Glenelg Beach
Adelaide's most popular seaside town, reached directly by tram. Its long jetty, white sand beach and sunsets are the highlights.
Glenelg is the first place in South Australia where European settlers landed, in 1836. It is now Adelaide's favourite seaside resort, about 11 km from the city centre. From Victoria Square in the city, take the tram to the final stop, Moseley Square. The trip takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Once you get off, you'll find the beach, the clock tower (the former town hall) and the Glenelg Jetty stretching into St Vincent Gulf. The long white sand beach has shallow, gentle waves, making it great for swimming and surfing in summer. Jetty Road is a pedestrian strip with restaurants, ice cream shops and cafés. Sunsets over the western sea are a major highlight in the evening. Nearby, the Holdfast Shores marina has yachts and bars, and offers boat trips such as Temptation Sailing, including about 3.5-hour dolphin-watching and dolphin-swimming tours.
Getting there: trams run to and from the city. Travel within the city is free, but a metroCARD or contactless payment is needed to travel outside the city area.
Good to know: summer sun is very strong. Swim only between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are on patrol.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Henley Beach
- Hallett Cove Conservation Park
- Adelaide Central Market
- Adelaide Oval
- River Torrens & Elder Park
- Rundle Mall
- South Australian Museum
- St Peter's Cathedral