may need to park on the side street nearby.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Semaphore Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Semaphore Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving months (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.
• Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on Semaphore Jetty.

Tennyson Beach

Tennyson Beach is a stretch of beautiful shoreline along Tennyson. It is a relatively new beach in comparison to its neighbouring Semaphore Beach and Grange Beach. Since it’s well hidden and not widely known, you do get significantly fewer beach-goers at Tennyson Beach.

With its wide foreshore area and soft sand, Tennyson Beach is a great place for a relaxing beach day. The water at Tennyson is relatively safe to swim, but strong currents can develop. If the wind is right, you can also find some surfable breaks at Tennyson Beach.

Tennyson Beach is Best For:

• Relaxing stroll
• Quiet beach day

Restaurants and Shops near Tennyson Beach:

• There are no restaurants or shops right next to Tennyson Beach.
• You can find many restaurants and shops on Military Road and near Semaphore/Grange Beach.
• West Lakes shopping centre is only a 5 minutes drive from Tennyson Beach.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Tennyson Beach:

• Free designated carparks.
• Free off-street carparks.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Tennyson Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Tennyson Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving months (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.

Grange Beach

Grange Beach is only less than a 5-minute drive from Tennyson and Henley Beach, but it offers the best of both worlds. It has the fine balance of being a city beach with all the facilities nearby, yet not overly populated with beachgoers.

At Grange Beach, you can find a long stretch of soft sandy beach with clear shallow water. It is the perfect place for a swim on a sunny day, followed by a tasty meal at Grange Jetty Cafe.

If lucky enough, you may even spot a dolphin or two at Grange Beach.

I recently visited Grange Beach on a windy day. Since it was too cold to dip my toes in the water, I chose to take a walk along the jetty instead. When I looked down at the water, there was a dolphin swimming near the shoreline!

I did manage to capture the dolphin, which is in the first photo underneath – can you spot the dolphin?

Grange Beach is Best For:

• Families with kids
• A perfect beach day

Restaurants and Shops at Grange Beach:

• Grange Jetty Cafe – right next to Grange Jetty.
• Pizza Bar, Fish & Chips, Bakery are also nearby.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Grange Beach:

• Designated carparks are right next to Grange Jetty – can fill up quickly on those busy days.
• Off-street parking is also available.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Grange Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Grange Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving months (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.
• Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on Grange Jetty.

Henley Beach

Henley Beach is a busy suburban beach and less than 20 minutes drive from Adelaide CBD. At Henley Beach, you can find a long stretch of soft sandy beach, clear shallow water, and a range of shops and restaurants.

Henley Beach has all the essential characteristics of being a city beach, and the downside of this is how crowded Henley Beach can be on those hot summer days.

Henley Beach is Best For:

• Catching up with friends
• A quick beach break from the city

Restaurants and Shops:

• Bottega Gelateria – for the best gelato in Adelaide! I actually will go to Henley Beach just for their amazing gelato (much easier parking than visiting their Glenelg store).
• Joe’s Henley Beach – for a meal with the best views of Henley Beach.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Henley Beach:

• There is a decent-sized carpark right next to Joe’s Henley Beach & you can usually find a few empty spots here if the beach is not too busy (and it’s free).
• On a hot summer day, you may need to drive around Henley Beach to find some off-street parking instead.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Henley Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Henley Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving months (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.
• Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on Henley Beach Jetty.

West Beach

Often forgotten, West Beach is a great beach destination for everyone, especially families with kids.

Contrary to its neighbouring Henley Beach and Glenelg Beach, West Beach is a quiet family-friendly beach with a laid-back feel. Although not jam-packed with restaurants and shops, you can find several eateries and shops scattered along its coastline.

You can also find many exciting outdoor activities in this area to enjoy, which include:

• Golf – large golf ranges nearby
• Mini Golf – West Beach Mini Golf
• Tree Climb – West Beach Adventure
• Skating – West Beach Skate Parks
• Boating & water sports

West Beach is Best For:

• Families with kids
• Catch up with friends

Restaurants and Shops:

• There are several eateries and shops scattered along West Beach.
• Habour Town Adelaide (the only factory outlet centre in Adelaide) is less than 5 minutes drive from West Beach.

Vehicle Access & Parking:

• Designated parking spots (free) are available at West Beach Boat Ramp (with trailer parking as well).
• Plenty of free off-street parking is also available along West Beach.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs:

• Dogs are allowed on West Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving months (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.

Glenelg Beach

Glenelg Beach is the most popular beach in South Australia, and there is a reason for it.

Glenelg Beach offers a great swimming experience with its soft white sand and clear water.

You can also grab a cocktail from The Moseley Beach Club at Glenelg foreshore. This is by far the only place in Adelaide offering this kind of European beach holiday experience.

Stepping outside of the foreshore area, you can find a giant Skyline Wheel for an impressive bird’s eye view of the gorgeous Glenelg Beach.

Along Jetty Road, you can find range of historical architectures, as well as a huge selection of restaurants and shops.

The Beachhouse is also located near Glenelg Beach & it is a great place to keep the kids entertained.

Overall, Glenelg Beach is super convenient and has something to offer for everyone. The only thing that stops me (and many locals) from visiting Glenelg Beach is how crowded this place can get. Even on a normal working day, you can find a decent amount of visitors here. Then there are the crazily busy school holidays and public holidays.

Glenelg Beach is Best For:

• Catching up with friends
• Visiting by public transport from Adelaide (direct tram service between Adelaide and Glenelg Jetty).

Restaurants and Shops:

• The Moseley Beach Club – for a cocktail on the beach
• Bottega Gelateria – I just really really loved their gelato & the pistachio flavour is my absolute favourite.
• Bomdia Bowls Açaí Bar Glenelg – for tasty acai bowls.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Glenelg Beach:

• Parking can be tricky at Glenelg Beach, especially if you are looking for a free car parking spot.
• Multiple paid car parking spots are available between Esplanade and Colley Terrace.
• Free off-street carpark can be found along the side streets, but they are usually a 1/4 or 3P zone (15-minute to 3-hour parking).
• Alternatively, you can Park & Ride by using the free tram service from Brighton Road to Glenelg Jetty.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Glenelg Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Glenelg Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving months (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.
• Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on Glenelg Jetty.

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is only a 10-minute drive south of Glenelg Beach and offers similarly beautiful sea views with an amazing beach experience. Yet, it is much less crowded than Glenelg Beach.

There is also a range of restaurants and cafes near Brighton Beach. You can cook a BBQ at the nearby Angus Neil Reserve as well.

Each year, Brighton also hosts a Brighton Jetty Sculptures event in January to fundraise for the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club. This can be a great event to check out if you are here in January.

Brighton Beach is Best For:

• A perfect beach day
• Catching up with friends
• Families with kids

Restaurants and Shops:

• Brighton Jetty Bakery – grab a coffee and some baked goods.
• Royal Copenhagen – ice cream
• C.R.E.A.M – brunch

Vehicle Access & Parking at Brighton Beach:

• Free off-street parking along Esplanade or on the side streets.

Dogs at Brighton Beach:

• Dogs are allowed off-leash on Brighton Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving months (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.
• Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on Brighton Jetty.

Hallett Cove Beach

Hallett Cove Beach is most famous for its adjacent Hallett Cove Conservation Park and Hallett Cove Boardwalk. As a result, the beauty of this beach is often overlooked by many.

I have to admit that Hallett Cove Beach does not have the softest foreshore area to walk on, as most of the beach is covered by rocks of different sizes and shapes. You can swim at Hallett Cove Beach, but there is only a small section of the beach that is suited for a swim (because of the rocks).

However, with the shallow water and impressive rock formations, Hallett Cove Beach is a great spot for snorkelers to discover the fascinating marine creatures at the base of Black Cliff.

After your snorkelling adventure, be sure to also take a walk along the famous Hallett Cove Boardwalk to admire the beauty of this stunning coastline.

Hallett Cove Beach is Best For:

• Families with kids – kids will have a lot of fun searching for rocks and be fascinated by the little creatures behind them.
• Snorkelling
• Hiking & sightseeing

Restaurants and Shops:

• Boatshed Cafe

Vehicle Access & Parking at Hallett Cove Beach:

• Designated carpark near Boatshed Cafe (free).
• An ample amount of off-street parking is also available (free).
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Hallett Cove Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Hallet Cove Beach but will need to be under effective control at all times.
• Dogs are not allowed within the Hallett Cove Conservation Park.

O’Sullivan Beach

O’Sullivan Beach is the stretch of coastline from O’Sullivan Beach Boat Ramp on the north to Christies Creek on the south. You can swim at O’Sullivan Beach, but strong rips are common along this stretch of coastline & extra precautions are required during your swim.

In comparison to the neighbouring Christies Beach, there are fewer beachgoers at O’Sullivan Beach. However, there is just one thing I’m not super fond of when it comes to O’Sullivan Beach & that is the amount of dog poop you can find on O’Sullivan Beach.

I don’t want to be negative about it, but every few steps you take along O’Sullivan Beach, you can find a dog poop (or more). O’Sullivan Beach has a great view, but I’m just not keen on stepping into any fecal matters on a beach walk.

O’Sullivan Beach is Best For:

• Surfing
• Boating

Restaurants and Shops at O’Sullivan Beach:

• There aren’t any shops or restaurants along the O’Sullivan beachfront.
• The closest takeaway shop is about a 15 minutes walk on Galloway Road (O’Sullivan Beach Takeaway).

Vehicle Access & Parking at O’Sullivan Beach:

• There are many free carparks (with trailer parking as well) next to the boat ramp on O’Sullivan Beach.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at O’Sullivan Beach:

• Dogs are permitted off-leash at all times on the foreshore area at O’Sullivan Beach, providing they are under effective control.

Christies Beach

Christies Beach is a stretch of stunning coastline from Christies Creek (on the north) to Witton Bluff (on the south).

You can swim at Christies Beach on a sunny day, but strong rips are common along this stretch of coastline & extra precautions are required during your swim. The best spot for a swim here is the section in front of Christies Beach Surf Life Saving Club. This section tends to have less strong currents and is patrolled in the summer months.

With that being said, there are some reasonable beach breaks at Christies Beach, which makes Christies Beach a popular surfing spot as well.

You can also enjoy snorkelling or diving near Witton Bluff. In comparison to the neighbouring Port Noarlunga Jetty, snorkelling at Christies Beach is not widely known, so you can usually have this little paradise all to yourself.

One thing to note about visiting Christies Beach (as well as O’Sullivan Beach) is the potential water pollution. Since O’Sullivan Beach and Christies Beach are where Christies Creek flows into the sea, there have been times when the beach was closed due to polluted water or stormwater being drained into the sea.

In general, the water at Christies Beach is clean and regularly monitored. If you are concerned, you can download the Beachsafe App by Surf Lifesaving Australia for up-to-date alerts.

Christies Beach is Best For:

• Surfing
• Snorkelling near Witton Bluff

Restaurants and Shops at Christies Beach:

• There are many shops and restaurants along Christies Beach.
• You can also find a variety of local shops along Beach Road, Christies Beach.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Christies Beach:

• There are many free off-street carparks along Christies Beach.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Christies Beach:

• Dogs are allowed off-leash on Christies Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving times (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.

Port Noarlunga Beach

Port Noarlunga Beach is the most beautiful beach in Adelaide’s metropolitan area. It is a stretch of soft sandy beach from South Port Beach to the impressive cliff bottom of Witton Bluff.

The picturesque Port Noarlunga Jetty extends all the way into Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary, where you can see through the clear turquoise water to view the remarkable reefs underneath. These impressive reefs are part of the Encounter Marine Park which has also made Port Noarlunga Beach a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Fishing is another popular activity at Port Noarlunga Beach. However, it is only allowed outside of the reef sanctuary zone. You don’t need to memorise where the sanctuary is because it is well marked on Port Noarlunga Jetty. Alternatively, you can also find some great fishing spots near Witton Bluff.

After your adventure at Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary, make sure you also take a walk along the gorgeous Port Noarlunga Beach.

On the northern end of Port Noarlunga Beach, you will find the magnificent Witton Bluff. On top of Witton Bluff, you can actually obtain a spectacular bird’s eye view of Port Noarlunga Beach and Christies Beach.

On the southern end of Port Noarlunga Beach, you will find South Port Beach and the river mouth of the Onkaparinga River. This section of the coastline is a great spot for surfing as well.

Port Noarlunga Beach is Best For:

• Swimming
• Snorkelling
• Scuba diving
• Families with kids
• A perfect beach day

Restaurants and Shops:

• There are many restaurants and cafes near Port Noarlunga Jetty.
• My favourites are:
  • Port Burger
  • Port Noarlunga Fish and Chips.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Port Noarlunga Beach:

• There is a designated carpark, south of Port Noarlunga Jetty.
• You can also find some off-street parking along Esplanade.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Port Noarlunga Beach:

• Between 10 am to 8 pm during daylight saving times
  • Dogs are prohibited on Port Noarlunga Beach between Witton Bluff to the southern end of Port Noarlunga Life Saving Club.
  • Dogs are required to be on-leash south of the Port Noarlunga Life Saving Club.
• Outside of this time frame, dogs are permitted off-leash on Port Noarlunga Beach, providing they are under effective control.
• Dogs are prohibited from Port Noarlunga Jetty.

South Port Beach

South Port Beach is where the Onkaparinga River meets the sea. This stunning beach is much less populated than the neighbouring Port Noarlunga Beach but still offers a remarkable view.

You can either take a walk along the soft sandy shorefront or enjoy a swim near the Onkaparinga River mouth. This open water is also suited for surfing and paddleboarding. If you are interested in fishing, you can find some great spots near the river mouth and the beach as well. There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy at South Port Beach.

South Port Beach is Best For:

• Surfing
• Fishing
• Families with kids
• A relaxing stroll
• Beach getaway

Restaurants and Shops:

• Sunset at the Coast – a short walk from South Port Beach carpark.
• Alternatively, you can visit the cafes near Port Noarlunga Jetty.

Vehicle Access & Parking at South Port Beach:

• Designated carparks are available for free.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at South Port Beach:

• Dogs are allowed at South Port Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving times (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.

Seaford Beach

Seaford Beach is along the rugged coastline between South Port Beach and Moana Beach. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk either along the shoreline or the breathtaking clifftop.

You can enjoy a swim at this clean beach on a warm summer day (providing the water is calm). However, this stunning beach is more popular among surfers.

Seaford Beach is Best For:

• Relaxing stroll
• Surfing

Restaurants and Shops at Seaford Beach:

• You will need to check out nearby Moana Beach or Port Noarlunga Beach for restaurants and shops.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Seaford Beach:

• Free designated carparks near The Through Stairs.
• Free off-street car parking spots are also available along Esplanade.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Seaford Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Seaford Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• In the section between Cliff Avenue & Tiller Drive, dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm, during daylight saving times (October to early April).

Moana Beach

Moana Beach is a great spot for a family holiday. It offers an impressive view of St Vincent Gulf; a 2km stretch of soft sandy beach; a wide foreshore for vehicle drive on; a decent sized caravan park right next to the beach; and a range of shops and cafes for all your holiday needs.

Moana Beach is Best For:

• Family Holiday
• Families with Kids
• A Perfect Beach Day
• Drive on

Restaurants and Shops at Moana Beach:

• Shops and restaurants are available at Moana Beach.
• Deep Blue Cafe is a popular choice in this area.
  • They offer dine-in & takeaway options – where possible, try to have your meals as takeaway to save a significant amount of money.
  • we ordered 2 serves of fish & chips from here, which was AUD29.80 in total (May 2022) & it would have cost us about AUD52 for dine-in. They did say the cost is justified by larger serving sizes, but I’m not convinced.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Moana Beach:

• Free carparks are available near Moana Beach (designated & off-street).
• Vehicle drive-on is permitted on Moana Beach between 5.30 am and midnight & a valid beach permit (for local residents) or AUD8 access fee is required for drive-on access.

Dogs at Moana Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Moana Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• During daylight saving times (October to early April), dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm.

Maslin Beach

Maslin Beach is widely known as Australia’s first nudist beach. However, I believe it should be better known for its magnificent coastline.

Maslin Beach is a 2.9km stretch of soft sandy beach with clear turquoise water. It is divided into two sections: the clothed area & clothing-optional area. The clothing-optional area is at the southern end of Maslin Beach, well tucked away from the public. This section is where nude bathing is allowed. It is also the prettiest section of Maslin Beach with its high cliff face expanding all the way to Blanche Point.

Blanche Point is the southernmost point and highest clifftop of Maslin Beach. It offers a spectacular view of the breathtaking coastline along Maslin Beach. At low tide, the reefs under Blanche Point are more exposed, which you can either view from the top of Blanche Point or discover them close up by snorkelling or paddleboarding.

Maslin Beach and Blanche Point also offer one of the best sunset views along this stretch of east-facing coastline. Be sure to bring a rug and picnic to enjoy with you, as well as some warm cloth (it can get really windy at Blanche Point).

Maslin Beach is Best For:

• Families with kids
• A perfect beach getaway
• Relaxing walk
• Stunning sunset view

Restaurants and Shops at Maslin Beach:

• There are no restaurants or shops at Maslin Beach.
• Restaurants and shops can be found at nearby Port Willunga Beach and Moana Beach.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Maslin Beach:

• There are 2 decent sized car parks available at Maslin Beach & they are both free.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Maslin Beach:

• On the northern section of Maslin Beach, dogs are allowed off-leash, providing they are under effective control.
• Outside of this area, dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm, during daylight saving times (October to early April).

Port Willunga Beach

Port Willunga Beach is famous for the exposed remains of Port Willunga Jetty, the impressive Port Willunga Caves, and the wreckage of the Star of Greece.

The remains of Port Willunga Jetty are also known as the ‘sticks’, which has accurately described the current state of this jetty. Port Willunga Jetty was initially built in the mid-1800s when Port Willunga was a busy exporting port. Since the early 1900s, Port Willunga Jetty has slowly lost its popularity and gotten into a state of disrepair. With time and natural erosion, the once buzzing Port Willunga Jetty now only has a bunch of pylons left.

Nonetheless, the remains of Port Willunga Jetty have brought Port Willunga Beach many visitors throughout the year, because of how picturesque they look on this rugged coastline. This is especially true around sunset.

Port Willunga Caves were carved by fishermen to store their boats when Port Willunga was still a busy exporting port. In this day and era, these caves are mostly serving as a spot to escape from the scorching summer heat or as a fun playground for kids. However, it is still fascinating to see how tall and deep these caves are, especially considering the techniques and resources people had back in the day.

Star of Greece is a ship that was stranded near the coast of Port Willunga in 1888. 11 crews were lost during this accident, and the shipwreck from Star of Greece is still currently sitting at the bottom of the coast. Nowadays, this shipwreck is serving as a popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers. You can even see part of the shipwreck from ashore, during low tide near the northern end of Port Willunga Beach.

Port Willunga Beach is Best For:

• Families with kids
• Snorkelling or scuba diving
• Relaxing stroll

Restaurants and Shops at Port Willunga Beach:

• Star of Greece – the same name as the shipwreck & offers a great dining experience with the best view of Port Willunga Beach.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Port Willunga Beach:

• Free designated carparks & off-street parking – can get busy on weekends and school holidays.
• Drive on not permitted.

Dogs at Port Willunga Beach:

• Dogs are allowed on Port Willunga Beach but will need to be under effective control.
• Dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm, during daylight saving times (October to early April).

Aldinga Beach & Silver Sands Beach & Sellicks Beach

Aldinga Beach, Silver Sands Beach, and Sellicks Beach are a continuous stretch of coastline from Snapper Point (north) to the southern end of Mount Lofty Range (south). This stretch of remarkable coastline also allows drive-on access to the designated areas, which gives beachgoers easier access to the beach.

Aldinga Beach is also known for its Aldinga Aquatic Reserve, which is part of the impressive Encounter Marine Park. A great range of marine lives can be found in this aquatic reserve, and this has made Aldinga Beach a popular snorkelling and scuba diving destination as well.

Aldinga Beach, Silver Sands Beach & Sellicks Beach are Best For

• Vehicle drive-on
• Snorkelling – Aldinga Beach
• Scuba diving – Aldinga Beach
• Families with kids
• A perfect beach day

Restaurants and Shops at Aldinga Beach, Silver Sands Beach & Sellicks Beach:

• Aldinga Beach: Pearl – a beautiful restaurant with a great beachfront view.
• Silver Sands Beach: Silver Sands Beach Club & Sandbar Cafe.
• Sellicks Beach: Sellicks Beach General Store – for some burgers or fish & chips.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Aldinga Beach, Silver Sands Beach & Sellicks Beach:

• Free carparks are available next to Aldinga Beach, Silver Sand Beach, and Sellicks Beach.
• Vehicle drive-on is permitted on Aldinga Beach, Silver Sands Beach, and Sellicks Beach (as well as Moana Beach) between 5.30 am and midnight.
• A valid beach permit (for local residents) or AUD8 access fee is required for drive-on access.
• Winter closure (between May and September) for drive-on access applies each year on Aldinga Beach.

Dogs at Aldinga Beach, Silver Sands Beach & Sellicks Beach:

• Dogs are allowed between Aldinga Beach and Sellicks Beach & will need to be under effective control.
• Apart from the very northern end of Aldinga Beach and the southern half of Sellicks Beach, dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm, during daylight saving times (October to early April).

Myponga Beach

Myponga Beach is a small beach 1-hour drive south of Adelaide.

Hidden in a small valley, Myponga Beach makes the perfect weekend getaway. You can either take a swim or a stroll to unwind at the beach or take your kayak or boat to appreciate this beautiful coastline from a different perspective.

Myponga Beach also offers a spectacular sunset view. I found the prettiest spot for viewing sunset on Myponga Beach is at the Rock Formations. From there you can watch the sun slowly hide behind the bluff on the western end of Myponga Beach while displaying a magnificent light show.

Myponga Beach is Best For:

• Families with kids
• Weekend getaway

Restaurants and Shops at Myponga Beach:

• One of the beauties of Myponga Beach is that there are no restaurants or shops at Myponga Beach. This can be considered inconvenient, but it is also part of the reason why Myponga Beach is so secluded.
• Be sure to pack up enough supplies before heading off to Myponga Beach.
• Alternatively, there is a range of facilities at Normanville (a 15-minute drive) if you have forgotten to bring anything.

Vehicle Access & Parking at Myponga Beach:

• Free off-street parking.
• Vehicle drive-on is only permitted for launching and retrieving watercraft, west of the vehicle access point (as stated in the photo below)
• There is a significant portion of dirt road to drive on before reaching Myponga Beach.
• Be aware of Kangaroos if driving around dusk or dawn.

Dogs at Myponga Beach:

• In the western half of Myponga Beach: dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
• In the eastern half of Myponga Beach:
  • Dogs are allowed off-leash providing they are under effective control.
  • Dogs are required to be on a leash between 10 am and 8 pm from December to February & from Good Friday to Easter Monday (inclusive).