Bondi to Brighton: Discover Adelaide’s Best Beachside Suburbs

Away from the bustle of the city centre, South Australia is home to some of Australia’s best beaches, each offering a unique coastal experience for its locals. 

Uniquely positioned between the coast and the sprawling Adelaide Hills, a swathe of pristine beachside suburbs stretches along the west of Adelaide. These suburbs boast thriving communities, world-class amenities, and sparkling waters that rival Bondi, Bronte, and Burleigh Heads.

Whether you seek an adventurer’s playground just 30km from the city, a thriving arts community shaped by its rebellious maritime roots, or a buzzing social beachside suburb, South Australia is the ideal place to discover your coastal lifestyle while remaining close to the Adelaide CBD.

 

Glenelg

There is a reason why Glenelg is Adelaide’s most popular seaside suburb. 

With stunning sandy beaches stretching along the Gulf St Vincent, Glenelg offers a picturesque coastal setting filled with art, music and food. 

There is rarely a dull moment along the Glenelg foreshore, with regular live music events to suit any taste, plus various events and festivals held throughout the year, including the Glenelg Sunset Markets, Glenelg Ice Cream Festival, Asia Oasis, and the popular Moseley Beach Club.

Jetty Road, the cultural hub of the suburb, leads directly to the beach and boasts boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, and restaurants, providing residents with plenty of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

For a more peaceful experience, Salty Sips, a free early morning yoga experience followed by a brisk swim, is held at Glenelg and nearby Henley Square on alternating weeks. 

Located just 12 kilometres from the CBD, the city commute is a breeze either by car or via the frequent tram service which can take you to almost every corner of the city. 

Glenelg boasts diverse housing options, from a wide range of units to bluestone cottages and luxury architecturally designed homes, to suit any potential homeowner or renter looking to be part of this community. 

With its natural beauty, cultural offerings, and convenient location, it is unsurprising that Glenelg is a highly sought-after place to live in Adelaide.

 

Port Adelaide

If a beachside town infused with culture and plenty of character is what you are looking for, then Port Adelaide will be right up your alley. 

Port Adelaide’s rich maritime history is still alive today and can be seen in the area’s eclectic style, cobbled laneways, street art, and beautifully preserved heritage architecture which give the suburb a distinctive character that residents can immerse themselves in.

Local businesses, like the Port Admiral Hotel and Pirate Life Brewing, have embraced this history, reflecting a renegade spirit in their decor and support of street artists.

This love of street art can be seen throughout the Port, as it is more commonly known. The most noteworthy display is the Wonderwalls Outdoor Gallery, which sits next to the Hart’s Mill community space on the shoreline. 

A vibrant cultural scene can be seen in local art galleries, theatres, and music venues that showcase homegrown talent and international acts. Local community group, the Port Adelaide Artists Forum, is a key contributor to the area’s creative flair, supporting local artists through exhibitions, performances, cultural events, creative workshops, and fundraising. 

Connected to Adelaide by train, Port Adelaide boasts character-filled cottages and larger family bungalows. Recent developments include a number of new apartment complexes built near the wharf.

 

Brighton

There may be a Brighton in every state, but we think South Australia’s is the pick of the bunch.

Located just 15 minutes from Adelaide, Brighton is a family-friendly suburb located just south of bustling Glenelg. Tucked away from main roads, Brighton boasts a local feel, with quirky cafes and coffee shops that regulars walk to and are known by name.

The calm waters, sparkling sand, and extensive sand bank makes Brighton a popular summer spot for stand-up paddle boarders and families with children who make the most of the shade provided by the Brighton jetty.

For movie buffs, the Windsor Theatre, a small, independent movie cinema, presents a range of current and classic films throughout the year. For those looking for something more modern, Westfield Marion is minutes away, boasting the best in food, retail and the latest movies at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest cinema complex. 

Unlike some other beachside spots, Brighton offers only a small amount of apartment living, with most housing options made up of sprawling bungalows or new builds for families who are looking to make the most of the relaxed vibe and large number of local schools. 

 

Port Noarlunga

If adventure is calling your name, then head 30 kilometres south of Adelaide to Port Noarlunga, one of South Australia’s coastal gems. 

With stunning natural surroundings, a beautiful sandy beach, and crystal-clear waters, this tight-knit community is the perfect coastal location for anyone looking to escape the rat race. 

Adelaide’s southern coastline has plenty to offer. Stretch your legs and take in the stunning sunset along the Coast Park Trail between O’Sullivan Beach to Christies Beach, launch your boat at the Port Noarlunga Beach Ramp, stand-up paddleboarding along the coast or drive your car onto the beach at nearby Aldinga, Moana, Sellicks or Silver Sands. It’s all within easy reach from Port Noarlunga.

For those keen to get into the water, the Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary, located just offshore at the end of the main jetty, is a haven for marine life and a popular destination for diving enthusiasts and casual snorkelling. 

The region is also home to endless options for off-road cyclists, with stunning tracks through the Port Noarlunga trails and Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve, and a large collection of BMX sites to suit every ability. 

Not to mention, it’s also perched on the edge of the iconic McLaren Vale wine region. 

With some of the most affordable coastal homes in South Australia and hidden coffee havens, Port Noarlunga could be the sea change you are looking for.