8 of SA’s best patrolled beaches

By John Pedler
Published: Thursday, December 20, 2018

SA is blessed with stunning coastlines, but that doesn’t mean all beaches are suitable for families. Thankfully, our dedicated surf lifesaving volunteers head out every summer to patrol some of the most popular stretches of sand in the state – here are 8 of our favourites.

Horseshoe Bay (Port Elliot)

Picture-perfect, Horseshoe Bay is just the sort of place you’d expect to see on postcards… which is probably why it’s on so many postcards. Although it faces directly towards the wild open ocean, it’s sheltered from big surf by the granite lump of Pullen Island. It’s not uncommon for the odd swell to squeeze through the gap and add a bit of a thrill to the day though – hang on tight to the little tackers. Spend even more time by the water with a few nights at a secluded cottage at Port Elliot’s Linger Longer.

Patrolled: Weekends from 12–5pm

Horseshoe Bay: the place you’d expect to see on postcards.

Somerton

Never as busy as Adelaide’s better-known coastal hangouts, Somerton is blessed with clear azure waters and a kilometre of crunchy white sand. For a coffee, cold drink or snack, together with a million dollar view, head to the alfresco area of the lifesaving club’s kiosk. Among those in the know, Somerton is considered to be a bit of a secret location – apologies to them.

Patrolled: Weekends from 12-5pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrljNUGjeOb/

Southport/Port Noarlunga

Here are 2 beaches side-by-side with entirely different personalities. Located beneath stunning coastal cliffs at the mouth of the Onkaparinga River, Southport is known to receive a nice clean swell on a good day. Just to the north, Port Noarlunga Beach is sheltered by an extensive reef, which is home to a kaleidoscope of colourful sea creatures. At low tide – when the reef is fully exposed and the sea’s at its calmest – you can don a mask and snorkel and explore a underwater wonderland.

Patrolled: Weekends from 12.30–5pm at Port Noarlunga, weekends from 12–6pm at Southport

Coastal cliffs at the mouth of the Onkaparinga River.

Robe

The surf life saving club has two beaches in its care; Town Beach and the gorgeous (and aptly named) Long Beach, which stretches for several kilometres north of Robe. Depending on where the crowds have gathered, the volunteers will set up at either location, so keep an eye out for the red and yellow flags. Got some extra time to spare?

Patrolled: Weekend patrols extend through to the end of January.

Long Beach stretches for several kilometres north of Robe.

Brighton

Generations of kids have fond memories of summer days at Brighton. Boasting a jetty, clear blue water, white sand, cafes and ice-cream, Brighton has long been a magnet for Adelaide’s beachgoers.

Patrolled: Weekends from 12-6pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOMFce7A2Rw/

Aldinga

Drive onto the beach, set up for the day’s activities, then ring your Victorian friends to tell them we can drive on the beach here. On a calm day here the sea’s like a millpond, but when there’s a bit of surf around it’s a great place for bodyboarding. Aldinga surf life savers set up their patrol at Silver Sands Beach, at the end of Norman Rd.

Patrolled: Weekends from 12-5pm

Relax on Aldinga's Silver Sands beach.

Semaphore

The water here is particularly shallow, and it can take a bit of a stroll seaward before it even tickles your knees. This is ideal for young kids, but keep an eye out for any deeper sections and random holes. The life saving club is about 2km south of the jetty, near the caravan park.

Patrolled: Weekends and public holidays from 12–6pm

Stroll Semaphore Jetty.

Normanville

Cool clear water washes onto a broad sandy beach. In the distance, the well-worn hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula plunge into the sea. So yes, just another fabulous SA coastal gem.

Patrolled: Weekends and public holidays from 1–5pm, concluding Easter Monday 2019

For maximum safety, always swim between the red and yellow flags.

The sun sets over Normanville Beach. (Image: Forest Harder)

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