9 of the Best Beaches near Adelaide

South Australian seascapes are what coastal postcards are made of. And while you might not have heard it before, Adelaide plays host to a fair few of them.

Not only do Adelaide beaches deliver premium sand and surf, but the towns that encompass them are packed with the famous food and wine that made you book a ticket to the region in the first place.

Whether you’re in the market for somewhere to take the family, lay down a towel, go for a snorkel or perhaps indulge in some nude sunbathing, keep reading, because there’s a beach in Adelaide with your name on it.

1. Glenelg Beach

Driving time from Adelaide: 20 minutes
Best for: Families

Description: Glenelg is the most popular metropolitan beach in Adelaide; with easy access, vast sandscapes and a bustling coastal mall, it’s not hard to see why.

Aerial shot of the Moseley Beach Club at sunset, Glenelg Beach — Sip cocktails in Glenelg at Moseley Beach Club during the summer months. (Image: Hayley Hays Photography)

Hop on the tram from the city to Mosely Square and you’ll disembark to find yourself a few metres from the glistening blue water.

Away from the ocean, you’ll find a mix of quality cafés, beach bars, clothing boutiques and restaurants. There is also a plentiful supply of picnic areas, playgrounds and other family-friendly time fillers.

For those sans kids, head to the famous Mosely Beach Club. With cocktails and casual dining, live music, DJs and some 56 sun lounges and beds to stretch out on, this place is modelled on the crème de la crème of beach clubs across Europe and Southeast Asia. It opens for the season every November.

Glenelg Beach SA — Locals flock to Glenelg Beach when the weather heats up. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

2. Port Noarlunga

Driving time from Adelaide: 35 minutes
Best for: Snorkellers and divers

Description: Originally founded as a seaport, you’ll find the picturesque seaside village of Port Noarlunga just 30 kilometres south of Adelaide.

Surfers using the coastal walk at Port Noarlunga South — Drive 30 minutes to arrive in the seaside town of Port Noarlunga. (Image: Trent Martin Photography)

Framed by famous red sandstone cliffs, a long jetty and an enclosed reef make this one of the most iconic diving destinations in the state.

You’ll find a mix of novices and experts exploring the off-shore Port Noarlunga Reef and aquatic reserve, which forms part of the Encounter Marine Park. The reef is home to more than 200 species of marine life and plants.

Above the water, the safe swimming beach is patrolled by the Port Noarlunga Surf Lifesaving Club.

Woman climbs on the rocks at Port Noarlunga — Even the rocks here are prettier than anywhere else.(Image: Jake Wundersitz)

3. Henley Beach

Driving time from Adelaide: 20 minutes
Best for: Seafood and a sunset

Description: Conveniently close to the CBD, the flat sands of Henley Beach are the perfect oasis for those looking to catch a quick dip after work.

People gather at Henley Beach in Adelaide — Calm seas at Henley Beach. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission)

While the expansive blue waters are more than enough to pull the crowds, the bustling Seaview Road precinct doesn’t hurt its case either. Filled with plenty of upscale shops, cafes and restaurants, this is the perfect place to go to get your hands on a seafood dinner while making the most of those famous Adelaidean sunsets.

The esplanade walk is also a popular exercise option for cyclists, joggers and walkers.

Dolphins spotted at Henley Beach — Spot dolphins from the shore. (Image: Kane Overall)

4. Moana Beach

Where: 40 minutes
Best for: Car access

Description: Situated south of Adelaide between Seaford and Maslin beaches, Moana is a popular beachside town for families during the holidays. It’s also close enough for a day trip, which makes it worthy of a spot in this stellar selection.

Moana’s major drawcard is the unique car park: it’s one of the few local beaches where cars are allowed to park right on the sand. It will set you back about $8 per car and you’ll find the driving ramp located next to the Surf Life Saving Club.

Moana Beach SA — Moana Beach is the perfect spot to escape the crowds.

5. Semaphore Beach

Driving time from Adelaide: 25 minutes
Best for: Good old-fashioned Vitamin D and swimming

Description: Long, wide and bordered by low sand dunes, the expansive Semaphore Beach is one of Adelaide’s crown jewels.

Semaphore Beach Sunset — The sky ablaze over Semaphore Beach. (Image: Tommy Woods Photography/ @iamtommywoods)

Offering views of the CBD, Fleurieu coastlines and Gulf St Vincent, this place comes alive when the warm weather hits. Set up camp on the sand and explore the grassy foreshore, or perhaps fishing and crabbing off the pier is more to your speed.

Another major drawcard is Semaphore’s beautifully preserved Art Deco buildings. The boulevard is dotted with historic pubs, restaurants, boutiques and of course, the grandeur of Sempahore’s 1920s Palais. Built as a bathing pavilion, this iconic piece of real estate is the best place to grab a pub lunch and watch the sun go down.

Semaphore Lifeguard-Towe — Semaphore Beach is patrolled. (Image: Liam Pearson)

6. Christies Beach

Where: 30 minutes
Best for: Expansive natural beauty

Description: A little further from the action of the CBD, Christies Beach, is one of Adelaide’s best-kept secrets.

Crane your neck while you’re swimming and marvel at the expansive natural landscape that surrounds you. There are rock bluffs to the south, a sea wall to the north, all flanked by Norfolk Island pines that line the foreshore.

Not only is this place readily accessible from the city, but it’s also on the doorstep of the McLaren Vale wine region, Kangaroo Island and many other attractions along the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Perfect.

Christies Beach is a bit of a local secret.

7. Seacliff Beach

Where: 25 minutes
Best for: Dolphin watching

Description: Thanks to a beautifully curving coastline, Seacliff Beach provides swimmers with a safe, sheltered place to take a dip.

Hire a stand-up paddleboard and explore the surroundings by water – just be sure to watch out for the dolphins, these inquisitive creatures often patrol this part of the coastline.

If this works up your appetite, stop for a bite at the Seacliff Beach Hotel . It’s been a local since 1935, serving up ice-cold drinks and a selection of pub food that truly hits the spot.

Seacliff Beach SA — Seacliff Beach is a calm spot for a paddle.

8. Maslin Beach

Where: 40 minutes
Best for: Nude beach-goers

Description: The rugged, ochre cliffs of Maslin Beach are not the only drawcard. Believe it or not, Maslin was actually Australia’s first official nude, or “unclad" beach, a title which is still firmly upheld to this day.

The three-kilometre stretch of sand has designated areas reserved for nude bathing, as well as hosting the annual Pilwarren Maslin Beach Nude Games.

Clothed beach-goers are still encouraged to come and enjoy the beauty of these pristine surroundings – just be sure not to stare!

Maslin Beach SA — Maslin Beach welcomes those with our without clothes. (Image: Tourism Australia)

9. Brighton Beach

Where: 25 minutes
Best for: Fish and chips

Description: Similar to Glenelg and Henley, Brighton Beach is an equally popular option for Adelaide city-dwellers.

Adelaide beaches are renowned for their long beach-to-beach walks, and Brighton’s esplanade is no exception. Stroll all the way south to Seacliff, or north to Somerton. If you’d rather stay put, sit under the clean jetty for shade, or BYO tent to pitch in the sand.

Grab a bite at the Esplanade Hotel , filled with barefoot beach-goers and impressive ocean views.

Brighton Beach SA — Stroll the esplanade along Brighton Beach.

For more inspiration on how to spend your holiday in Adelaide, read our guide to things to do in Adelaide.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.

You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.

1. Lake Tyrrell

Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.

2. Nhill Lake

There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.

3. Lake Bringalbert

Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.

4. Lake Hindmarsh

If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.

5. Pink Lake

Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.

6. Lake Lascelles

On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.

9 of the best beaches near Adelaide