South Australia’s most beautiful beaches

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure, a relaxing getaway, South Australian’s 5000km+ of coastline has something for everyone. Here are some of the best beaches in the state.

Vivonne Bay, one of SA’s best beaches.

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Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure, a relaxing getaway or somewhere to keep the kids entertained, South Australian’s more than 5000km of coastline has something for everyone. Here are some of the best beaches in the state ...

OUT OF THE WAY

Second Valley

Second Valley is a good 1.5 hours (90km) from Adelaide. It’s a picturesque little spot, with aqua waters, a jetty and plenty of rocky areas for exploring.

Situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula’s south coast, Second Valley may be small in size but it has plenty to offer.

Like most beaches in South Australia, Second Valley boasts pristine white sands and clear waters, with a fishing jetty on which to while away the hours, But look beneath the water’s surface and there’s so much more to enjoy, including leafy sea dragons that can be only be found in the southern waters of Australia.

For the more intrepid visitor, the rugged coastline offers colourful rock formations that are a delight to explore, while the town’s proximity to Deep Creek National Park makes it the perfect location for bush trekking.

There is plenty of accommodation to be had in the town, from five-star modern homes and traditional beach shacks to the Second Valley Caravan park, which offers a three-bedroom Valley House as well as cabins, on-site caravans and camping facilities.

Its secluded location makes this beach perfect for a getting-away-from-it-all break, which is probably why, when it comes to naming South Australia’s top beaches, Second Valley makes the list year after year.

Shell Beach at Yorkes is also a winner.

COSMOPOLITAN

Brighton

One of the busiest beachside strips of a weekend — and often weekday — morning, Brighton is a popular hangout for locals, cyclists and tourists alike looking to enjoy a flat white while taking in the view. As well as Brighton’s popular fishing jetting and pristine white sands, the suburb’s Jetty Rd is known for its cafes, restaurants and boutique shops, selling everything from clothes to jewellery, art to interior furnishings.

Brighton Jetty at Sunset. Picture: Simon Cross

Henley Beach, with it’s upgraded square, is also a good choice if you’re looking for great coffee, dining and shopping.

Henley Square. Picture: Stephen Laffer

SWIMMING

Seacliff

SA has plenty of top swimming spots that stretch from Seacliff Beach through to Grange Beach, where you’ll generally find safe and consistent conditions.

Here you’ll find the Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club and the adjoining Seacliff Sailing Club, with car park and boat ramp north of the sailing club.

There’s a park and pub nearby.

Aldinga, Port Noarlunga, Brighton and Henley are also great swimming spots.

Reader Damian Janitz's photo of Port Noarlunga jetty during a spring storm.

SURFER’S PARADISE

Vivonne Bay

The waters off Kangaroo Island offer some great surfing breaks, and one of the best — and most popular — spots is Vivonne Bay, a 5km-long white sand beach on the island’s south coast. The high-energy double bar system in the east creates fast, powerful waves while, at the main beach car park, the surf has a single continuous bar cut by rips every 200-300m, making it a drawcard for surfers of all abilities, as well as swimmers and anglers.

Vivonne Bay.

West Cape

West Cape, on the Yorke Peninsula, will usually deliver a good time for experienced surfers.

Not far from West Cape is Ethel Beach, or Ethel Wreck Beach, where you can check out the rusty remains of shipwrecks. Chinaman’s Hat is another very popular surf beach in Yorkes but it can get big and heavy, so paddle out at your own risk.

If you can’t get away from metropolitan Adelaide, Moana, Port Noarlunga, Seaford, Aldinga and Christies beaches are all good surf beaches.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Glenelg

Glenelg has long been a popular spot for tourists but it’s a great destination for families, too. Just 25 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, Glenelg boasts a white sandy beach, jetty, shops, cafes and restaurants. If sunbaking isn’t your thing, try taking a swim with the dolphins, diving or snorkelling. And you can keep the kids entertained at the Beachouse, with its waterslides, dodgem cars, bumper boats, carousel, train, mini golf, play castle, arcade games and prize and ticket games.

Glenelg. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Moana

This beach is a great all-rounder. It is great for budding surfers and paddle boarders. The foreshore is dominated by towering Norfolk Island pines, there’s easy parking and also a leash-free area at the northern end for the family pooch. There’s a grassed area on the esplanade, shade and barbecue facilities.

Aldinga, Semaphore, Port Noarlunga and Brighton are also great choices for young families.

Normanville

Outside of town, Normanville is a top family beach spot, where you’ll often be greeted by crystal blue ocean.

The southern Fleurieu Peninsula beach has a little jetty (shore fishing, anyone?), plenty of grass and a caravan park.

The township also has some cute little cafes if you’re feeling peckish.

FISHERMAN’S DREAM

Port Hughes

With its abundance of snapper and King George whiting, Port Hughes is one of the most popular all-round fishing venues on the Yorke Peninsula, around 170km northwest of Adelaide. Local operators run a variety of charter fishing options, or you can just find a spot on the long jetty and fish for blue swimmer crabs, garfish, tommies and squid. There’s plenty of accommodation options, too, from camping and caravanning to hotels and holiday homes.

Port Hughes.

Farm Beach

The Eyre Peninsula also boasts some great fishing spots like Farm Beach, located about 53km from Port Lincoln. Fish for species like salmon, whiting, tommy ruff and mullet off the beach, rocks or from a boat. There’s also a campground, off Hull Rd, for those who want to stay overnight. Nearby beaches include Coffin Bay, Gallipoli Beach, Coles Point and Greenly.

DRIVE-ON

Aldinga

If hauling a picnic basket, umbrella, towels and boogie boards from your parked car to the beach sounds like your version of a living nightmare then you’ll love Aldinga Beach.

Located about 40km south of the CBD, it is one of the few beaches in SA where cars are permitted to drive on sections of the sand. It’s a great all-rounder and popular with families.

There’s also a launching area that provides easy access to the water.

Divers and snorkellers can make the most of the Aldinga Aquatic Reserve nearby.

Check signs at the beachfront for directions.

Aldinga Beach.

Vehicle access is permitted on Aldinga, Moana, Sellicks and Silver Sands beaches between the hours of 5.30am and 12 midnight.

Vehicle access is restricted on all beaches between the hours of 12 midnight and 5.30am.

CRABBING

St Kilda

St Kilda, Port Gawler and Thompsons Beaches allows people to wade in the shallows or go in a boat to go crabbing.

Semaphore, Largs Bay and Aldinga Beach are also good spots for crabbing.

Tell us your favourite beach below.