Best beaches in Adelaide and South Australia

AS the mercury climbs to 36C, we take a look at 10 of the best beaches in South Australia — so you know where to go to keep cool.

Monday Beach Spread

• Surf lifesaving numbers take a dip

AS the mercury climbs to 36C, we take alook at 10 of the best beaches in South Australia — so you know where to go to keep cool.

1. ALL-ROUNDER: MOANA

Moana — or “Mowies” to the locals — is a little slice of paradise with something to satisfy every beachgoer.

The water’s clean and, on a good day, there might even be a little wave for budding surfers or stand-up paddle boarders.

Dogs can play in a designated leash-free area on the northern end, while cars are welcome to drive on the sand on the southern side.

There’s a grassed area on the esplanade, shaded seating, barbecue facilities, a surf club and popular eatery, Deep Blue Cafe, just across the road.

For those wanting to make a weekend of it, the Moana Beach Tourist Park is right next door with caravanning and camping facilities.

What more could you ask for?

Luke Belfrage and Elizabeth Atkins at Aldinga Beach. Picture: Calum Robertson

2. 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.

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.

Gary Edwards with his catch at Farm Beach. Picture: Supplied.

3. FISHING: FARM BEACH

The Eyre Peninsula 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.

Farm Beach also a relatively safe swimming beach. Nearby beaches include Coffin Bay, Gallipoli Beach, Coles Point and Greenly.

The stunning beach at Normanville at sunset. Picture: Mark Davies

4. FAMILY-FRIENDLY: NORMANVILLE

South Australia is spoiled for choice when it comes to picturesque, family-friendly beaches.

Travel a little further south and you’ll find stunner Normanville, 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.

Seacliff Beach is a fantastic spot for a swim. Picture: Jessica Galletly

5. 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 and you’re just a short, 30 minute drive from Adelaide.

Second Valley is a pristine little spot. Picture: Supplied

6. PRISTINE: SECOND VALLEY

A good 1.5 hours from Adelaide, a trip to Second Valley really makes you feel like you’ve left it all behind.

It’s a picturesque little spot, with aqua waters, a jetty and plenty of rocky areas for exploring.

Other gorgeous stretches of sand worthy of a mention include Coles Point in the Eyre Peninsula — a great afternoon beach as it’s sheltered from southerly winds — and stunning Shell Beach at Yorkes.

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

7. SURFING: WEST CAPE

Looking for big swell? 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.

James Breed enjoys the beach at Glenelg with his partner’s son, Ash Airey. Picture: Tait Schmaal.

8. COSMOPOLITAN: GLENELG

A jetty, bustling shopping strip, countless restaurants, plenty of accommodation and a thriving night-life on balmy evenings.

Glenelg Beach is pretty much as close to the likes of the Sunshine Coast that you’ll find in Adelaide.

It’s safe for swimming and you’ll often find people playing sports like beach volleyball.

There is also plenty of grassed area for those who don’t like sand between their toes.

Foodie tip: Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club is great for a well-priced feed overlooking the sea.

Then jump on the tram at Moseley Square and you’ll be back in Adelaide in no time.

Port Noarlunga’s jetty is picture perfect. Picture: George Papanicolaou.

9. JETTY: PORT NOARLUNGA

On a hot day you’ll have to get to Port Noarlunga early to snag a coveted position under the long jetty.

The beach offers a scenic walk along the jetty as well as a place to fish.

And you can’t forget the reef — very popular for snorkelling — which shelters the coastline from big surf.

There’s plenty of car parks and an abundance of eateries, like the Fish Shop & Cafe, Ampika’s Kitchen and Becks Bakehouse, to name a few.

Port Willunga Beach is one of South Australia’s prettiest beaches.

10. LUXURY: PORT WILLUNGA

When it comes to pretty beaches Port Willunga ticks all the boxes.

In the midst of wedding season you’ll often spot bridal parties having a photography session at the beach and among the old jetty pylons.

You can easily spend a day exploring Port Willunga Beach, which is overlooked by cliffs in which fishermen once carved out caves to store boats and nets.

Fine dining restaurant, Star of Greece, overlooks the sprawling sea and was named after the ship which was wrecked there in 1888.