Adelaide Beaches

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As a Brit living in Adelaide we occasionally have visitors coming over from the UK and we often have to think of what we can show them. One the first things people will think of when you mention Australia is beaches and Adelaide is no exception.

Things to do around Adelaide

A lot of non Australians just don't realise how big Australia is and a lot of people, both Aussies and others, don't realise just how big South Australia is, so here's a couple of statistics to put it in perspective; South Australia covers an area of 380,000 square miles - that is enough land to fit in Great Britain AND Ireland combined FOUR times over! And in this vast expanse there are approximately 1.5 million inhabitants, two thirds of whom live in Adelaide! Crazy! And despite the hugeness of South Australia there are heaps of great things to do around Adelaide - and they are all in easy reach of the city! We live in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and I think one of the most important moments for me in coming to grips with the reality of having migrated was when I realised how lucky we are - from here it takes about half hour/forty minutes to get to the city centre, about twenty minutes to our favorite beach, about twenty minutes to the wineries at McLaren Vale and about twenty minutes to get out into the countryside. Fantastic! So if you are planning a trip to Adelaide take a moment to think of some of these day trips as ideas of things to do around Adelaide:

Things to do around Adelaide - Beaches

Ok, so even if you haven't come from 'grey old Blighty' I'll bet one of the first of your list of things to do when you reach Australia is head to the beach, right? There are heaps of great beaches in and around Adelaide. During the summer (Dec to March ish) there are spotter planes that fly over all the popular beaches from the city right down the Fleurieu Peninsula looking out for sharks. There were evacuations this summer just passed and there was an attack too I think, but do not panic - with the spotter planes, lifeguards and vigilant locals looking out most beaches are pretty safe from sharks. Most attacks are on surfers or spear fishermen or people being bloody idiots and NOT regular swimmers down the beach. It is almost a rule that no one swims beyond shoulder deep water as a precaution but I have swum at the beaches around Adelaide on many an occasion with no worries. One danger at South Australian beaches you may not be aware of is the Blue Ringed Octopus. Now this is a small octopus, about the size of, I dunno, maybe a golf ball? Which can be deadly - it hides in empty bottles or cans or large shells so don't pick them up, or if you do then check inside them very carefully. You will not be in danger of the Blue Ringed Octopus just out for a swim though so again, don't worry too much: And don't let the dangers put you off swimming. If the beach is on your things to do then consider these beaches starting from Glenelg and running south away from the city;

Glenelg Beach - Glenelg, or The Bay is a pretty nice area with nice bars and restaurants and a tramline into Adelaide city centre. It also has a nice beach but because it is a metropolitan beach it can be quite busy. They also sometimes have events here such as beach volleyball competitions.

O'Sullivan Beach - this is a dog beach where dog owners can let their dogs off the lead and consequently it is pretty much only dog owners who go there. If you don't have a dog then spend an extra five minutes in the car and pop down the road to Port Noarlunga:

Christies Beach - this is the beach that is closest to where I live but we don't usually go there. This is mainly because of Port Stanvac which is a disused oil refinery that is a dreadful blot on an otherwise beautiful piece of coast. Just around the bay is -

Port Noarlunga Beach - Port Noarlunga is a really delightful coastal town that is fast becoming a suburb of Adelaide. If, on your list of things to do around Adelaide, you have a trip to the beach planned then I would recommend Port Noarlunga. The beach is beautiful with a nice pier at the northern end and unspoiled views of the Aldinga Hills to the south. There is also a reef running all the way along the beach a couple of hundred yards out to sea which gives the beach a little protection. Spend a while in Port Noarlunga town too.

Moana Beach - this is also a nice beach but is just that little bit further from Adelaide. It has the advantage, along with Aldinga, of being a drive-on beach (as in you actually drive your car right down onto the sand) which is really handy if you want to take a picnic or spend the whole day at the beach because you won't need to lug your beach shelter and eskies etc down from your parking space.

Maslin Beach - the local nudist beach. Never been myself so I can't really say!

Aldinga Beach - again a drive-on beach with all those benefits. Quiet and out of the way with sand stretching seemingly forever. Also in easy reach of McLaren Vale so anyone doing a wine tour and staying there this will be your closest beach unless you are a nudist!

Other things to consider about going to the beach - sunblock! Sunblock! Sunblock! And shelter, a hat and plenty of water. South Australia doesn't seem too bad on rip tides or anything like that so the beaches are probably safer than Bondi. If in doubt then look out for the red and yellow flags that show where the lifeguards are:

The Personal Opinions and Observations of Matt Maclay-Ross

For official advice you could try http://www.southaustralia.com