Spend a Day at these SA Coastal Gems

We are fortunate to have plenty of coastline in South Australia. With beautiful beaches for swimming and surfing. Besides going for a dip in the beautiful water, what else is there to do in these coastal areas?

Glenelg

Spending a day in Glenelg, South Australia, offers a delightful mix of beachside relaxation, historical charm, and vibrant dining and shopping experiences. Glenelg is a charming seaside suburb located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is renowned for its beautiful sandy beach, vibrant atmosphere, and historical significance. Glenelg is situated approximately 10 kilometres southwest of Adelaide’s city centre, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists via car or public transport.

Glenelg has a rich history, being one of the earliest European settlements in South Australia. It was named after Lord Glenelg, the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies in the 1830s. Historic buildings such as the Old Gum Tree and Glenelg Town Hall reflect its colonial past.

Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your day:

Morning:

1. Breakfast at a Local Cafe:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe. Whilst there are a multitude of places to choose from, we would recommend Fourth, Terra & Sol or Feed Jetty Road to start off your day – with delicious food and Barista coffee.

2. Explore Glenelg Beach:
Head to Glenelg Beach, one of Adelaide’s most popular coastal destinations. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the esplanade, dip your toes in the water, or simply relax on the sandy shores. The main attraction of Glenelg is its long sandy beach, which stretches for about 1.5 kilometres along Holdfast Bay. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and various water sports.

3. Visit Glenelg Jetty:
Walk along Glenelg Jetty, which stretches out into the ocean and offers beautiful panoramic views of the coastline, the beach, and the surrounding area. The jetty is a favourite among anglers. Fishing off the jetty is permitted, and it’s a great place to try your hand at catching local fish species. Many locals enjoy spending time here with their fishing rods, especially during quieter times of the day.

Midday:

4. Lunch:
For lunch, visit Holdfast Shores Marina, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes offering fresh seafood and other local delights. Places like Sammy’s on the Marina or Junipers on the Marina are excellent choices.
If you’re looking for a quick but delicious sandwich, we would recommend Dantes or Spread. Also, perfect if you’re looking for your next coffee of the day.

5. Visit The Beachouse:
If you’re travelling with kids, spend some time at The Beachouse. The Beachouse features a range of amusement park rides suitable for both children and adults. This includes thrilling rides such as waterslides, bumper boats, and a carousel. There are also gentler rides for younger children, making it a family-friendly destination. It also has a large arcade area filled with various arcade games and machines. Visitors can enjoy classic arcade games, video games, skill-based games, and ticket redemption games where you can win prizes.

Afternoon:

6. Explore Moseley Square:
After lunch, wander around Moseley Square, the heart of Glenelg’s shopping and dining precinct. Moseley Square takes its name from Henry Moseley, an early settler and property developer in the Glenelg area. The square itself was established as part of the early town planning efforts in Glenelg, which began to take shape in the mid-19th century.

Browse through boutique shops, souvenir stores, and Glenelg Art Gallery.

7. Take a Dolphin Cruise:
Consider taking a dolphin cruise departing from Glenelg Marina. Check out our friends over at Temptation Sailing where they offer the chance to see or swim with wild dolphins. These cruises offer the chance to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat, a memorable experience for all ages.

Evening:

8. Sunset Drinks and Dinner:
As the day winds down, enjoy drinks at one of the beachfront bars or cafes along the esplanade, such as The Grand Bar, or The Moseley. Witness the stunning sunset over the ocean—a Glenelg specialty.

9. Dinner at a Local Restaurant:
End your day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Choices like Europa At The Bay, The Ottoman Grill or GEORGE restaurant offer a range of dining experiences from seafood to Turkish grill to modern Australian cuisine.

After having a fun-filled day out in Glenelg, we would recommend staying a night to ensure a full night’s rest. Check out these places based on comfortability and affordability.

Glenelg Motel

For those on a budget, we would recommend the Glenelg Motel. The motel offers a range of room types to cater to different preferences and group sizes. Options typically include standard rooms with various bed configurations (single, double, twin), family rooms that can accommodate larger groups or families.

Victor Harbor

Spending a day in Victor Harbor, South Australia, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and local attractions. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your day in this charming coastal town:

Morning

1. Breakfast at a Local Cafe
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at one of Victor Harbor’s cafes. Places like The Boulevard Cafe or Causeway Cafe are popular choices, offering great coffee and hearty breakfast options.

2. Visit Granite Island
Take a leisurely stroll or catch the horse-drawn tram across to Granite Island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. The horse-drawn tram has been operating between Victor Harbor and Granite Island since 1894, making it one of the oldest continuously operating tram services in Australia. It was originally used to transport cargo from ships anchored in the bay to the mainland. See timetables and fares here.

3. Explore the Kaiki Walk
Once on Granite Island, embark on the Kaiki Walk, a 1.2-kilometer loop trail that takes you around the island’s coastline. The walk offers breathtaking views of the ocean and opportunities for wildlife spotting. As you walk along the Kaiki Walk, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Encounter Bay and the surrounding coastline. The crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Midday

4. Lunch with a View
Return to the mainland and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes overlooking the waterfront. Check out The Anchorage Hotel, which offers a dining option with beautiful views of the bay.

5. Whale Watching
After lunch, head back to the Granite Island Causeway. Here you will board an ocean craft called the ‘Kondoli’ and be taken on a whale watching tour. Check out our mates over at The Big Duck to book your tickets for this amazing experience. The whale watching season typically runs from May to October, with the peak months being June, July, and August. On a whale watching tour, you can expect to see Southern Right Whales, which are known for their distinctive callosities (white growths) on their heads. You may also encounter other marine life such as dolphins, seals, and various seabirds.

Afternoon

6. Explore Victor Harbor’s Main Street
Spend some time exploring the main street of Victor Harbor. Browse through boutique shops, art galleries, and local markets. You can pick up souvenirs or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town.

7. Climb the Bluff
For panoramic views of Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay, take a walk or drive up to The Bluff. There are walking trails and lookout points where you can admire the coastal scenery and perhaps spot seals or dolphins in the water.

Evening

8. Dinner and Sunset
End your day with a memorable dinner at a restaurant offering views of the sunset over the ocean. The Whalers Inn or Nino’s Cafe are great spots to enjoy a meal after a busy day exploring Victor Harbor.

Where to stay

Why not make a night of it with a stay in Victor Harbor? We recommend the Anchorage Hotel due to its convenient and beautiful location. Book directly with the hotel and save on your stay.

We can’t deny that there is a magnitude of beautiful sights and fun things to do in these two coastal towns of South Australia. How lucky are we to have them right on our doorstep. For more guides and offers, check out our Glenelg Guide and Victor Harbor Guide.