The top 5 SA beaches

Posted 20 February, 2024 Jeremy Rochow

We asked you, our sa move readers, to vote for your favourite South Australian beach, and you delivered.

While a country beach took out the top spot in the poll, our readers seem to love southern Adelaide coastal locations and even some closer to the city.

See if your favourite beach made the top five.

1. Hardwicke Bay

Yorke Peninsula

Only a short drive from Minlaton on the Yorke Peninsula, this stunning beach blends low dunes, calm waters, sweeping views and a reef.

The sheltered coastline at Hardwicke Bay makes it the ideal location for water activities like swimming, fishing, boating and even windsurfing.

Parents and children will love this beach, with the sandy expanses and peaceful waters making it a good place for families.

Just 200m south of Hardwicke Bay, you’ll find a horseshoe-shaped reef great for snorkelling at low or high tide.

2. Aldinga Beach

Fleurieu Peninsula

Pristine sand and clear waters welcome beachgoers at Aldinga Beach, less than an hour from Adelaide.

Aldinga Beach is a popular daytrip destination, and an underwater playground brimming with marine life and a limestone reef accessible by boat.

The long, expansive beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers and ideal for families as kids can swim in the shallows.

3. Maslin Beach

Fleurieu Peninsula

High cliffs tower over the 3km-long Maslin Beach, making it the perfect place for a picnic as the sun sets.

While Maslin Beach is well known for unclad sunbathing and swimming, this is only allowed in a small section at the southern end of the beach.

Enjoy a walk along the northern end of the beach and take in the rocky red cliffs from the sand, or head for the walking trail above for coastal views.

Aldinga is also a lovely place for a swim, so don’t forget your bathers.

4. Henley Beach

Henley Beach received the most votes among South Australia’s metropolitan beaches, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Henley Beach has something for everyone, whether you want to go for a swim, fish from the jetty, have a picnic on the grassed area or dine at one of the many restaurants.

The Henley Square Market pops up on the last Sunday every month and features specialty stalls, food and music.

5. Semaphore

Like many of South Australia’s metropolitan beaches, Semaphore is known for more than just its water-based activities. Of course, you can spend your days swimming in the turquoise waters, throwing crab nets off the jetty, or lounging on the beach.

But there are so many other things to do. Explore the foreshore and you’ll find mini golf, water slides and even a merry-go-round. Enjoy a glass of wine at the Palais Hotel or stroll down Semaphore Road and visit one of the restaurants or historic pubs.

And, even when we’re on winter’s doorstep, get on down to Semaphore for the annual Adelaide International Kite Festival. Held on the Easter Long Weekend (30 March to Monday 1 April), the coastline is filled with kites of all colours, shapes and sizes.