The Ultimate Travel Guide to Glenelg Beach for Water Lovers

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Glenelg Beach, or ‘The Bay’ as it is known locally, is one of the best places in Adelaide to spend some serious time on or by the water. Imagine taking an early morning swim with the dolphins, before stopping for lunch overlooking the bustling jetty.

If you want to keep the adrenaline going, take a jet ski tour along the coastline. Why not take the kids for a splash at The Beachouse Water Park. Cast a line from a local fishing charter, or hire your own boat and take yourself off exploring. Just make sure you are back in time to soak up one of the best views of the sunset in Adelaide.

With all that playtime, it’s only right to sit back and relax at one of the many restaurants at Glenelg Marina, admiring the beautiful yachts as your background. Sound idyllic? It absolutely is.

All of this with lively vibes, bustling shops, cafes and restaurants with perfectly located accommodation for those magnificent views of Glenelg Beach.

It’s not hard to see why Glenelg is one of Adelaide’s favourite destinations.

Glenelg Water Activities

Temptation Sailing

$$

How does an early morning swim with dolphins sound?

Temptation Sailing is a popular Dolphin Cruise from Glenelg’s Holdfast Marina with good reason. In fact, it’s voted one of the best things to do in Adelaide. Heading off on the sailing catamaran just after sunrise, this magical experience is a big bucket list tick. Be amongst wild dolphins as they playfully swim around you. Be amazed that they are just as intrigued as you! Kitted up with a snorkel and wetsuit, we bet you won’t want to get out of the water!

Don’t fancy getting wet? Book a Dolphin Watch Cruise instead and still be a part of the excitement. Temptation Sailing also offers Coastal Day Cruises, Afternoon Tea Cruises and the majestic Twilight Cruise for pure relaxation out on the water.

Recommended Tours:

• 3.5 hour Swimming With Dolphins Experience
• 1.5 hour Glenelg Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Drink

Adelaide Ocean Safari

$$

Jump onboard Ocean Safari’s state of the art modern vessel for a true Glenelg experience. With all-weather protection, there’s no reason not to enjoy one of the many tours they offer.

Cruise the coast on the Wild Dolphin Safari, let South Australia show off on the SEA-Food & Wine Safari, take in the local history on the Cultural Safari or get all romantic on the Sunset Safari.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Ocean Safari offers Adelaide to Kangaroo Island Tours, along with being available for private charters.

The Beachouse

$ (free to enter)

Try and say this without pronouncing it The Beach House!

Glenelg’s Beach House is action-packed full of fun stuff to do. This amusement park is a family favourite, with 3 heated waterslides; the Dual Slide, the Speed Slide & the Raft Slide as well as bumper bash boats, perfect to let the kids have a splashing time. There are loads more to do, so don’t be surprised if you lose a whole day in here!

Don’t be fooled though, there is plenty for adults to do too!

Adelaide Sailing Club

$$ (free to spectators)

Discover sailing with Adelaide Sailing Club at the next beach along, West Beach. Imagine learning new skills as you glide through the water or build your confidence on a weekend course.

Just enjoy watching the nature of sailing? Check out their events page and head down to the sand. Want to spectate in style? Dine at their gorgeous waterfront Oceanique Restaurant with the perfect 180-degree view.

Fishing Charters

$$ – $$$

Want to head out on the water to catch your personal best? There are a number of fishing charters that leave from West Beach Boat Ramp – just a quick drive from Glenelg. These local charters often go out on half-day charters – AM and PM. Some offer full day charters if there are enough expressions of interest. Twilight Fishing Charters are also becoming offered more and more by these charter businesses.

Some of the best fishing charters from West Beach are:

• Glenelg Fishing Charters
• Absolute Fishing Charters
• Go Get ‘Em Fishing Charters
• Get Hooked Fishing Charters
• Strike1 Fishing Charters

If you are looking to save a few dollars on a fishing charter, it is worth checking Groupon and Scoopon as often fishing charters advertise good deals on these sites. If you haven’t used either of these sites before, you can also get 10% off your first booking!

Check out our review of a half-day Scoopon charter deal with Strike1 Fishing Charters!

However, this also means they get booked up quickly, so you may need to book your visit to Glenelg in advance.

B.A. Boat Hire

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Want to get out on the water your own way? In your own time? Or at your own pace? Hire a self-drive rental from B.A. Boat Hire who can launch for you from the local West Beach Boat Ramp. Choose from their smaller Weekender boat or their larger Centre Cab for the ultimate adventure. Half-day and full-day hire available and ready waiting in the water for you. A valid boat licence is required.

Read this post to find out what we loved about spending the whole day out on a B.A. Boat Hire boat.

Or want to get to know more about them? Check out this interview post with the owner, Ben who explains what’s behind Adelaide’s favourite boat hire. 

Glenelg Beach Swimming

Free

Glenelg Beach is Adelaide’s much-loved swimming beach. With good access and safe swimming, it’s popular with everyone, including families. Waves are often low with a continuous shallow bar to avoid getting too deep too quick. The beach is often patrolled by Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club, giving you the confidence in swimming safely – just remember to stay between the flags.

Glenelg Jetty Fishing

Free

Claim your spot on the jetty and cast a line over the edge. With shallow waters, it is best to fish here at high tide. Imagine teaching the kids to fish, catching a range of species including Tommies (Herring), Squid, Snook, Garfish, Mullet and those never-ending Blue Swimmer crabs. For more details on how to catch and what time of year, check out this post from Tackle World Adelaide Metro. This post also includes information about other local jetties and what can be caught!

Giant Ferris Wheel

$

During the summer months, Glenelg’s giant Ferris wheel reaches for the sky for spectacular views of the coastline, Glenelg and even across to the Adelaide Hills. Whilst this may not be a water activity, the views at 35 metres high of the ocean, jetty and esplanade are not to be missed!

With so many water activities on offer in Glenelg and the local area, the hardest thing will be deciding which ones to do! From the calming experiences of walking along the jetty to adrenaline-pumping water slides, you literally can go from one extreme to the other!

Don’t miss the water fountains in Moseley Square too. These are a perfect way for kids (and adult kids) to cool down on a hot summer day!

Glenelg Waterside Dining

The Moseley Beach Club

This is Adelaide’s hottest Beach Club during the summer months! This popup beach club is located right directly on the sand and is definitely the place to be seen in Glenelg. Free to enter, you can hire a day bed to soak up the atmosphere, or just pop in for a drink or meal whilst chilling on the bean bags or picnic tables. The cocktails are made for sunny days on the beach with pure uninterrupted views of Glenelg’s sheltered bay. And the tunes are pretty cool on a hot day!

Summer doesn’t get much better than this in Glenelg!

The Pier

$$

Experience stunning ocean views day and night at this popular Beachfront Bistro. The menu covers all tastes, including a good range of seafood dishes, made with local fresh ingredients with a modern Australian fare. If you love traditional Thai cuisine, their Thai chefs will have the perfect menu waiting for you.

The Pier is situated right on the Holdfast Promenade, overlooking Glenelg Jetty and is well-known to be the home of entertainment at Glenelg Beach! Check their website for dining times during the day.

The Grand Bar

$$

Known at the bar with the views, you can’t get much closer to the beach without actually getting on it! Spilling out on the promenade and Moseley Square, enjoy an ocean breeze as you sip cocktails with some simply stunning food. This local favourite serves food and drink all day, including breakfast.

The Promenade Restaurant

$$$

Next to the above mentioned Grand Bar, the Promenade Restaurant is the waterfront fine dining experience of Glenelg. As part of the Stamford Hotel, this culinary delight is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. With spectacular views of the golden beach and deep blue ocean, this dining option is one to remember.

Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club

$$

Waterfront dining in Glenelg doesn’t come much better than this! Open to the public, this lively surf venue is a great way to support a great local club… with stunning views! Take a seat on the newly refurnished balcony and enjoy one of their restaurant themed nights, along with Happy Hour! Watch the busy club during the day with a hive of activity, or soak up the glowing sunset in the evening.

DoughBalls, The Pizza Place

$$

If you are a dough lover, you’ll love DoughBalls. Situated on Moseley Square, this Italian dream has some of the best views in Glenelg. Enjoy the bustling vibes of the square, water fountains springing into the air, the soothing sounds of the ocean; you cannot help but love this place! And that’s all before you’ve tucked into some warm butter-soaked fluffy doughballs, followed by an authentic pizza that’ll be sure to make its way onto social media.

Can you tell we like this place?! Read our post about grabbing life by the doughballs!

Ellenika Ocean Grill

$$

Join Ellenika’s Family Table, a traditional Greek Taverna right in the heart of Glenelg’s Holdfast Marina. The views of the luxurious docked yachts are just as good on the eyeballs as the Meze Journey that your tastebuds will enjoy. With a large menu and plenty of sharing options available, you’ll want to leave plenty of room for this feast!

Oyster Bar

$$ – $$$

A prime waterfront location isn’t complete with an Oyster Bar experience. This sophisticated but casual dining location is within the marina; a perfect view for enjoying an exciting range of chilled and grilled Coffin Bay, Eyre Peninsula oysters with a hand-picked South Australian wine list.

Oyster lovers, are you tempted at just the thought yet? Then don’t miss the “Let’s Shuck” ultimate unique experience from farm to plate.

Marina Sunset Bar

$$

As the name suggests, this is the place to be on a balmy Glenelg Beach evening. With both ocean and marina views available on either side of their venue; you are spoilt for choice. Their cocktail list is impressive, each one being more and more tempting as you work your way down the list. The menu is simple; enough to enjoy alongside those cocktails, but also interesting – beer-battered hotdog anyone?!

The Wharf

$$

All-day Australian Cuisine dining is available from The Wharf with a good range of seafood, grill plates, sharing options, schnitzels and something for more health-conscious guests. Dine inside or alfresco with a choice of views of Glenelg’s sandy beach, or the calmer waters of the stunning marina.

Tomiko Japanese Steakhouse

$$ – $$$

Imagine a unique authentic Japanese Teppanyaki cooking experience right on the waterfront of Glenelg marina. Sit back and relax as their expert chef prepares and cooks your fresh Japanese cuisine at your table, on the sizzling hot plates right in front of you. Food lovers don’t forget your cameras as you won’t want to miss this one!

Moseley Square

$ – $$$

Glenelg Beach cannot be mentioned without the infamous Moseley Square; the central hub of this popular destination. Bursting at the seams with cafes and restaurants, there really is something for everyone, whatever mood your taste buds are in. From European cuisine and casual dining to burger delights and takeaways to tuck into on the beach; some have sea views, others have energetic vibes and most have well-protected areas from the elements with their covered outdoor dining.

We can’t end this guide section without mentioning Jetty Road. Whilst you lose the ocean view as you meander up this busy high street, there is a feast of dining options available. Check out more at the Jetty Road Glenelg website.

Glenelg Waterfront Stays

Oaks Plaza Pier

$$ – $$$

Enjoy this absolute beach frontage location with a wide range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Premier Suites are also available for that special occasion. Take in the endless ocean views from your waterfront balcony or sneak a peek at the dazzling marina and green parklands from the opposite side of this hotel.

You won’t need to venture far with an indoor pool, a spa tub, a sauna and a fitness centre all within the hotel. This really is the place to spend a night or a few days with everything available on your doorstep.

Stamford Grand

$$ – $$$

The Stamford Grand stands proud, just steps away from Glenelg Beach. You cannot miss it as it overlooks the sandy beach, almost as though it is purposely there just to keep an eye on things! The luxurious Stamford is grand in the way it offers premium waterfront accommodation. Packages range from Grand Rooms to Ocean View Suites, with an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, fitness centre and business facilities within the hotel.

Locations do not get much better than this!

ULTIMA at the Bay

$$$

Looking for your own bit of private beachfront paradise? This stunningly designed 2 bedroomed apartment offers one of the best accommodation views in Glenelg. Located on South Esplanade, we’re pretty sure you won’t want to leave this gorgeous apartment!

A minimum night stay is applicable.

Airbnbs in Glenelg

$ – $$$

Glenelg hosts a whole range of privately owned Airbnbs, with more and more being added to the number of holiday rentals available. Many are situated along Holdfast promenade, or further down the beach foreshore with stunning views. There are also options available to those looking to be slightly set back from the waterfront, who want to spend more money on getting out on the water with all the activities and boat tours available!

Have you been to Glenelg Beach recently? Thinking about visiting? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.