Glenelg Beach is one of Adelaide’s most beloved seaside destinations, located just a short 20-minute drive from the heart of the CBD.
Glenelg holds a special place in South Australia’s history, it was the site of the colony’s first mainland settlement after being surveyed by Colonel William Light and George Strickland Kingston in 1836 aboard the HMS Rapid and HMS Cygnet, which had set sail from Kangaroo Island.
Today, Glenelg is known for its stunning sunsets, long white-sand beach, historic churches, iconic jetty, and lively dining scene. The area buzzes with energy year-round, with Jetty Road offering an endless strip of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafés. A stroll down this famous street and out along the 381-metre Glenelg Jetty is an absolute must when visiting.
The beach is also home to the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1931 during the Depression years by a group of young unemployed men eager to serve their community through beach patrols. Over the decades, the club has become one of the state’s strongest, producing a proud contingent of surf lifesaving athletes and ocean swimmers. Many locals and club members can often be seen swimming between the two jetties that connect Glenelg Beach to nearby Brighton Beach.
Just a 10-minute drive south along the coast, Brighton Beach offers a similarly relaxed seaside charm. Like Glenelg, it has its own jetty and main street, Jetty Road, Brighton, lined with eclectic cafés, restaurants, and boutique stores that capture the easygoing coastal spirit.
Brighton is home to the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and the renowned Brighton Jetty Classic Ocean Swim, held every February. The event attracts over 1,500 participants each year, making it one of South Australia’s largest and most popular ocean swims.
The Brighton Jetty itself has been a local landmark for more than a century. Originally built in the late 1800s, it was rebuilt in 1994 after severe winter storms caused extensive damage. At the end of the jetty stands a striking War Memorial arch, a poignant gathering point for the community each Anzac Day, when traditional dawn services are held overlooking the sea.
Whether you’re there for a swim, a stroll, or a sunset dinner by the water, Glenelg and Brighton Beaches perfectly capture Adelaide’s coastal lifestyle, relaxed, welcoming, and deeply connected to the ocean.
Glenelg is one of Adelaide’s most accessible beach destinations, just a short and scenic tram ride from the city. The Glenelg Tram runs directly from the Adelaide CBD to Moseley Square, right at the beach’s doorstep, making it an easy and enjoyable trip for both locals and visitors.
If you’re driving, there are plenty of parking options around Glenelg Beach. Jetty Road, the main shopping and dining strip, offers numerous one, two, and three-hour street parking bays. Event Cinemas, Elizabeth Street Car Park, and Partridge Street Car Park all offer two hours of free parking, while additional spaces can be found along the nearby side streets.
Public transport is also a convenient option. Buses 190, 263, 300, 300G, H20, and J1 all service Glenelg Beach. If you’re travelling from the city, the journey takes approximately 35 – 45 minutes by bus, or around 30 minutes via the famous Bay Tram.
If you’re beginning your swim or visit at Brighton Beach, parking is free along The Esplanade and Jetty Road, which leads directly to the jetty. You’ll also find ample parking along the surrounding side streets.
For those arriving by public transport, buses 263, 265, 681, and 734 all stop near Brighton Beach, while the Seaford train line offers another easy option; simply hop off at Brighton Station, just a short stroll from the sand.
Both Glenelg and Brighton are well-connected and easy to reach, whether you’re coming for a morning swim, a sunset walk, or a day by the sea.
Glenelg is a favourite hotspot for both locals and tourists, offering the perfect mix of seaside charm and city convenience. Jetty Road, the bustling shopping and dining hub located right at the edge of Glenelg Beach, is at the heart of it all.
Stretching for 1km from the foreshore to Brighton Road, Jetty Road is lined with boutique stores, cafés, restaurants, cinemas, gift shops, and grocery stores, providing plenty to explore and enjoy post-swim.
If you’re after some family fun, The Beachouse entertainment complex is a must-visit. It offers hours of enjoyment with heated water slides, a mini golf course, bumper boats, and arcade games, perfect for cooling off and keeping the kids entertained.
For history lovers, the Heritage-listed Glenelg Town Hall houses the Bay Discovery Centre, a fascinating museum that traces the story of Holdfast Bay from early European settlement through federation and beyond. The best part? Entry is by gold coin donation.
During the warmer months (November to March), Glenelg’s foreshore transforms into a summer playground. Relax with a drink at Australia’s first beach club, the Moseley Beach Club, or enjoy the sweeping coastal views from the Giant Ferris Wheel, located on the foreshore during this period.
At the northern end of Glenelg, the Marina Pier offers a more tranquil atmosphere, with waterfront dining and a range of cruises departing daily. Options include dolphin and whale-watching tours, afternoon tea cruises, and sunset dinner experiences, making it a great spot to unwind after a swim.
A short drive south, Brighton Beach delivers the same relaxed coastal energy, with its own local landmarks and inviting esplanade. The Brighton Jetty, originally built in 1886, withstood more than a century of sea and storm before being rebuilt in 1994 following severe winter damage. The reconstruction was funded by a mobile phone provider, which also installed a discreet communications tower at the end of the jetty. At the jetty’s end stands a War Memorial arch, where traditional dawn services are held each Anzac Day, offering a moving tribute against a spectacular ocean backdrop.
While at Brighton, take a leisurely stroll along The Esplanade, soaking in the ocean views, and if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins cruising close to shore.
After your swim or walk, treat yourself to something tasty. The Brighton Jetty Bakery is famous for its delicious vegetable pasties and pastries, while Brighton Takeaway serves up classic fish and chips and juicy burgers, perfect to enjoy on the beach as the sun sets.
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2025-12-26 16:09:16
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