Forget the Maldives! From secret spots to snorkelling havens, these South Aussie beaches have it all – no passport needed.
Seriously: Why go international when our own coastlines are this good? Think crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and more adventure than you can shake a beach towel at.
In the mood for a secret getaway, snorkelling over reefs, or snapping Insta-perfect sunsets? We’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re after family-friendly fun, wildlife encounters, or a digital detox, there’s a beach for every vibe under the sun.
Here’s your ultimate guide to summer’s best-kept secrets and bucket list-worthy destinations, all without leaving SA.
Best family-friendly beach: Horseshoe Bay, Fleurieu Peninsula
Let’s kick things off with a classic. Horseshoe Bay is a top pick for families, thanks to its calm waters and heaps of space for kids to run wild and build epic sandcastles. Pack a picnic or grab fish and chips from the Flying Fish Café and settle in for a wholesome day. Pro tip: Don’t forget the sunscreen – those little ones aren’t great at reapplying!
Best beach for fishing: Almonta Beach, Eyre Peninsula
Love fishing? Almonta Beach is a haven for anglers. With its rich marine life and stunning surroundings, you might just reel in the catch of the day – it’s renowned for its massive salmon. Even if the fish aren’t biting, the panoramic views of Coffin Bay National Park will make your trip worth it.
Best city beach for day-trippers: Glenelg Beach, Adelaide
If you want variety, Glenelg has it all. Beach day? Tick. Shopping? Tick. Post-beach drinks? Tick. Just a 20-minute tram ride from Adelaide’s CBD, it’s a perfect spot for a chilled day with mates. Grab an ice cream, rent a paddleboard, or just people-watch – it’s all here.
Best Insta-worthy beach: Second Valley Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula
Ready to up your Instagram game? Second Valley’s dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and rock formations practically beg to be photographed. Whether you’re snapping the tidal pools or just lounging on the sand, every angle here is a winner. Just remember, no photo is worth risking life and limb – leave the cliff jumps to the pros.
Best beach for snorkelling: Port Noarlunga, Fleurieu Peninsula
Port Noarlunga is the dream spot for underwater explorers. Its offshore reef is a treasure trove of marine life, with over 200 species to spot. There’s even an underwater trail for divers to follow, making this an underwater playground that’s as educational as it is fun. Goggles on, adventure awaits.
Best beach for sunset vibes: Port Willunga, Fleurieu Peninsula
Few places do sunsets like Port Willunga. With its iconic jetty pylons silhouetted against a blazing sky, this beach is made for golden-hour magic. Pair it with a takeaway feast from the Star of Greece restaurant, and you’ve got the ultimate evening sorted. Sunset goals? Achieved.
Best beach for surfing: Daly Head, Yorke Peninsula
Daly Head is a must-visit for surfers and one of Australia’s National Surfing Reserves. This iconic spot boasts world-class waves, uncrowded breaks, and stunning scenery – plus a handy bush campground. With nearby beaches like Chinamans, West Cape, and Pondalowie Bay also delivering great surf, Daly Head anchors a surfer’s paradise.
Best beach for wildlife: Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island
Sure, you can’t swim here, but Seal Bay offers something even better – a chance to see Australian sea lions up close in their natural habitat. Walk along the boardwalk or join a guided tour to learn about these incredible creatures while soaking in the pristine coastal views.
Best beach for long walks: Long Beach, Robe, Limestone Coast
Long Beach lives up to its name, stretching for 12km of uninterrupted sand. Perfect for sunrise strolls, dog walks, or even a lazy drive along the shore, this is a place where time slows down. It’s just been named one of Australia’s top 10 beaches for 2024, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.
Best beach for a digital detox: Dolphin Beach, Yorke Peninsula
For a true escape from notifications, emails, and endless scrolling, Dolphin Beach offers pristine beauty and zero distractions – unless you count dolphin spotting. Stay in the nearby Shepherds Hut or go luxe with Bayside Glamping and enjoy a complete digital detox – no reception, just stunning views, calm waters, and the soothing sound of waves. Off-grid bliss at its best, located in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.
Best beach that’s gone global: Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island
Known for its turquoise waters, shimmering rock pools, and hidden rock tunnel entrance, Stokes Bay is a standout destination – and the world has noticed. It’s been voted the second best beach in the world by Big 7 Travel, and last year claimed the top spot in Tourism Australia’s Best Australian Beaches list.
Best beach for stargazing: Marion Bay, Yorke Peninsula
Once the sun sets, Marion Bay transforms into a stargazer’s paradise. Thanks to its remote location, you’ll get a sky full of stars and maybe even a glimpse of the Milky Way. Pair it with an evening beach walk for the ultimate night of serenity.
Best beach for lazy Sunday vibes: Semaphore Beach, Adelaide
For a relaxed, no-fuss beach day, Semaphore hits the mark. Think wide, sandy stretches, retro vibes from the historic carousel, and a laid-back charm that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for those who want a chilled-out day without travelling too far.
Best beach for camping: Perlubie Beach, Eyre Peninsula
Beautiful Perlubie Beach offers absolute beachfront camping for those with all the gear, complete with stunning views and flushing loos. For a touch more comfort, nearby Perlubie Park has hot showers, free Wi-Fi, a bush kitchen, and spacious unpowered sites. Spend your days fishing or exploring historic brush shelters, and your nights stargazing and swapping stories round the firepit.
Best beach according to science: Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island
Crowned Australia’s best beach by Professor Andrew Short after a survey of 10,000 beaches, Vivonne Bay is as good as it gets. Its six kilometres of pristine sand and turquoise waters make it a slice of scientifically-proven paradise. Bonus? You might spot a sea lion or two while soaking up the serenity.
Best beach for dogs: Goolwa to Middleton Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula
This magical stretch of sandy beach between Treleaven Place and Tongan Way is the perfect spot for sandy paws and wagging tails! Dogs can run (and swim!) off-leash here all year round, except where hooded plovers are actively nesting. After your big walkies, treat yourself (and your furry friend) at one of Goolwa’s pooch-friendly cafes like Motherduck or Hector’s.
Be beach smart this summer!
It’s no secret that we love our beaches. During the 2023-24 year, 1.2 million South Australians over 16 visited our coast an average of 2.8 times each month
But while a day at the beach is one of our favourite ways to have fun, it’s important to respect the ocean while enjoying it.
The stats are sobering: There were 15 coastal deaths in South Australia during the 2023-24 season – nine due to drowning. This is eight per cent higher than the 10-year average.
Members of Surf Life Saving SA carried out 86 rescues and administered 550 first-aid treatments during the same period.
So, whichever SA beach you visit this summer, it’s important to be safe and responsible.
Top tips to stay safe
Here are some top tips to remember:
1. Always supervise children around water
2. Learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills
3. Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or on watercraft
4. Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
5. Never swim after drinking alcohol or taking drugs
6. Always swim with someone else
7. Look for signs at the entrance to the beach for local information about conditions and possible dangers
8. Be sun smart: Slip on a shirt, slop on 50+ sunscreen, slap on a brimmed hat, seek shade, slide on sunglasses – and download the SunSmart app
Click here to visit Surf Life Saving SA’s website and download the Beachsafe app, which provides detailed information from patrol status, facilities and hazards to weather, swell and tide.
For more information on how to enjoy the beach safely, visit Healthdirect’s Beach Safety website.
