12 Best Beaches in South Australia With Insanely Blue Waters
South Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. With its pristine coastline stretching over 3000 km it’s no surprise this post covers 12 beaches. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax or a place to enjoy water sports, these are without a doubt the best beaches in South Australia that you should definitely add to your itinerary.
In this post, I cover the best beaches in South Australia. From beaches 10 minutes from Adelaide city to beaches on Kangaroo Island.
12 Best Beaches in South Australia
The following are the best beaches in South Australia, broken down by region.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s most beautiful and unspoiled locations. This stunning island is home to some of the most incredible beaches you’ll ever see. Here are some of the best beaches on Kangaroo Island that you should definitely add to your itinerary.
Vivonne Bay
Often referred to as Australia’s best beach, Vivonne Bay is nothing short of spectacular. This stunning stretch of white sand is backed by towering dunes and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing. The bay is also home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas so keep your eyes peeled!
Whilst you’re visiting Vivonne Bay beach, you MUST and I mean MUST visit Vivonne Bay Jetty.
The jetty is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing on Kangaroo Island. The jetty is situated at the western end of Vivonne Bay and extends 165 meters out into the ocean. It offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great place to watch the sunset.
Apart from fishing, the jetty is also a great spot for snorkeling and diving. The waters around the jetty are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea urchins, and starfish. It’s a great spot for both beginners and experienced divers, with plenty of underwater attractions to explore.
Vivonne Bay Jetty is also a popular spot for photography, with its stunning views and picturesque location. It’s a great spot for capturing memories of your visit to Kangaroo Island, with the stunning coastline and ocean providing a beautiful backdrop.
Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a picturesque spot to relax and enjoy the views, this jetty has something to offer everyone. So don’t forget to add it to your itinerary when you visit Kangaroo Island!
For a full list of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island, check out my top 10 Best Things to do in Kangaroo Island!
Stokes Bay
Rated as the number 1 best beach in Australia in 2023, Stokes Bay is an absolute must!
The main attraction of Stokes Bay is the hidden beach that’s often overlooked by tourists. This secluded beach is accessed through a narrow gap in the cliffs, which opens up to reveal a stunning white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. That’s what makes it so special, is that it feels like you are stepping into hidden land!
Go swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, as well as exploring the rock pools and caves that are hidden among the rocks.
Apart from the beach, Stokes Bay is also home to a number of walking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
You can take a walk through the nearby Lathami Conservation Park to see some of the island’s unique flora and fauna, or visit the nearby Stokes Bay Bush Garden to learn about the native plants of the area.
I cannot recommend Stokes Bay enough!
Pennington Bay
Next up on the list of the best beaches in South Australia is none other than Pennington Bay.
Pennington Bay is a rugged and wild beach that’s perfect for surfers and beachcombers. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and offers some of the best surf breaks on the island. It’s also a great spot for beachcombing, with plenty of shells, driftwood, and other treasures to be found.
Pennington Bay was actually a last-minute find on my trip and I really didn’t know much about it including whether it was worth the visit.
I can tell you now, it certainly is. The dramatic backdrop of the rugged cliffs combined with different shades of turquoise waters is truly spectacular.
One of the main reasons to visit Pennington Bay is to enjoy its natural beauty and tranquility.
The beach is often less crowded than other popular spots on the island, making it a great place to relax and unwind. You can swim, sunbathe, or take a walk along the shoreline to explore the rocky outcrops and tidal pools.
Neapan Bay
Another one of the best beaches in South Australia that I didn’t originally plan on visiting is Neapan Bay. Not technically a beach but my jaw dropped when I stumbled across it.
Funny story I actually found Neapan Bay when I was road-tripping and needed to stop for a quick bathroom break. Hilarious I know!
If beach waves aren’t your thing but you still want to go for a dip, Neapan bay is for you.
Nepean Bay is a scenic bay located on the north coast of Kangaroo Island. It is known for its calm waters, sandy beaches, and abundance of marine life, making it a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and boating.
One of the main reasons to visit Nepean Bay is to experience its natural beauty and tranquility. The bay is surrounded by rolling hills, lush vegetation, and scenic viewpoints that offer stunning views of the ocean. You can take a swim in the calm waters, relax on the sandy beaches, or explore the rocky shoreline.
Nepean Bay is also a great place for fishing enthusiasts, as it is home to a variety of fish species including salmon, snapper, and whiting. You can cast your line from the shore, or take a boat out to deeper waters to try your luck.
In addition to fishing and swimming, Nepean Bay is also a popular destination for boating and kayaking. You can rent a boat or kayak from one of the local companies and explore the bay’s hidden coves and beaches. Alternatively, you can take a scenic cruise around the bay to see some of the local wildlife, including seals and dolphins.
Check out my detailed guide on Kangaroo Island Accommodation, Getting Around & How Much it Costs to Travel, I’ve got you covered!
Adelaide
Adelaide is known for its beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Here are my personal beaches close to Adelaide City.
Glenelg Beach
Let’s now move over to the suburbs of Adelaide. The big tick with Glenelg Beach is that it is easily accessible from the city center, with frequent public transportation options such as the tram, bus, or taxi. You can also take a short drive from the city center and park your car in one of the many car parks available.
Glenelg Beach boasts a long stretch of white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and strolling along the shoreline.
Or if you’re an adrenaline junkie, this beach offers a range of water sports activities. Including but not limited to surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can rent equipment from the beachfront shops or book a lesson with a local instructor.
Make sure to stay around until the evening to witness some of the most spectacular sunsets in Adelaide. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a beautiful blend of pink, purple, and orange hues that reflect off the ocean. Glenelg Beach also has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with a range of entertainment options. You can catch a movie at the beachside cinema, dine at one of the many restaurants or cafes, or enjoy a drink at one of the bars or pubs.
Port Noarlunga
Let’s discuss, the first beach I visited in Adelaide. And I will say it set the scene for the rest of the beaches I visited on my trip.
Port Noarlunga is a suburb located approximately 30 kilometers south of Adelaide.
Port Noarlunga is known for its beautiful beach, Port Noarlunga Reef, and its picturesque jetty. The area is also popular for its hiking trails, coastal walks, and gorgeous parks.
If you are interested in experiencing the natural beauty of South Australia, Port Noarlunga is definitely worth a visit.
You can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the beach. Or explore the reef and underwater world while snorkeling or diving, go fishing, or take a walk along the coastline.
Additionally, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can relax and enjoy local cuisine and culture.
Because it is so close to Adelaide, it can get pretty busy, particularly in summer and during the school holidays.
Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu Peninsula is a scenic coastal region located south of Adelaide in South Australia. It is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning coastal scenery, wineries, and wildlife.
The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some of the best beaches in South Australia, and here they are!
Aldinga Beach
South of Adelaide is another popular spot, Aldinga Beach, known for its stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters. The beach offers a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. It’s also surrounded by wineries and vineyards, making it a great spot for a day trip.
Aldinga Beach is surrounded by the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park, which offers several scenic walking trails through the bushland. You can enjoy the stunning coastal views and spot the local wildlife such as kangaroos, echidnas, and birdlife.
A unique pro of Aldinga Beach is the ability to drive on the beach with a permit. This allows you to access the more remote areas of the beach and set up your own private picnic or camping spot. Plus who doesn’t love letting your hair down, winding down the windows, and feeling the cool salty breeze as you drive on the sand?
To get to Aldinga Beach, I recommend driving as it is 45 minutes away. It’s close enough for a day trip. Or extend your stay for a few nights to get around to other nearby beaches, dine in local restaurants, explore the Mclaren Vale wineries and go hiking!
Maslin Beach
Located south of Adelaide, Maslin Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in South Australia.
Maslin Beach has stunning scenery, including dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Maslin Beach is one of the few, let’s say “clothing-optional” beaches in Australia, offering visitors the freedom to enjoy the beach in the nude. The southern end of the beach is reserved for nude sunbathing and swimming, while the northern end is for clothed visitors. So whether you want to work on your tan lines or would prefer to show off your new bikini, Maslin Beach has an end for you.
There are several scenic coastal walks, including the Maslin Beach to McLaren Vale trail. The trail takes you through the scenic vineyards of McLaren Vale.
Maslin Beach is home to several environmental conservation projects, including the Maslin Dunes Conservation Park, which protects the fragile coastal sand dunes. You can learn about the local ecology and conservation efforts by reading the signs located along the walking trails.
Port Elliot Beach
Next on the list of the best beaches in South Australia is Port Elliot.
Located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Port Elliot Beach is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and surfing. The beach offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and is surrounded by charming seaside towns.
Whether you want to go surfing or bodyboarding, you will enjoy consistent waves all year round. The beach is perfect for both experienced and beginner surfers, with several surf schools and rental shops available.
Did you know, Port Elliot Beach is one of the best places in South Australia to see Southern Right Whales, which visit the area between June and September? You can spot them from the beach or take a whale-watching tour for a closer look.
Swap out your thongs (flip flops) for some walking shoes and get your steps up on one of the several scenic coastal walks, including the Encounter Bikeway, which runs along the coast from Goolwa to Victor Harbor. On your walk enjoy the stunning coastal views and spot the local wildlife such as kangaroos, seals, and dolphins.
And finally, Port Elliot Beach is surrounded by several world-class wineries, restaurants, and cafes, offering a range of local cuisine and wine. You can indulge in a delicious meal or wine-tasting experience while enjoying the stunning coastal views. Heavenly!
To get to Port Elliot from Adelaide it will take just over an hour’s drive.
Port Willunga Beach
A hidden gem located on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia is Port Willunga.
This beach is a picturesque and serene location that boasts a long stretch of white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and strolling along the shoreline.
It also offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in South Australia. The beach is framed by towering limestone cliffs, which are over 500 million years old, providing a dramatic backdrop to the ocean. Crazy right?!
Grab your snorkel or wetsuit and hit up some snorkeling or diving. There are several dive sites located nearby, including the Star of Greece shipwreck, which is home to a variety of marine life such as octopus, cuttlefish, and seahorses.
Let’s took about food for a second. Port Willunga boasts several world-class wineries, restaurants, and cafes, offering a range of local cuisine and wine. You can indulge in a delicious meal or wine-tasting experience while enjoying the stunning coastal views.
What I love about Port Willunga is that it is a peaceful and quiet location. It is the perfect spot to escape the crowds and relax. It’s a great place to unwind and soak up the natural beauty of the area.
Tip! Get there early to get a spot in the popular man-made beachfront caves for a truly unique beach day experience.
To get to Port Willunga it will take you around 45 minutes to drive from Adelaide. Or if you are taking the train it is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
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Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula is a large coastal region in South Australia, known for its rugged coastline, natural beauty, and abundance of wildlife. It has some of the most beautiful, unspoiled best beaches in South Australia. From the white sand beaches of Coffin Bay to the surfing hotspots of Port Lincoln and the calm waters of Streaky Bay, there is a beach for every type of traveler.
Coffin Bay National Park
One of the best beaches on the Eyre Peninsula, and one of the best beaches in South Australia, is Coffin Bay.
Coffin Bay is a small coastal town located on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, known for its natural beauty, pristine beaches, clear blue waters and excellent seafood.
It is a great place for swimming, fishing, and boating, with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding coastline and wildlife. The calm and sheltered waters of the bay are perfect for kayaking and swimming, while the nearby surf beaches provide excellent surfing opportunities.
Or explore the many hiking trails in the nearby Coffin Bay National Park, which offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding countryside.
When in Coffen Bay if you’re game, try the local oysters. The town is home to several oyster farms.So make the most of it and enjoy fresh oysters and other seafood at local restaurants and cafes.
Also make sure to look for a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, emu and echidnas, dolphins, seals, and whales.
Limestone Coast
The Limestone Coast is a beautiful region in South Australia that stretches along the coastline from the border of Victoria to Cape Jaffa. It boasts unique natural wonders, rich history, and a stunning coastline.
Robe Beach
Robe Beach is another must-visit spot in South Australia, located on the Limestone Coast. The beach offers a range of water activities, including swimming, fishing, and surfing. It’s also known for its stunning scenery, including towering sand dunes and rugged cliffs.
South Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Whether you’re looking for a spot to relax and soak up the sun or a place to enjoy water sports and outdoor activities, you’re sure to find the perfect beach in South Australia.
Those were the 12 best beaches in South Australia!
So pack your bags and get ready to experience the natural beauty of this stunning state!
Let me know in the comments which beach is your favourite or let me know your favourite beach in all of Australia.
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