5 exceptional SA BBQ spots

By Samuel Smith
Published: Sunday, January 10, 2021

Whether you’re frying fish by the sea, sizzling snags in lush, leafy reserves or grilling up some sweetcorn, nothing says summer like a BBQ.

Round up your family and friends, grab your tongs and spend a day chilling out at any one of these spectacular BBQ spots.

1. Angus Neill Reserve, Adelaide

Looking out at the lapping, crystal-clear waves of Seacliff Beach, Angus Neill Reserve is the ultimate summer BBQ spot. There’s a huge, shaded playground for the kids, undercover BBQ areas, ample parking and green grass aplenty. Just make sure you arrive early to secure a spot.

BBQ facilities are free and available on a first-come first-serve basis. Find out more.

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Brighton Beach, just a short stroll from Angus Neill Reserve. Image: SATC

2. Umpherston Sinkhole, Limestone Coast

Nowhere else on earth can you grill sausages overlooking a 72m-deep sunken garden. Thousands of years ago, before its roof collapsed, Mount Gambier’s Umpherston Sinkhole was a fully-enclosed limestone cave. Now, you’ll find it blanketed with flowers, vines and manicured lawns.

Make the most of the free BBQ facilities – available on a first-come first-serve basis – while you enjoy the views from an undercover shelter with seating. Find out more.

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Strolling through the gardens of Umpherston Sinkhole. Image: SATC

3. Pondalowie Bay Campground, Yorke Peninsula

Perched on the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula’s big toe, Innes National Park is a natural playground brimming with beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs. Take a day off work and escape to the coast for an extra-long weekend. Fire up the BBQ at Pondalowie Bay Campground, then spend the rest of the day swimming, fishing, surfing and bush walking.

Park facilities are currently open, including barbecues, showers and indoor camp kitchens. Camp sites need to be booked online, while BBQ facilities are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Before visiting, check with National Parks SA for fire bans and COVID-19 restrictions.

More to do on the Yorke Peninsula: Looking to explore The Yorke Peninsula? RAA members save on our top experiences and accommodation.

Taking-in ocean views at Pondalowie Bay. Image: SATC

4. Semaphore Foreshore Reserve, Adelaide

Spend a day by the sea at Semaphore Foreshore Reserve, an historic beach precinct just half-an-hour’s drive from the CBD. Arrive early to secure your spot around the BBQ, which is just metres away from family-friendly shallows. After getting your grill on, visit Semaphore’s 1920s-built Palais bathing pavilion (now the Palais Hotel), Timeball Tower (the oldest working carousel in the Southern Hemisphere) and the charming Semaphore Waterslide Complex.

The Foreshore Reserve is just a hop, skip and/or jump away from the famed Semaphore Waterslide Complex.

More to do in Adelaide: Looking to explore Adelaide? RAA members save on our top experiences and accommodation.

Walking down Semaphore Jetty. Image: SATC

5. Belair National Park, Adelaide

Set your GPS for Belair National Park, an entirely manageable 18-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD. The park is set in beautiful natural bushland, boasting playgrounds, ovals, walking trails, tennis courts and stunning picnic areas with BBQ facilities.

There are free barbecues next to the Adventure Playground, at Playford Lake and at the Karka Pavilion. Other BBQs can be booked online.

More to do in Adelaide: Looking to explore Adelaide? RAA members save on our top experiences and accommodation.

*We encourage everyone to adhere to COVID-19 safety and hygiene measures in parks, reserves and playgrounds.

Strolling through Belair National Park. Image: SATC

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