The 9 best beaches in South Australia

A lot of beaches get called out as Australia's best, but Vivonne Bay definitely deserves its regular top-tier rankings. Six kilometres long, this U-shaped cove is famous for its long jetty, glassy water and powdery white sand. Accessible by a red dirt road, and hidden away between some rocky cliffs, Vivonne Bay is an isolated bit of paradise that you'll most probably get to yourself. With just one general store and a campground nearby, Vivonne is the perfect place to switch off and soak up the beauty of South Australia without anything (or anyone else) getting in the way.

Good for: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling and dreaming away a summer's day 

Getting there: About 174km southwest of Adelaide 

Facilities: Jetty, boat ramp, picnic areas, barbecues, toilets

Is the beach patrolled? No

Are dogs allowed? Yes

With a name this fun to say, you know you're in for a good time. Carrickalinga is a lesser-known beachy gem on South Australia's coast that is about one hour's drive from Adelaide. Famous for its heart-shaped rockpools and crystal-clear waters, this is a quiet, family-friendly beach that has an abundance of pure white sand, space and pristine natural wilderness. With a 1.4 kilometre stretch of sand for beach walking, calm waters for kayaking and oodles of opportunities for snorkelling, this little secret is one you should get to know. 

Good for: Swimming, sunbathing, walking, kayaking and rock pool exploring (at low tide)

Getting there: One-hour drive south of Adelaide

Facilities: Carpark near the southern end 

Is the beach patrolled? No

Are dogs allowed? Yes, but they must be on leash from 10am to 6pm all summer.

Tucked away in the rather terrifyingly named Coffin Bay National Park on the tip of South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, Almonta is one of those spectacular, life-altering beaches that'll stay with you for a very long time. There's free day entry for your vehicle to get to this sparkly jewel of a beach. Once you get there, expect untouched wilderness, pristine water and blindingly white sand (you can also expect very little shade, so come prepared). 

Good for: Stunning coastal scenery, azure waters

Getting there: One-hour drive from Port Lincoln

Facilities: Toilets, parking

Is the beach patrolled? No

Are dogs allowed? No

Maslin Beach is known for being Australia's first legal nudist beach – and while there's still an ample section where clothing isn't mandatory, there's also a whole area where it very much is. A naturally stunning beach that's about 40 minutes from Adelaide, Maslin is known for its great beach break for surfers, safe space for families and lovely swimming conditons, along with some incredible snorkelling and diving spots. Plus, if you want to get your kit off, the far southern end has a secluded strip where you can do exactly that. 

Good for: Snorkelling around submerged ship wrecks, surfing, swimming, strolling, sunbathing, families, nudists and non-nudists

Getting there: 40km from the Adelaide CBD (40-minute drive)

Facilities: A public toilet, parking, picnic tables

Is the beach patrolled? Yes, but patrol days change, so check the schedule before you go.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, off-leash before 10am and after 8pm.

Port Willunga Beach is one of South Australia’s most photogenic stretches of coast, thanks to its golden cliffs, turquoise waters and those striking jetty pylons rising from the surf. Just 45 kilometres south of Adelaide, it blends natural beauty with a touch of history, from caves carved by early fisherfolk to the remains of the 1888 Star of Greece shipwreck, visible at low tide. Despite its fame, it still feels like a deliciously laid-back seaside secret.

Good for: Long beach walk, followed by a swim, followed by lunch

Getting there: 45km from Adelaide (50-minute drive)

Facilities: Public toilets, parking, lookouts at the beach and a visitor centre nearby

Is the beach patrolled? Yes, but check the specific patrol status before you go, as Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) does not provide services for this specific beach.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, dogs can be off-leash at all times except between 10am and 8pm during Daylight Saving.

Chosen by Tourism Australia as the nation's best beach in 2023, it's clear that Stokes Bay is pretty special. Located on Kangaroo Island, this little paradise won Australia's best beach prize for its classic good looks, family-friendly attributes, suitability for wading and snorkelling – plus the fact that it's home to an abundance of incredible native Aussie wildlife that almost got wiped out in the 2019 bush fires. What's better than that? 

Good for: Walking, swimming, paddling, exploring rock pools, snorkelling and seeing kangaroos on the beach

Getting there: 232km from Adelaide (a four-hour journey, including a ferry ride)

Facilities: A car park, toilets, and café 

Is the beach patrolled? No

Are dogs allowed? Yes, but they must be on a leash

Once dubbed the "most beautiful beach in Australia", Flaherty's has routinely made it high on 'best Aussie beach' lists over the years – and for good reason. Seven kilometres long, this huge expanse of bright white sand is pure magic, with two huge sandbanks creating a natural shelter from the open sea. You can expect to paddle in gentle, crystal-clear waters warmed by the sun and have hundreds of metres of space to yourself. Just be warned: if you're into waves, this ain't the place for you.

Good for: Kids, 4WD-ing, swimming, frolicking around

Getting there: 234km from Adelaide (2.5-hour drive via National Hwy A1 and Yorke Hwy). 4WD down to the beach is possible.

Facilities: There are no formal facilities like toilets or changing rooms

Is the beach patrolled? No, it is an unpatrolled beach

Are dogs allowed? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash

Located on the Yorke Peninsula in the Innes National Park, Dolphin Beach may make you gasp audibly upon arrival. An 800-metre long curved cove, it's about three hours from Adelaide. This family-friendly bit of coast offers up a pretty combination of clear turquoise waters, soft golden sands and striking red rocks. Much like its name suggests, Dolphin is an excellent place to spot whales and dolphins in the wild. If you're doing a roadtrip around the picturesque Yorke Peninsula, stopping here is a must.

Good for: Snorkelling, swimming, strolling and surfing when conditions are right 

Getting there: More than 300km from Adelaide (3.5-hour drive)

Facilities: There are no toilets, bins or other amenities at Dolphin Beach itself, but they are available at the Park's entrances.

Is the beach patrolled? No, it is not patrolled

Are dogs allowed? No, dogs are banned as it's located within Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.

Just because something is known by all doesn't always mean it should be overlooked. Adelaide's most famous beach, Glenelg manages to nail being both a genuinely beautiful natural place and a buzzy, metropolitan hot spot. Unlike the other beaches on this list, Glenelg is a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre, is fringed by amazing restaurants and allows you to sink a tropical cocktail while watching a brilliant sunset at the beach. How's that for a good time?

Good for: City lovers, kids, swimming, walking, snorkelling and sunbathing

Getting there: About 10 km via Anzac Hwy (20-minute drive)

Facilities: Public toilets, playground, the Beachouse amusement park, Glenelg Pier

Is the beach patrolled? Yes, with professional lifeguards on weekdays and volunteer surf lifesavers on weekends and public holidays during summer.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, off-leash is permitted before 10am and after 8pm during Daylight Saving.