Fleurieu coastal beauties await!
With over 31 km of pristine coastline, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is arguably one of the best coastal destinations in South Australia. But don’t take our word for it, discover it for yourself. There is a beach just waiting for you.
Aldinga Beach
Home to one of the region’s drive-on beaches, it is also one of South Australia’s hottest dive locations rich in marine life, with the spectacular Aldinga Reef and ‘Drop Off’.
Aldinga’s beautiful long and expansive beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers and ideal for families. It’s also ideal for kids to swim in the shallows as this beach has a slow and steady depth incline.
When the tide is out, the rock pools at Aldinga are great fun for little ones. You can spy starfish or crabs in the shallows, or look for beautiful shells on the beach.
This beach was made for family fun, so bring a sunshade, a rug, and settle in for the day. Pack a picnic basket or your BBQ, or simply grab some local fish and chips and stay for the spectacular sunset.
Christies Beach
A popular patrolled surf beach, Christies is ideal for water and beach activities including swimming, boogie boarding and surfing. It’s also a snorkeling hot spot, with the stunning Whitton Bluff reef.
Make time for a stop-off at the Christies Beach Surf Life Saving Club…one of the best in the region. And if the doors are open, say g’day and head in for a drink with the locals.
Another ‘must-do’ is the easy walk from Christies Beach to Port Noarlunga Beach…absolutely spectacular at sunrise or sunset.
The retail strip is also positioned adjacent to the foreshore, so take a wander up Beach Road (of course) for a little retail therapy, or grab a coffee or cool drink at any of the quirky little cafés nearby.
Maslin Beach
South Australia’s iconic nudist beach, Maslin is one of the most picturesque beaches along the coastline. While the southern end of the beach is reserved for unclad swimmers, the remainder of the beach is dog-friendly, and perfect for a dip.
Regarded as one of the state’s prettiest beaches, the rugged red cliffs are a stunning contrast to the crisp blue waters. Enjoy a walk along the northern end and take in the cliffs from the sand or the coastal views from the walking trail above.
Whether you bring your bathers or not (remember the sunscreen), Maslin Beach is a great spot to enjoy a swim or to soak up the sun.
Moana Beach
Moana is a bustling beach during the summer months and a great spot for kids and families with a nice beach break patrolled by surf lifesavers. It’s also another of McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast’s drive-on beaches.
Known for its accessibility for beginner surfers, particularly if you’re keen to get up and surf the breaks, it is all sand bottomed and no rocks to worry about. The modest waves make it an ideal base for local surf schools too.
Moana is also home to a caravan park nestled behind the sand dunes, providing direct access to the beach. The turquoise water, sandy beach, stunning vistas and especially sunsets are the winners here, making it a perfect holiday spot to explore the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast.
O’Sullivan Beach
O’Sullivan Beach is where you will find the fishing enthusiasts, boasting one of the best launching facilities in the region with million dollar views. If you are more of a land lover, this is one of the best vantage points to look along the coastline, so make sure it's on your list!
We have great fishing blogs that will have you hook, line and sinker!
If you have your dog with you, this is also the spot to be. They are permitted off-leash at all times between O’Sullivan Beach and Christies Beach, but it’s important that your dog is always kept under effective control.
Port Noarlunga Beach
Port Noarlunga is an aquatic paradise, where the Onkaparinga River meets the sea. Drop a line off the jetty, or take a swim between the flags in the pristine waters, kayak, snorkel or dive the spectacular reef or just soak up the sun on the white sand…and all just a hop, skip and a jump from the seaside village.
Grab a coffee or a bite for breakfast or lunch at any of Port Noarlunga’s produce inspired cafés and wander the street where a little retail therapy is always a good thing. Think homewares, gift stores, clothing boutiques and some quirky finds.
Port Willunga Beach
One of the region’s most photographed beaches and for good reason, Port Willunga is known for its golden cliff faces, crystal clear waters and soft white sands.
You can swim at any time of day here because the beach almost forms a natural cove. There are generally fewer waves than other straight stretches of beach, making the swell safe for little swimmers and ideal for paddle-boarding and kayaking.
Port Willunga is also another popular dive spot, you will see snorkelers and divers swimming out to explore the Star of Greece shipwreck.
Stroll through the linear park and up the cliffs to continue along the Willunga Basin Trail, or stick to the beach and check out the famous old jetty and fishermen’s caves, carved into the cliffs.
Or if you want to relax and enjoy, the Star of Greece restaurant perched on the clifftop is the perfect spot to soak up the beach side atmosphere.
Seaford Beach
Known as one of the top surfing beaches in the area, Seaford’s swell is a regular hot-spot for local surfers, body boarders and boogie boarders. And for those who like their adventure with added adrenaline, it’s also popular with kite-boarders and windsurfers too.
On a sunny day, it’s a beautiful spot to swim, or simply relax and watch the action from the beach or esplanade with a coffee, cold drink, or even fish and chips.
Sellicks Beach
Often called ‘The Funnel’ by locals, Sellicks Beach is ideal for wind-loving adrenalin junkies. Think kite-boarding, wind-surfing and paragliding…if you've got the gear, this is the place to do it.
It’s also a top spot for fishing and is the ideal place to set out from, with a popular boat ramp just off the beach.
Sellicks Beach is backed by beautiful towering cliff-faces and features a long sandy stretch perfect for strolls or summer evening picnics. Swimming and walking are also stunning at this southern-most point of the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region, providing an epic coastline view stretching down the peninsula.
South Port Beach
Where the Onkaparinga River meets the sea, this is one of the most photographed areas of the region. A colourful culmination of red sandstone cliffs, aqua-toned river, and pristine blue sea are a photographer’s dream.
Likewise, pink sunrises and orange sunsets are a ‘must-view’ at the lookout located at the top of the main staircase.
Southport is home to many aquatic activities including safe swimming, surf lessons, locally patrolled beach, surf lifesaving club, as well as a kayak or paddle-board hire offering an opportunity to explore the Onkaparinga River.
And if the kids want a break from water activities, the family-friendly beach is just moments away from the popular, fully-fenced Jubilee Park with its huge wooden fort and adventure playground.
