9 of the best beaches near Adelaide

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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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)

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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
Christies Beach is a bit of a local secret.

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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.

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8 reasons it’s time to explore Lismore’s vibrant villages

(Image: Visit Lismore)

    Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
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    Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.

    Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.

    1. Nights come to life

    Lismore's vibrant villages have Patrons enjoying a night out at Eltham Hotel.
    Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.

    2. A thriving arts and culture scene

    Racing on Molesworth Steet, Lismore for the BBCC Lismore Cycling Festival. Lismore's vibrant villages is filled with murals.
    Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.

    3. Boutique shopping

    Inside Two Ravens Antiques & Collectables in Lismore's vibrant villages.
    Uncover one-of-a-kind finds. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.

    4. Diverse food offerings

    Bartenders at the The Levee Lounge and Bar, Lismore
    Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.

    Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.

    Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.

    5. Alternative lifestyles reign

    Streetscape of Nimbin with buskers, Northern Rivers
    Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

    This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.

    6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep

    Person enjoying a walk through the rainforest in Nightcap National Park.
    Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.

    7. Boutique stays

    Contained in Nimbin Accommodation.
    Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)

    Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridge secluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.

    8. Form community connections

    Crowds enjoying the Lismore Lantern Parade on the North Coast.
    Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.

    Friday Meet and Make offers relaxed crafting at The Artisans Table, while Fire Twirling in The Quad delivers a high energy evening spectacle. The legendary Tropical Fruits New Years Eve Festival is a bold celebration of inclusion; Lismore Lantern Parade glows through streets with handmade lanterns on the winter solstice and Italian festival LisAmore! brings music and romance to the town.

    Start planning the ultimate getaway at visitlismore.com.au