Just a short 15-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, Henley Beach is one of the city’s most beloved coastal escapes. Over the years, it has quietly grown in popularity, with many locals now favouring it over the more tourist-heavy Glenelg Beach.
Henley Beach takes its name from Henley-on-Thames, an English riverside town that was home to Sir Charles Cooper, South Australia’s first judge. Sir Cooper once owned a residence in the area, neighbouring explorer Charles Sturt’s property, The Grange, from which nearby Grange Beach takes its name. Interestingly, it’s said the beach was originally going to be called Cooper’s Beach, but Sir Cooper declined the idea, opting instead for Henley Beach in tribute to his hometown.
Back in the 1860s, Henley Beach was already gaining attention. The South Australian Register promoted it as a seaside haven “free from all the noxious smells which have been the cause of complaint elsewhere,” a unique selling point that drew many early settlers to the coast.
Just five minutes up the road lies Grange Beach, another picturesque stretch of sand lined with palm trees and Norfolk Island pines. Like Henley, it’s a favourite for swimming, strolling, and enjoying the relaxed Adelaide beach lifestyle.
The Grange Jetty, built in 1879, extends 300 metres out to sea and offers stunning coastal views, especially at sunset. In 2014, the jetty underwent a major restoration, breathing new life into one of Adelaide’s most iconic seaside landmarks.
Together, Henley and Grange Beaches capture the essence of South Australia’s coastline, charming, calm, and rich in history, with a timeless appeal that keeps locals and visitors coming back year after year.
Henley Beach is one of Adelaide’s most accessible coastal spots, just a 15-minute drive from the city centre and only 10 minutes from Adelaide Airport, making it ideal for both locals and visitors looking for a quick seaside escape.
There’s ample on-street and off-street parking around Henley Beach. The Henley Square car park offers three hours of free parking, while the Henley Square Pavilion car park (entry via Military Road) provides two hours of free parking. Additional street parking can also be found along Seaview Road, conveniently close to the beach and cafés.
If you’re arriving by public transport, buses 286, 300, H30, and H33 all travel to Henley Beach, with stops along Seaview Road, just a short walk from the water.
For those starting their swim at Grange Beach, there’s a car park off The Esplanade as well as street parking along the same stretch. Buses 300 and H30 also service the area, stopping near Grange Jetty and the foreshore.
Both beaches are well-connected and easy to reach, whether you’re driving, taking the bus, or planning a swim between the two.
Henley Beach is a vibrant seaside hub surrounded by a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafés, and bars, most of which are centred around the lively Henley Square. After your swim, take a stroll along the Henley Beach Jetty and enjoy the ocean views before treating yourself to a bite to eat or a sunset drink. You’ll be spoiled for choice, with local favourites including Stella Restaurant, Seamore’s, Joe’s Henley Beach, Beachside Bagels, Bacchus Bar, Mia Margarita, and Sunnyside Café, each offering its own unique coastal vibe.
Just five minutes up the road in Grange, history buffs can explore the Charles Sturt Museum Precinct, located within the former home of Captain Charles Sturt, one of Australia’s most renowned explorers. The museum offers an insight into Sturt’s expeditions along the Macquarie Marshes, the River Murray, and into the heart of central Australia, which played a key role in opening the country to European settlement.
After exploring the area, unwind with a meal or drink at the Grange Jetty Café or the Grange Hotel, both offering spectacular views across the water, the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the horizon.
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2025-12-26 16:09:45
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