The 8 best beaches in South Australia

Tucked away in the rather terrifyingly named Coffin Bay National Park, Almonta is one of those spectacular, life-altering beaches that'll stay with you for a very long time. It will cost you $11 to enter from National Parks and Wildlife Services (your money goes to wildlife conservation FYI) but unlike many other remote beaches in SA, you don't need a 4WD to get to this sparkly jewel of a beach. Once you get there, expect untouched wilderness, pristine water and blindingly white sand (you can also expect very little shade, so come prepared). Plus, if you like bougie seafood experiences, you can combine a paradisal trip to Almonta with an oyster farm tour. Heaven? Is that you?

Good for: Seeing wildlife, swimming, wading, walking, kids, exploring – and then eating oysters in a sun-drenched beachy oasis like a salty emperor. 

A lot of beaches get called out as Australia's best, but Vivonne Bay definitely deserves its regular top-tier rankings. Six kilometres long, this U-shaped cove is famous for its long jetty, glassy water and sugary white sand. Accessible by a red dirt road, and hidden away between some rocky cliffs, Vivonne Bay is an isolated bit of paradise that you'll most probably get to yourself. With just one general store and a campground nearby, Vivonne is the perfect place to switch off and soak up the beauty of South Australia without anything (or anyone) else getting in the way.

Good for: Swimming, sunbathing, kids, snorkelling and dreaming away a summer's day. 

With a name this fun to say, you know you're in for a good time. Carrickalinga is a lesser-known beachy gem on South Australia's coast that is about one hour's drive away from Adelaide. Famous for its heart-shaped rockpools and crystalline waters, this is a quiet, family-friendly beach that has an abundance of pure white sand, space and pristine natural wilderness. With a 1.4 kilometre stretch of sand for beach walking, calm waters for kayaking, and oodles of opportunities for snorkelling, this little secret is one you should know. 

Good for: Swimming, sunbathing, walking, kayaking, kids and rock pool exploring (at low tide). 

Maslin Beach is known for being Australia's first legal nudist beach – and while there's still an ample space where clothing isn't mandatory, there's also a whole section where it very much is. A naturally stunning beach that's about 40 minutes from Adelaide, Maslin is known for its great beach break for surfers, safe space for families and lovely swimming conditons, along with some incredible snorkelling and diving spots. Plus, if you want to get your kit off, the far southern end has a secluded strip where you can do exactly that. 

Good for: Snorkelling around submerged ship wrecks, surfing, swimming, strolling, sunbathing, families, nudists and non-nudists. Basically, everything. 

Chosen by Tourism Australia as the nation's best beach in 2023, it's clear that Stokes Bay is pretty special. Located on Kangaroo Island, this little paradise won Australia's best beach prize for its classic good looks, family-friendly attributes, suitability for wading and snorkelling – plus the fact that it's home to an abundance of incredible native Aussie wildlife that almost got wiped out in the 2019 bush fires. What's better than that? 

Good for: Walking, swimming, paddling, exploring rock pools, snorkelling, kids and seeing kangaroos on the beach.

Once dubbed the "most beautiful beach in Australia", Flaherty's has routinely made it high on 'best Aussie beach' lists over the years – and for good reason. Seven kilometres long, this huge expanse of bright white sand is pure magic, with two huge sandbanks creating a natural shelter from the open sea. You can expect to paddle in gentle, crystal-clear waters warmed by the sun and have hundreds of metres of empty space to yourself. Just be warned: if you're into waves, this ain't the place for you.

Good for: Kids, 4WD-ing, swimming, frolicking around. 

Located on the Yorke Peninsula, in the Innes National Park, Dolphin Beach may make you gasp audibly upon arrival. An 800-metre long curvy cove that's about three hours from Adelaide, this family-friendly bit of coast offers up an extremely pretty combination of clear turquoise waters, soft golden sands and striking red rocks. Much like its name suggests, Dolphin is an excellent place to spot whales and dolphins in the wild, and can be just one stop on a roadtrip around the picturesque wonders of the Yorke Peninsula. 

Good for: Snorkelling, swimming, strolling and surfing when conditions are right. 

Just because something is known by all doesn't always mean it should be overlooked. Adelaide's most famous beach, Glenelg manages to nail being both a genuinely beautiful natural place and a buzzy, metropolitan hot spot. Unlike the other beaches on this list, Glenelg is a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre, is fringed by amazing restaurants, and allows you to sink a tropical cocktail while watching a brilliant sunset descend over the beach. How's that for a good time?

Good for: City lovers, kids, swimming, walking, foodies, snorkelling and sunbathing.