Beaches to visit in Adelaide this autumn

Adelaide is a wonderful city to visit in the autumn. Modern, with a bustling vibe, this should be your next destination if you want to combine beaches with city-life!

From museums filled with indigenous art to festivals and sporting events Adelaide offers a variety of things to keep you busy. But one of the best things about visiting Adelaide is its extensive range of beautiful beaches located close to the city. Why not rent a car and explore some of the best beaches Adelaide has to offer?

Whether you love surfing or lounging on the sand in the sunshine these are some of Adelaide’s best beaches:

Port Noarlunga

A quaint little seaside suburb, offering amazing snorkelling and located just 35 minutes’ drive from Adelaide. Port Noarlunga gets its name from being an old seaport and has a quaint, village atmosphere.

You’ll now find a wooden jetty that connects the village to a coral reef which is visible at low tide. The beach is backed by stunning red sandstone cliffs, making it perfect for photo opportunities.

Glenelg

One of the closest beaches to Adelaide is only a 20 minute drive away. This beach is a family favourite and great for kids. With shops, stalls and plenty of ice cream to be eaten, Glenelg even has its own shopping centre. The great thing about Glenelg is you can access the beach via the tram – a fantastic way to add to the day’s adventure.

If you’re ready to chill be sure to hit the Ibiza-style Mosely beach bar. Cocktails, sun and relaxing music make this a great way to spend a beach-side afternoon. You can enjoy a whole day out at Glenelg beach. Kids will love spending the day on the beach and in the nearby playgrounds. And with its range of bustling beach bars, cafés and amazing restaurants you can always find somewhere for lunch or dinner in Glenelg.

Moana Beach

Located a little further out of the city, Moana beach is a 40 minute drive but certainly worth it. Moana beach is perfect for a family day out with all the beach equipment you need as it’s car friendly. 

You can park right on the sand without having to carry your deckchairs, picnic, bucket and spade! Be sure to strap the surfboards and boogie boards to the car roof and head to Moana Beach for a great day out.

Brighton Beach

This is the perfect beach for a city break and only 25 minutes away from Adelaide’s busy streets. Brighton Beach has a long esplanade which makes it great for gentle coastline strolls. You can walk all the way from south Somerton to Seacliff along the path and take in the amazing sea views.

The jetty stretches out into the sea and begins with the Arch of Remembrance, dedicated to Australian war heroes. At the end of the jetty is a mobile phone mast, a structure that was rebuilt thanks to funding in 1994 after it suffered severe storm damage.

Henley Beach

Next on the list is Henley Beach. If top-quality cuisine is your thing then be sure to pay Henley Beach a visit. Discover the selection of high-quality seafood restaurants which are perfect for celebrating a special occasion.

You can then soak up the sun on the vast stretch of sand after enjoying your lunch. If you feel like exploring why not hire a bike and see the area on two wheels? Then finish a perfect day with a cocktail at a beach bar whilst watching an incredible sunset.

Semaphore Beach

This beach is perfect for families, with its shallow water, miles of sand and things to do. As well as spending time on the beach you can play crazy golf, take a ride on the carousel and visit the skate park.

There are plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants where you can stock up for a picnic on the beach or grab an ice cream. The vast expanse of sand dunes are the ideal place to play hide and seek, and you can also try fishing or crabbing from the jetty.

Maslin Beach

Last on the list is the beautiful Maslin Beach, backed by cliffs and offering a vast stretch of golden sand. With its crescent-shaped bay this beach has a wild feel to it and offers spectacular views. If you’re into snorkelling this is the place to do it.

You should be aware that the southern end of Maslin Beach is a nudist area, so if you have a preference for sunbathing with no clothes on, this is the legal place to do it. However, the beach is 3km long, so there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Be sure to check out some of Adelaide’s best beaches this summer. There’s no better way to explore than renting a car with Europcar and visit them at your own pace.