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The Best Beaches in South Australia

Whenever visitors to Australia talk about what they want to experience, our sandy beaches are usually near the top of the list. Bondi, Noosa and Byron are the go-to spots for tourists, but as any local knows, there are dozens of incredible Instagram-worthy beaches with golden sands and crystal-clear waters across this beautiful country of ours. 

This is especially true when it comes to my home state South Australia. Here you’ll discover picturesque beaches free from crowds that are great for not only catching a few rays during the summer but also surfing, fishing, snorkelling and all manner of fun watersports. 

So grab your bathers, slap on some suncream and read on to discover the best beaches in South Australia

Hardwicke Bay

Yorke Penisula 
Escape the crowds and spend a lazy day with friends or family at Hardwicke Bay. Located on the Spencer Gulf side of the Yorke Peninsula, this sandy expanse of beach is in a well-sheltered bay, with shallow waters great for those with kiddies wanting to splash about without fear of getting stuck in a rip.  

Along with swimming and sunbathing, you might spot the occasional windsurfer or fisherman while lazing on this spectacular stretch of coastline. 

And don’t be surprised to see an array of tractors lined up on the shore, with many of the locals launching their boats this way thanks to the slight slope of the beach that makes it easy to reverse boats into the water.  

Vivonne Bay

Kangaroo Island 
Nothing beats a weekend getaway and Kangaroo Island is the ideal place to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Make the trip in the summer and you’ll be surprised at the number of pristine beaches on offer, with Vivonne Bay one of our favs.

Once voted Australia’s best beach, this 6-kilometre stretch of paradise is known for its rolling dunes, sandy shores and beautiful turquoise water. Take a stroll along the jetty, sunbake on the beach, go wading in the cool water or just soak in the gorgeous scenery while walking along the shore. 

If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins or seals playing in the sea while you work on your tan. 

Second Valley Beach

Fleurieu Peninsula 
It might be the smallest beach on this list, but Second Valley Beach has distinctive geological formations and incredibly inviting seas. 

Surrounded by cliffs on either side, there’s a small jetty where you can throw in a line and catch fish or squid, crystal-clear waters made for stand-up paddleboarding and swimming and several small rock pools the kids will enjoy playing in.

The jetty splits the beach into two sides—one is best for swimming while the other is made up of reefs and rocky outcrops great for snorkelling. 

Maslin Beach

Maslin
Australia’s first legal nude beach is also one of SA’s most breathtaking stretches of coastline. 

Called Maslins by the locals, this 3-kilometre beach includes both nude and non-nude areas, so those who prefer clothes can also enjoy watching the sunset at Maslin Beach without fear of being caught in the nude.

Along with the beach, Maslins is made up of three parks where you can take a walk through native scrub and enjoy the local birdlife. 

Sports fans will want to get down for the Pilwarren Maslin Beach Nude Games held annually at Maslins

Dolphin Beach

Yorke Peninsula 
Another postcard-worthy spot on the Yorke Peninsula, Dolphin Beach covers 800 metres and is surrounded by sloping granite cliffs and dense vegetation. 

One of five main beaches that make up the coastline, Dolphin Beach’s lack of high seas makes it ideal for swimming and wading. 

Wildlife is in abundance, so you might be lucky enough to end up swimming with dolphins or spot a few kangaroos while relaxing with a picnic on the beach. 

Almonta Beach

Eyre Peninsula 
Located inside Coffin Bay National Park, rugged bushland makes way for golden sands and glassy water at this sensational swimming spot. 

Grab your snorkel and head to Almonta Beach at low tide as the beach transforms into a lagoon with multiple rock pools. Take a dip and discover all manner of underwater creatures going about their business.

Similar to Dolphin Beach, you’ll cross paths with native animals while catching some rays, including kangaroos, emus and dozens of species of birds. 

Known for its oysters, you might as well time your visit to Almonta Beach with a Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tour where you can learn how these tasty treats are harvested while sampling a few yourself. 

Salmon Hole

Limestone Coast
Take a leisurely stroll from the seaside town of Beachport down to Salmon Hole. Another scheduled beach, Salmon Hole is sheltered by a reef, resulting in calm waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. 

As the name implies, salmon is in abundance, as is snapper, with local fishermen casting their rods from nearby rocky outcrops. 

This beach is a spectacular slice of South Australia where you can dip your toes into the cool ocean and marvel at how gorgeous this part of the world is. 

Fishery Bay

Eyre Peninsula
Make the most of your 4WD by taking the short 20-minute drive from Port Lincoln to Fishery Bay

Drive along the white sands, find a suitable place to park up and enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing and good times with friends. 

Named after explorer Matthew Flinders, the spectacular coastline was once home to a 19th-century whaling station. 

Fishery Bay is also popular with local surfers, but be warned—shark sightings are frequent.  

Carrickalinga Beach

Fleurieu Peninsula
Named Australia’s top beach by Lonely Planet back in 2013, what sets this eye-catching region apart from other beaches in the area is the collection of rock pools that appear when the tide is low. 

Visit on the weekend and you might find yourself battling with influencers and international visitors intent on taking a snap of the famous heart-shaped rock pool, but weekdays are generally people-free. 

Along with swimming and snorkelling, the local’s favourite pastime is fishing, with Carrickalinga full of whiting, mulloway, salmon, flathead and bream.

Memory Cove

Eyre Peninsula
The third beach on our list that makes up the expansive Eyre Peninsula coastline is Memory Cove. Part of the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area, those with 4X4s can drive into the park and even camp the night, with several sites available. 

After an afternoon of swimming or fishing, take a stroll along the many bush trails and enjoy the serenity of the beautiful bushland. 

Memory Cove is also part of Thorny Passage Marine Park, which is known for whale watching. Visit between May and October and there’s a solid chance you’ll spot a southern right whale swimming off the coast.


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