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Everything You Need to Know about West Beach in Adelaide

Whether you’re craving an adrenaline kick from towering water slides or just some downtime with a side of saltwater, West Beach is where the action or Zen is at. Our trip to this family-friendly but definitely not boring suburb is all the proof you need.

Our escapade included epic gladiator battles in the sky, soaring high on a giant swing, and cruising on calm waters, just to name a few.

We also did the legwork to find the best bites and beds—because you don’t deserve to waste time on second-rate spots!

Where is West Beach?

west-beach-google-maps-location

West Beach is located approximately 10 kilometers (16 minutes away) west of the Adelaide CBD. It’s along Gulf St Vincent’s coastline and is easily accessible via Henley Beach Rd.

What is the main street in West Beach?

Military Road is the hub of activities and attractions in West Beach. It stretches north to south and is situated east of West Beach Road.

While it may not be as close to the shoreline as Seaview Rd to the west, Military Rd boasts heaps of attractions, like reserves, creeks, a water park, an adventure park, and a skate park.

How to Get to West Beach

Closest bus stop: To reach West Beach via public transport, hop on a J1 bus from Sir Donald Bradman Drive and disembark at Stop 15A Military Rd – East side in about 41 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take the H22 buses along the Henley Beach Rd route, which also stops at Stop 15A Military Rd – East side but with a travel time of about 50 minutes.

By Taxi: Taxi fares in Adelaide vary based on the time and day. Check the table below for a detailed breakdown.

Tariff 1 – 6 am to 5:59 pm
FlagfallDistance RateBooking FeeWaiting Time
$3.701.87/kmFree$39.30/hr
Tariff 2 – 6 pm to 5:59 am (including all day Saturday and Sunday)
FlagfallDistance RateBooking FeeWaiting Time
$4.902.16/km$1.80$39.30/hr

What to Do and See in West Beach

Tee off at West Beach Parks Golf Course

From westbeachparksgolf

Address: Military Rd

Contact Details: (08) 8356 4811

Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 7 pm

Website

You don’t need to be the next Tiger Woods to enjoy West Beach Parks Golf Course. Players here can swing away in their style while soaking in the stunning natural beauty around.

The course also comes equipped with the TrackMan Range, a high-tech experience that can render realistic golf courses and improve swings. On top of that, this golfing hotspot offers deals galore, including The Quick 9, which gets you a round for just $22.

Reach new heights at West Beach Adventure

From westbeachadventure

Address: 4 Hamra Ave

Contact Details: (08) 8355 1480

Operating Hours: Mon, Thu to Sun – 10 am to 6 pm

Website

West Beach Adventure takes adrenaline-pumping to new heights—quite literally! They do this via The Megaclimb, where conquering 70 towering obstacles, aerial totem tennis matches, and sky-high gladiator-style are the norm.

If you prefer something fast-paced, go with the Giant Swing. This mechanism will take you 18 meters high with a speed of up to 60 kilometers per hour——perfect for those who believe life is more fun when you defy gravity.

Take the adrenaline-pumping plunge at The Big Wedgie Inflatable Water Park

Address: Military Rd via West Beach Parks Resort

Contact Details: (08) 8350 5050

Operating Season: Summer only

Website

The Big Wedgie Inflatable Water Park has waterslides that will send your heart racing faster than that of a lifeguard chased by a shark. Their Big Wedgie, an 18.2-meter tall and 82-meter-long slide with a 55-degree slope, proved this to us.

But if the Big Wedgie isn’t cutting it for your adrenaline fix, The Big Chucka might. This alternative boasts an 80-degree drop that shoots daredevils up 9 meters before landing safely on an inflatable pad, superhero-style.

Bust some moves at West Beach Skate Parks

From westbeachparks

Address: Africaine Rd

Contact Details: (08) 8355 7320

Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours

Website

West Beach Skate Park is an extraordinary spot for doing ollies, kickflips, or benihanas. Unlike your typical “concrete jungle” skating hub, this one comes with grassy surroundings, a serene setting, and prime panoramas of Patawalonga Creek.

The true highlight, though, is the variety of tracks, ramps, and circuits for skateboarding, scootering, in-line skating, and BMX riding. These sections are newbie-friendly, and there’s plenty of space to shred. Just keep your wits about you to avoid any collisions!

Catch the breeze and golden hour with Temptation Sailing

From temptationsailing

Address: 10 Holdfast Promenade

Contact Details: 0412 811 838

Operating Hours: Mon to Thu – 9 am to 5 pm

Website

Cruising with Temptation Sailing was the perfect way to chase away our blues. Their Twilight Cruise offered breathtaking views of the Adelaide coastline and prime sunset-watching spots, all while lifting our spirits with drinks and smooth tunes.

The cherry on top is that the Twilight Tour isn’t their only offering. They also have the Wild Dolphin Tour, which is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts wanting to spot bottlenose and short-beaked common dolphins—or even swim alongside them.

Get into a friendly competition at AFL Max

From aflmax

Address: 32 Butler Bvd, Adelaide Airport

Contact Details: (08) 8312 6585

Operating Hours: Sat to Sun – 10:30 am to 4:30 pm

Website

AFL Max knows how to make working out a blast for kiddos. In fact, this interactive sports complex is a family favorite, packed with activities like climbing walls, trampoline jumping, and playing games on an interactive screen.

This spot also doubles as the perfect party venue for your kid’s birthday celebration. Guests get 60 minutes of playtime with all the fun games and structures, along with food and a party host to keep the energy high.

Splash around in the shallows

From _tahnirush_

Finally, don’t miss out on swimming in the shallows near West Beach’s jetty. The waters are crystal clear, and the smooth, plant-laden shoreline is perfect for a stroll or some sunbathing.

Surfing is also on the table, especially in winter when rideable swells and light offshore winds grace the waves.

Where to Eat in West Beach

Beachside Restaurant

From beachside.5024

Address: 5 W Beach Rd

Contact Details: (08) 8235 1991

Pricing: $

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
  • Sat – 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
  • Sun – 8:30 am to 3 pm

Website

Breezy, rustic, and oh-so-relaxed, Beachside Restaurant is where breakfast and brunch feel like a mini-vacation.

The menu is Aussie to the core, with hearty picks like eggs on toast, brekky hash with bacon and eggs, and falafel bowls with roasted pumpkin. We had these on our last trip, and let’s just say their blend of savory and earthy flavors had us loosening our belts.

West Beach Eatery

From West Beach Eatery

Address: 1 Military Rd

Contact Details: (08) 8355 7377

Pricing: $

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Thu – 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
  • Fri to Sat – 7:30 am to 7:30 pm
  • Sun – 7:30 am to 3:30 pm

Website

West Beach Eatery is an easy-going haunt with wooden accents, high ceilings, and a modern Aussie menu that gave our team chronic cravings.

We usually stick with sourdough and avo, raisin toast, or a classic BLT brioche bun. But last time, we picked their fish and chips—crispy whiting with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of tartare.

Fuego by the Sea

From fuego_bythesea

Address: Adelaide Sailing Club, 9 Barcoo Rd

Contact Details: (08) 8294 3232

Pricing: $$

Operating Hours:

  • Wed to Thu – 11:30 am to 3 pm
  • Fri – 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm

Website

Fuego by the Sea shows that charcoal-grilled goodness is forever in vogue. Think we’re exaggerating? Just try their 400-gram Porterhouse with red wine jus, and taste the truth for yourself.

The chimichurri chicken is our go-to since we love tender meat packed with bold herbs and spices. And once the robust flavors hit, we usually sweeten it up with homemade tiramisu, a blend of bold coffee, creamy mascarpone, and subtle cocoa essences.

Where to Stay in West Beach

BIG4 West Beach Parks

From westbeachparks

Address: 1 Military Rd

Contact Details: (08) 8355 7320

Check-in: 2 pm

Check-out: 10 am

Pricing: $$

Website

You’ll never be left high and dry at BIG4 West Beach Parks. With a whopping 15+ options, from fancy cabins to powered caravan sites, there’s a crash pad that’s just right for your style and wallet here.

If we’re talking favorites, the 3-bedroom Rick the Rock Lobsters Beach Houses are the top contenders—and yes, that’s how they name their cabins. These picks boast fully equipped kitchens, private decks, and BBQs, offering a cozy escape for groups.

The Retreat at West Beach Parks

From westbeachparks

Address: Military Rd

Contact Details: (08) 8355 7360

Check-in: 2 pm

Check-out: 10 am

Pricing: $$

Website

The Retreat at West Beach Parks has modern shacks, tents, and villas tucked away in a peaceful locale with natural panoramas. In short, it’s luxury without the hefty price tag.

During our stay, we opted for the 2-bedroom Sundowner Shacks. These have amenities similar to those of Saltwater Shacks but come with spas and complimentary bubbles—two things our team will always indulge in.

Ramsgate Hotel by Nightcap Social

From ramsgatehotel

Address: 328 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach

Contact Details: (08) 8356 5411

Check-in: 2 pm

Check-out: 10 am

Pricing: $$

Website

Built in 1987 and perched right by the jetty, the Ramsgate Hotel by Nightcap Social pulls guests with its classic architecture and premier beach vistas. Oh, and it has modern amenities to back up the looks!

Those who’ve crashed in the Studio Queen rooms can back us up. These budget-friendly options may be the cheapest here, but they still serve contemporary conveniences, upscaled furnishings, and artsy vibes that scream boujee.

Where to Shop

Harbor Town Premium Outlets Adelaide

From harbourtownadelaide

Address: 727 Tapleys Hill Rd

Contact Details: (08) 8355 1144

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Wed – 9 am to 5:30 pm
  • Thu – 9 am to 9 pm
  • Fri – 9 am to 5:30 pm
  • Sat – 9 am to 5 pm
  • Sun – 10 am to 5 pm

Website

With over 50 stores, the sprawling Harbor Town is the best place for shopping while in West Beach. Inside, you can score stylish branded apparel, handy home goods, flashy accessories, top-notch footwear, and even affordable souvenirs.

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