Aqua Adventures: The Best Paddleboarding Spots in Adelaide
If you’re a stand-up paddleboarding rookie or a seasoned sea-riding pro looking for new spots to ride waves on, we have the lowdown on what you need.
From the serene sways along Torrens River to the tidal thrill at West Lakes, we’re here to share the deets on the best paddle-boarding spots in Adelaide: locations, tide info, and more.
Onkaparinga River National Park
Address: Port Noarlunga South, SA 5167
Contact Details: (08) 8552 0300
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Distance from ADL: 39.8 km
Onkaparinga River National Park is iconic for its majestic clifftops and rugged bush trails, but it’s also a total knockout for some stand-up paddleboarding action. This park has slow river sections and calm ocean waves near the river mouth.
You can paddle your way between the breezy Main South Road and Commercial Rd, where the river slithers through floodplains and wetlands. The waters here are calm, so rookies are certainly welcome.
In addition to the primo current and waves for paddleboarding, the estuarine waters connected to the Onkaparinga River are home to charming and cheeky dolphins, waterbirds, and echidnas.
| Tip: Always check Onkaparinga River’s tide conditions before you hit its waters. Low tide is a terrible time for stand-up paddleboarding, especially once the estuaries get too shallow and muddy. |
Seacliff
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Distance from ADL: 16.4 km
When you have kiddos and newbies in your group, Seacliff’s serene waters are your best bet for a day of relaxed paddle-boarding.
The beach shallows are ideal for training, and the laid-back ambiance of the not-too-crowded coastline adds to this locale’s charm.
There’s also a nearby surfing and paddle boarding school, which sells and rents out boards, paddles, leashes, pumps, and more. Oh, and if you’re lucky, you can catch a chill paddle session with some dolphins!
| Tip: You can join a paddle boarding lesson and yoga class led by the pros of Stand Up Paddles SA. |
West Lakes
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Distance from ADL: 13.9 km
West Lakes proves that not all paddleboarding spots need to be secluded havens far from the city’s bustle.
This area flexes flat waters, perfect for beginners looking to master their paddle game or vets just wanting a leisurely glide along chic suburban homes.
You’ll mostly cruise on the crystal-clear John Dyer Lake here, but the beach is also a terrific spot. After a lazy afternoon of stand-up paddleboarding, you can then enjoy 5.5 km of shoreline, islands waiting to be explored, and even nearby cafes and shops.
| Tip: You can snag paddleboards and stand-up paddleboarding gear and accessories at Adelaide Canoe Works, the closest shop to West Lakes. Swing by this stop before riding to West Lakes to save around 13 mins of driving time. |
River Torrens
Address: Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Featuring vistas of Adelaide’s parklands, peaceful still waters, and various entry points across the CBD, the newbie-friendly River Torrens emerges as an idyllic stand-up paddleboarding destination offering relaxing scenery and convenience.
Speaking of convenience, you can launch your paddleboard at areas like Elder Park Landing, Pinky Flat, or Bonython Park, each providing ample parking.
Throughout your paddleboarding journey, you’ll also find eucalyptus-lined tranquil spots along the riverbanks to pause and immerse yourself in the urban atmosphere. You can even add a wild side to the outing by paddling along ducks and black swans.
| Tip: Explore upstream towards the Adelaide Hills. The river’s flow is generally slower upstream, providing a more relaxed paddle with scenic surroundings. |
Port Noarlunga Beach to Christies Beach
Address: 95/96 Esplanade, Port Noarlunga, SA 5167
Contact Details: (08) 8384 0666
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Distance from ADL: 32.2 km
The 1-km stretch from Port Noarlunga Beach to Christies Beach offers a perfect blend of smooth and challenging waves.
Port Noarlunga is better if you’re looking for an energy-filled spot teeming with seaside cafes and restos. You’ll often get peaceful waves here too.
But if you don’t enjoy large crowds, head to Christies Beach for a quieter experience. Thrill-seekers can even up the ante by paddling toward the beach’s reef—a more challenging area with crystalline waters and thriving marine life.
| Tip: Consider bringing snorkeling gear if you’re beelining to Christies Beach. As mentioned earlier, the beach’s reef areas brim with marine life! |
Glenelg
Distance from ADL: 11.4 km
It’s hard not to mention Glenelg when talking about water sports. Stand-up paddleboarding at the city’s sandy and cafe-lined beach is a no-brainer, especially if you love flat waters, the golden hour, and jetty fishing.
Glenelg also has the Patawalunga Creek, catering to every skill level. Beginners can bask in the calm creek waters, while the bold and adventurous can ride the mild ocean waves near the sea.
| Tip: Glenelg Beach is known for its sunny days. Apply sunscreen generously, wear sunglasses, and consider a hat for sun protection. |
Second Valley Beach
Distance from ADL: 92.1 km
Second Valley Beach tends to draw a lively crowd during summer, making it perfect for paddleboarders who like to socialize. In addition, the waters here are calm, and the views of geological formations and sea caves provide Instaworthy backdrops.
The beach is conveniently close to parking and offers amenities like restrooms and shaded resting spots. Dolphins and seals also call this paradise home, a plus for paddleboarders who are also huge into marine wildlife.
| Tip: We suggest avoiding the west side of the beach where a north-facing boulder lies. This area typically has calm waters, but it’s extremely rocky. |
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Address: Garden Island Rd, Garden Island, SA 5015
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Contact Details: (08) 8405 6560
Distance from ADL: 24 km
40 shipwrecks, playful bottlenose dolphins, well-preserved mangrove ecosystems, and calm waters await stand-up paddleboarders at the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Around 27,000 waterbirds also call this pristine area home.
If the tide is good, venture toward the sanctuary’s creeks, tidal flats, and salt marshes for a better chance of spotting the dolphins. Starting your journey at the Garden Island Foreshore is the way to go here, particularly if you want to have a picnic first.
| Tip: The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is shared with kayakers and boaters. Keep a lookout for other watercraft, especially in areas with narrow channels, like the spot where the mangrove ecosystems are. |
Southport Beach
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Distance from ADL: 32.2 km
Southport Beach is an undisputed beauty that brings the Onkaparinga River and the sea together for stand-up paddleboarders who like small to medium waves.
The beach’s left-hand break and U Turns’ right-hand break add a dash of spice, catering to both the novice and the intermediate paddleboarding crowd. Your background here is also jaw-dropping—river scenery, cliff vistas, and glimpses of still seaside suburbs.
| Tip: Visit SUP Down South before heading to Southport Beach. This is the nearest spot to Southport that rents out paddleboards and paddleboarding accessories. |
Goolwa
How to Get Here: Route
Distance from ADL: 82.9 km
Goolwa is the sweet spot for those craving a waterway or river stand-up paddleboarding adventure.
Forget about gnarly waves; this historic river port flexes gentle, flat waters tailor-made for a chill paddleboarding sesh. As for the views, you’ll see dunes, ocean panoramas, and waterway mazes that’ll have you questioning if you’ve stepped into a postcard.
| Tip: Venture to the Murray Mouth Lookout for a unique experience where the river meets the sea. It’s also a prime spot for birdwatching and appreciating the natural beauty of this convergence. |
