Beaches in South Australia are a serious matter. That comes with no surprise when the coastline across the state has a total length of 4,200 km, including 500 km of pristine coast on Kangaroo Island.
The best part about it? Most of these shores are so wide that you won’t have to struggle to find your perfect beach spot.
We recently did a road trip throughout South Australia, spending most of our time along its beautiful coasts, for obvious reasons you’ll understand in this post.
South Australia is so underrated that not many tourist come here (the majority of Melbourne and Sydney residents take beach holidays around Gold Coast, Queensland or Byron Bay, New South Wales), and you often get to admire heavenly destinations on your own.
Travelling from east to west and back, we enjoyed the most amazing beaches in South Australia. There surely can be a bunch of awesome spots in the same area, but we made this list to outline our personal best beach for each of the main coastal regions.
Without further ado, let’s see the best beaches in South Australia.
READ ALSO: TASMANIA 2 WEEK ITINERARY GUIDE
BEACHES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA – MAP
1. KINGSTON SE, LIMESTONE COAST
In the southeast of South Australia, the Limestone Coast is a vast low lying plain home to lakes, wetlands and sandy shores.
We spent a few nights camping in the district of Kingston SE, exploring the beautiful seaside and taking long walks along the isolated beach. Our favourite place was Will’s Shack, a perfect camping spot with this gorgeous access point to the beach. We couldn’t help but immortalize it in an Insta-worthy photograph.
ALSO NEARBY: Long Beach, Robe. More popular and touristy.
2. EMU BAY, KANGAROO ISLAND
The white sandy beach of Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island looks like it came straight out of a dream. You’ll be forgiven if you think you landed in the Maldives, as the waters here are crystal clear and the bay is calm and protected from the wind.
However you won’t need a private jet to reach this heavenly beach. You can actually drive directly on the compact sand with your 4-WD vehicle and step out right in the water, an experience you won’t forget easily.
3. PORT NOARLUNGA, ADELAIDE
By the seaside village of Port Noarlunga, 30km south of Adelaide, Southport Beach and adjoining Port Noarlunga Beach offer everything you can look for in a waterfront destination.
The long gentle waves at Southport Beach are ideal for surfing and body-boarding, or you can admire the waters merge at the Onkaparinga River mouth.
Port Noarlunga Jetty is perfect for those who like fishing, whereas families can find plenty of space to spend a full day by the beach.
Last but not least, a spectacular offshore reef can be explored both by snorkelling and diving or even by walking to the edge of the jetty at low tide.
READ MORE: WHAT TO SEE&DO ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
4. PORT WILLUNGA, FLEURIEU PENINSULA
Located in charming Fleurieu Peninsula, not far from the historic town of Aldinga, Port Willunga Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in South Australia. Its peculiar traits are the jetty pylons, remains of the collapsed Port Willunga Jetty, and its golden cliff faces.
When you’ll access the beach from the long staircase you are in for another surprise: this place is also known for its beach caves carved in the rocks. Once used by fishermen as storage for their boats and gear, nowadays they have become popular among beachgoers for picnics, or simply for providing a shady spot to get cover from the burning sun rays.
ALSO NEARBY: Sellicks Beach. Often busy with cars and utes on the beach.
5. POINT TURTON, YORKE PENINSULA
Point Turton is a small town in the southwest of Yorke Peninsula. Starting from the jetty and heading north, the gorgeous Flaherty’s Beach extends for almost 10 km all the way to Hardwicke Bay.
Here once again waters are a million shades of blue and beaches white and sandy.
The shallows at Flaherty’s Beach allow to take long walks and see the conditions changing as the tide does. You’ll soon find yourself dozens of metres away from the shore, surrounded by nothing by sand banks and shallow waters.
6. ALMONTA BEACH, EYRE PENINSULA
Deep in the south of Eyre Peninsula you are already in a special place when you reach the heart of Coffin Bay National Park. However, exploring the park by car through some sections of gravel road, spotting wild emus and kangaroos, and spending the night camping under the stars isn’t all that’s up for grabs.
We were truly speechless when we got to the parking area overlooking marvellous Almonta Beach. An endless stretch of sand flanked by the open sea, perfect for surfers. We could spend lines and lines trying to describe this place but it wouldn’t be enough. Not even these photos do proper justice to it, just imagine how gorgeous it is!
ALSO NEARBY: September Beach, in the other National Park at Port Lincoln.
ENJOY THE BEACHES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA!
This were only some of our most favourite beaches in South Australia. As you’ll have understood by now there’s plenty more to go and discover, but this list will help you kickstart your journey.
For more information about this part of Australia, have a look here at our related posts:
South Australia itinerary: 2-3 weeks on the road
Coober Pedy: life underground in the outback
BEST STAYS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- You can book all accommodation in South Australia with free cancellation here.
- Adelaide Caravan Park: conveniently located just 4 km away from the CBD. Villas and cabins other than camping spots and caravan powered sites. Services include swimming pool and barbecue areas.
- Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites: lovely location in Glenelg, offering superior seaview suites.
- Blue Seas Motel: excellent value for money option in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula.
- Glamping at Semptember Bay Beach: for the less used to bush camping. A fancy alternative in Lincoln National Park, kids will absolutely love it!
HOW TO GET AROUND?
- Drive here or fly and rent a private car to be free to reach any place in South Australia. The cheapest options start from 39€/day, and fuel in Australia is less than 1€ per litre! (1.50AUD).
Check your best rental car options in Australia here. - Airplane: daily flights to Adelaide, from anywhere in Australia. Local flights connect the capital with Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Coober Pedy.
- Ferry: Kangaroo Island ferry; Lucky Bay to Wallaroo.
WEATHER&SEASONS – WHEN TO GO TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
South Australia’s climate is generally warm and dry all year round. Mild winters distinguish the southern edges of the state. During summer months from November to February it can get torrid all around SA, with temperatures easily going over 40°C. However, keep in mind that the outback areas are subject to an extremely variable daily temperature range, with cold nights as low as 10°C.
Don’t forget your sunscreen when travelling in South Australia.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes you do. Never leave home without a reliable travel insurance. Even if you trust yourself, you can’t always trust others. Better safe than sorry! Get your quote here.
