Enjoy the delights of the ocean, a pretty coastline, heritage architecture and a fun-filled amusement park at this charming beach resort on the edge of Adelaide.
Stroll along the jetty, feel the sea breeze on your face, swim with dolphins and dine on the region’s sumptuous seafood in Glenelg, Adelaide’s beloved waterfront resort. The bayside suburb is a traditional spot for day trips from the city centre.
Glenelg’s wide sandy beach frames the shining waters of Holdfast Bay. Take a sailboat trip, drop a line for fish and squid, dive, snorkel or surf. Dolphins and seals roam here and you can see them up close on a tour departing from the main marina. Wander along the Glenelg Pier that juts out into the sea and look back at the lovely view.
Admire the stately architecture across from the gorgeous beach. Go on a journey through history by following the Federation Trail walking track, which will take you past important heritage buildings. Learn about the history of this area at the Bay Discovery Centre in Glenelg Town Hall, which also hosts changing art exhibitions throughout the year.
Take the kids for a day of fun at The Beachouse, an amusement park with waterslides, Ferris wheels and other rides. Delight in the variety of foods on Jetty Road or head to the busy Holdfast Shores Marina to shop or watch a vivid sunset while you try local seafood and South Australian wines.
The region’s first European settlers lived along the shores of Glenelg and Holdfast Bay, the traditional lands of the Kaurna Aboriginal people. Walk along this pretty coastline and enjoy the natural environment or venture south to the headlands at Seacliff and the small hamlet of Brighton. In Glenelg North find the wide green space of Anderson Reserve, Patawalonga Lake and the Sturt River.
Reach Glenelg’s Moseley Square from central Adelaide by hopping aboard a vintage tramcar on the city’s last remaining tramway. It’s an easy trip of around 10 kilometres (6.2 miles). Glenelg is ideal to explore on foot, but there are bus services available as well.