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.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

9 of the best beaches near Adelaide