5 lesser-known South Australian beaches
Fringed by more than 5000km of coastline, South Australia isn’t short of beaches.
As well as the big names like Glenelg, Henley and Horseshoe Bay, there are plenty of lesser-known coastal delights ideal for a day in the sun.
Here are five stretches of seaside sand far from the summer crowds.
1. Tiparra Rocks, Yorke Peninsula
On the Yorke Peninsula’s stunning west coast, Tiparra Rocks is one of three beach areas connected by a narrow sandy track running north from Balgowan. The Bamboos and The Gap make up the other two.
Scenically, Tiparra Rocks is the winner of the three with The Bamboos coming in a close second.
The beach here is sensational, and if the weather’s fine there are few better places for swimming, fishing and beachcombing.
The access track leads to a low clifftop esplanade where there are two bush camping areas. The campsite at the far end is nicely tucked among the dunes, but shade and shelter are limited.
There’s also plenty of parking space for day-trippers.
While The Gap and The Bamboos have toilets, outdoor life at Tiparra Rocks is a little more breezy. Camping permits are required and are available online.
2. Myponga Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula
Access this hidden gem via Reservoir Road, which leaves Main South Road about 2km north of Myponga township. The last 5km of road is unsealed, so it’s a little off the beaten track, which is one of its charms.
There’s barely a town here, just a clutch of holiday homes huddled around a small bay where the hills roll down to the sea.
Partially sheltered from south-westerly swells, the sandy beach is fine for swimming, and it’s unlikely you’ll be bothered by crowds.
There are no shops but there’s a public toilet.
3, Memory Cove, Eyre Peninsula
From 1801 to 1803, Matthew Flinders and his crew circumnavigated New Holland, aka Australia, in the ship Investigator. While off the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula, eight crew members disappeared while returning from a shore trip to find fresh water to top up dwindling supplies.
Memory Cove is named in their honour, as are eight nearby islands – Thistle, Williams, Smith, Hopkins, Lewis, Grindal, Taylor and Little.
A pristine and sublimely picturesque strip of SA’s coastline, this remote seaside haven sits within Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area. Access is by four-wheel-drive only and there are just five bush camps available. Day visits are limited to 15 vehicles a day.
Bookings are essential and you’ll need a gate key from the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre before heading off on the 51km drive to the cove.
If you’re looking for sparkling white sand and calm, clear waters on the edge of a vast mallee wilderness, teeming with wildlife, Memory Cove will likely fit the bill.
There are no facilities apart from a long-drop toilet.
4. Red Banks, Kangaroo Island
Red Banks is at the end of a 7km-long unsealed road from American River, followed by a rough descent on a narrow walking track to reach the sandy beach. But the stunning sunset glow on the red cliffs will make the trek worthwhile – if you stick around until sunset.
The beach is on KI’s north shore, so it isn’t hit by the thumping swells that pound the south coast. Enjoy a cooling dip while you wait for the colourful evening light display, but remember to pack a torch so you can safely ascend the cliffs when the show’s over.
There are no facilities so self-sufficiency is key.
5. Salmon Hole Beach, Limestone Coast
This picturesque seaside spot is located at Beachport, a town name that suggests a nod to its plentiful beaches. But in a quirky twist of etymology, Beachport is actually named after British politician Sir Michael Edward Hicks Beach.
Forming a 600m-long arc at the base of sand dunes, two rocky points bookend Salmon Hole, and its blue waters are calmed by an offshore reef.
