Sand Sreaming For Hours, Turquoise Water Sparkling and Blue Skies… Here’s our guide to 10 Amazing Beaches You’ll Only Find in South Australia.
You won’t believe that these eight postcard-worthy South Australian beaches exist. From the sandy shores on Kangaroo Island and the crystal clear waters on the Eyre peninsula. Discover these idyllic coastal destinations in South Australia. Grab your bathers, and escape the crowds.
1. Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island
Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island is a true island paradise. It’s like something from your wildest tropical dreams. Six kilometres long, the white sand beaches meet gently lapping surf. Imagine dipping your toes in powdered sugar sand, and diving into the crystal clear waters of an island getaway. This beach, which has a jetty at the southern end and dunes to the north, is perfect for a quick swim, picnic, or fishing. Dolphins and seals are often seen in the waters. See our guide for more favorite beaches on Kangaroo Island.
2. Memory Cove Eyre Peninsula
Memory Cove, on the seemingly endless coast of the Eyre peninsula, is a place that will stay in your memory forever. It’s a slice of pure Australiana with its stunning blue water, snow-white sand and dense bushland. You can spend the day on the beach, soaking up the sun and listening to native birds as you relax in the sand. Some locals may join you on the beach. Kangaroos are known to venture from the bush surrounding the area for a day at the surf. You can extend your holiday in paradise by staying at a shady campsite on the beach.
3. Almonta Beach, Eyre Peninsula
Almonta Beach is a jewel in the crown of Eyre Peninsula beaches. The sapphire water will keep you coming back year after year. In Coffin Bay National Park at the southern tip, you’ll find a sand beach with a glassy aqua-blue water. The bushland is teeming full of wildlife. You may find friendly locals hanging out on the beach, including kangaroos, emus and goannas. At low tide, when rock pools and a lagoon form, grab your snorkel to explore the underwater world. You’ll find paradise in this area if you pair your idea of paradise with fresh seafood from the ocean. Coffin Bay Oyster Farm tours will take you out in waders to a working oyster farm, where you can enjoy freshly-picked Pacific Oysters. This is only 30 minutes away from Port Lincoln. See our list of favorite beaches on the Eyre peninsula.
4. Hardwicke Beach, Yorke Peninsula
Hardwicke Bay, on the Yorke Peninsula, is a perfect place to find sand solitude. This sleepy seaside village has the perfect secluded stretch of sand for those who want to get away from the crowds. You’re likely to be the only person in sight when you drop your towel down on the white sand, and then slip into sparkling waters. On the Spencer Gulf side, the Yorke Peninsula has a bay with sheltered shores and shallow water. It’s perfect for dipping your feet in or lying on a lilo.
5. Doolphin Bay, Yorke Peninsula
Dolphin Beach is located at the southernmost tip of the Yorke Peninsula, in Dhilba Guuranda National Park. It’s a summer paradise. This unspoiled 800-metre stretch of glistening sand with calm turquoise water is surrounded by dramatic cliffs. The picturesque bay, which is reasonably protected, is one of most safest places to swim on the peninsula. Dolphin Bay is not just a name. You’ll often see dolphins playing in the surf, while on land you can spot kangaroos soaking up the sun. This could be paradise. See our list of favorite beaches on the Yorke Peninsula.
6. Salmon Holle, Limestone Cost
Imagine the sparkling water lapping your feet while you stroll through soft white sand with a gentle breeze caressing your cheeks. The Salmon Hole, located just minutes from Beachport’s charming seaside town centre, is the perfect summer swimming spot on the Limestone Coast. The 600 metre long curving beach, protected by a beach-rock reef, creates a calm lagoon that is perfect for swimming. These turquoise waters offer a variety of activities, including excellent snorkelling and sand-boarding on adjacent sandhills. They are also a great place for fishing. See our list of favorite beaches along the Limestone Coast.
7. Fishery Bay, Eyre Peninsula
Fishery Bay on the Eyre peninsula is a popular surfers’ haunt. It has a tropical feel to it, but without the palm trees or humidity. Spend a sunny summer day 30 minutes from Port Lincoln building sandcastles in powdery white sand, or just lying out. The bay was once home to an 18th century whaling base. Great White Sharks frequent the deeper waters outside the bay. Swim carefully and stay close to the shore.
8. Inneston Lake Yorke Peninsula
Inneston Lake may not be a beach, but the dazzling blue water and dreamy sandbanks are worth mentioning. This remote salt lake, which is the Maldives without the 11-hour flights, is best enjoyed during a warm summer day with the water at its bluest. This patch of paradise, located in Dhilba Guuranda Innes National Park at the tip of Yorke Peninsula is nestled in an abandoned historic town, surrounded by rugged terrain, epic coastline, and abundant wildlife. It’s like being cast away, but in the best way.
9. Rapid Bay Fleurieu Peninsula
Rapid Bay, nestled between cliffs and long sandy beaches, is located 105 km south of Adelaide. It can be reached via a steeply descending road off the main Normanville-Cape Jervis Road. Rapid Bay’s crystal-clear waters are usually calm and relatively secure. It is a haven for divers and snorkellers, with stunning marine life and dramatic shipwrecks. This unpatrolled, beautiful beach is famous for its long jetty. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the views and fishing while strolling along the jetty.
10. Second Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula
Second Valley is a very popular destination because of all it offers. The beach, which is perfect for swimming and has great coastal hikes near by, is also a great place to fish. It’s only 1.5 hours away from Adelaide and is a great day trip for anyone looking to escape the city beaches. If you’re planning to stay over the weekend, there is a caravan site behind the beach. There is also a kiosk nearby if your snacks are forgotten.
Explore our City Beaches
Are you looking for a cool place to relax near the city centre? Adelaide’s metro beaches are so easily accessible. You can jump in your car and put on your bathers in an hour. Semaphore or Glenelg are both great places to practice your freestyle. See for our guide on the top five Adelaide beaches.
