The Best Beaches in and Near Port Adelaide for Those Who Need Some Vitamin Sea
Far-flung escapes, like Bora Bora or Turks and Caicos, are usually the destinations that enter the mind whenever someone mentions beaching havens. This really triggers us.
You don’t need to break the bank or travel ungodly distances for a slice of sand and sunny paradises. If you’re wondering why, the answer is simple: Port Adelaide has stunning beaches that are a hop, skip, and jump from the city center.
We’re talking about sleeper hits like Snowden Beach and spots that have long been in the limelight, such as Henley or Grange Beach. But, hey, to see is to believe, so start by eyeing the details and tips we compiled below!
West Lakes Beach
From veronicaphua
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tyxohYge9qESfDLn6
Tide Times
It’s easy to see why West Lakes Beach earned a spot on this list. For starters, this sandy stretch is spotless, convenient, and less crowded compared to Adelaide’s primary tourist magnets.
Most go here to kayak, but you might also spot dragon boaters and surfers owning the waves on a good day. Anglers also love this beach, and you can’t blame them; the waters teem with potential catches like bream, mulloway, and salmon trout.
Picnickers can chill without a fuss, too. There are seats and tables throughout the shore, so you can sip on your homemade margarita during the golden hours without a hitch.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring your pup. The beach is dog-friendly, and there are areas where your furry pal can roam or run leash-free.
Semaphore Beach
From nishabano
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QQub6B6sZcZ9feXG8
Distance from Port Adelaide: 7 mins.
Tide Times
We can’t talk about the top beaches in Port Adelaide without giving a nod to Semaphore Beach. With its white sands, cool, clear shallows, and family-friendly atmosphere, it breezed its way to our list.
Swimming and surfing are our go-to activities here while spotting dolphins and seals comes in second, most notably during the warmer months.
You don’t need to be soaked to have a blast, though. The beach has bike tracks, a functional steam train near the shore, and a vintage carousel perfect for a nostalgic spin.
Tip: Going to Semaphore Beach on a rainy day has perks, especially if you’re in a dramatic mood. However, we recommend visiting on a sunny day for the best experience.
To know what’s coming, check Semaphore’s weather forecast. This tip applies to all entries here.
Cruickshank’s Beach
From theadventuresoftandc
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JLVSFkdYQugKJXhU8
Distance from Port Adelaide: 2 mins.
Tide Times
We’re sold on the idea that size doesn’t matter when it comes to beaches—and Cruickshank’s Beach is one of the reasons why.
Hidden along the Port River, this mini harbor beach always reminds us that the best seaside picnics are the ones far from jam-packed crowds and the urban bustle. And to make things more Insta-worthy, small boats lazily drift by this well-kept secret.
Dolphins love to make a splash here, too. You’ll often see them frolicking close to the basin, so don your binoculars to see their flipping show clearly.
Tip: If you own a kayak or boat, do yourself a favor and bring it along. The beach’s peaceful atmosphere provides the perfect setting for a chaos-free paddle, and there are convenient launch pads throughout the area.
Largs Bay Beach
From bambi_67
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/V5f9MxW3UcMzwewJA
Distance from Port Adelaide: 8 mins.
Tide Times
Calmer than a sloth on a hammock, Largs Bay is where you head when you need to shake off city stress without a road trip marathon.
The beach’s key features are its low waves and shallow waters—terrific for novice swimmers but a buzzkill for surfers. There’s also the jetty, a premier location for reeling bream or garfish and sightseeing.
Pooches can also tag along but should be on a leash (you don’t want them chasing the gulls away). Furthermore, there’s a seaside playground for energized tiny tots not in the mood for a swim.
Tip: Preparing and packing food can be a hassle. If you want a snack, make your way to the iconic Largs Bay Kiosk near the jetty for refreshing smoothies, rich coffee, and delicious fried treats.
North Haven Beach
From _dongyu_
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1nbyNtYEHnXd8iE19
Distance from Port Adelaide: 13 mins.
Tide Time
Our squad decided to scope out North Haven Beach to see if it’s worth the hype. Turns out, it’s the real deal: serene, clean, and perfect for a chill with some pals, furry or not.
The shoreline is flat, making it accessible for the tiniest of tots. We also came across game-changing additions that didn’t exist years ago, namely the beach patrols and paddle board rental shops.
Our water-loving teammates also had a blast in the cool and safe shallows that can double as practice spots for novice swimmers. The only drawback, however, is the number of seaweeds scattered around—a potential turn-off for seaweed haters.
Tip: For those who want to rinse off the salt, there’s a handy shower by the car park.
Snowden Beach
From samuelakhurst
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eBSyxyHwBcCE8Bkw9
Distance from Port Adelaide: 7 mins.
Tide Time
Whenever we’re itching for a seafood feast (both free and not), Snowden’s Beach is our go-to spot. Bream, mulloway, salmon trout, and excellent seafood joints (for unlucky anglers) are abundant in the area.
Beyond the mouthwatering seafood, you’ll stumble upon free BBQs scattered throughout the vast and lengthy shoreline. The cherry on top is the picnic zone, offering unbeatable sunset views and zen-zones.
Tip: The water might look tempting, but we highly recommend skipping a swim here. Passing cargo ships create dangerous wakes, plus the beach is infamous for shifting sands.
Tennyson Beach
From sujit_khatri1
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FNdwQFFXJWtYzgKQ7
Distance from Port Adelaide: 10 mins.
Tide Times
If you’re a Dune fan and itching for some sandy vistas without dodging humongous, man-eating sandworms, Tennyson Beach is where it’s at.
The dunes here are straight out of a postcard, especially since the location isn’t as frequented as other Port Adelaide and Adelaide beaches. Sure, it might be a tad isolated for some tastes, but the seclusion adds to its appeal.
In addition, Tennyson Beach flaunts ample space for picnicking, although you have to be mindful of areas with snakes. Just follow the warning signs and you won’t be searching for antidotes.
Tip: Don’t leave without your trusty sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. There’s not enough shade on this beach to dodge those harmful UV rays!
Grange Beach
From nathangodwin
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XRYHFtiCuGmSibFQ6
Distance from Port Adelaide: 12 mins.
Tide Times
Don’t even try claiming your Adelaide beach cred if you haven’t hit up Grange Beach yet. For us, this seafront gem is the epitome of coastal cool, decked out with an old-school jetty and charming terrace houses.
On our last trip here, we dove into the crystal-clear waters and cast a line off the picturesque jetty. We hooked a couple of tommies and mullet, making it a reely good beach fishing sesh!
Getting to this spot is also a piece of cake. The train station connected to the city center is a stone’s throw away from the shore.
Tip: The beach might not be as bustling as some, but don’t be fooled. It still gets its fair share of visitors! For a more serene experience, aim for a weekday or early morning visit.
Henley Beach
From benjamingoode
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FZa7qMmNJ5KoSrkE6
Distance from Port Adelaide: 13 mins.
Tide Times
The moment you set foot in Henley Beach, you’re in for beach bliss. It’s the kind of place you won’t want to leave, with its share of fine sandy shores, mellow atmosphere, and thriving seaside cafe scene.
Boredom won’t bother you, either. You can stroll along the esplanade while soaking in the scenery, get tan lines on the beach, or hit the waves for a paddling, swimming, or snorkeling session.
The only problem is you might not stop yourself from splurging since Henley Square is a short walk from the beach. It has everything a beach fan would love, from seafood haunts to swimwear shops.
Tip: Check out the local events calendar to see if there are current or upcoming Henley Beach festivals or events right up your alley.
