Beaches | McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast
McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast is home to some of the most pristine beaches in South Australia — 31 kilometres of stunning coastline along Gulf St Vincent, each beach with its own character, charm and reason to visit. From patrolled family swimming beaches and world-class reef snorkelling to surf breaks, boat ramps, drive-on beaches and clifftop sunsets, the region delivers a coastal experience that's hard to match anywhere in the state.
And it's all just 40 minutes south of Adelaide.
At a Glance: Beaches in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast
- Coastline: 31 kilometres along Gulf St Vincent
- Distance from Adelaide: 40 minutes south via the Southern Expressway
- Patrolled beaches: Aldinga Beach, Moana, Port Noarlunga, South Port and Christies Beach — October to April, weekends and public holidays. Daily extended patrols during peak summer school holidays
- Drive-on beaches: Moana, Aldinga, Silver Sands and Sellicks Beach — vehicle access fee applies (see below)
- Snorkelling: Port Noarlunga Reef underwater trail, Aldinga Reef, Christies Beach (Witton Bluff reef)
- Surfing: Seaford Beach, Moana Beach, Sellicks Beach
- Fishing: Port Noarlunga Jetty, Onkaparinga River, Sellicks Beach boat ramp, O'Sullivan Beach boat ramp
- Coastal drive: Route 31 Coastal Drive
- Best for: Families, swimmers, snorkellers, surfers, anglers, coastal walkers, sunset seekers, dog walkers
What Kind of Beach Experience Are You Looking For?
The region's beaches cover the full spectrum of coastal experiences — here's a quick guide to help you find the right one:
Family swimming with surf lifesaving patrols — head to Aldinga Beach, Moana, Port Noarlunga, South Port or Christies Beach. All five are patrolled by Surf Life Saving clubs from October to April. See our patrolled beaches guide for full details.
Snorkelling and diving — Port Noarlunga Reef has a marked underwater trail through a protected marine sanctuary. Aldinga Reef is one of South Australia's best dive locations, and the Star of Greece shipwreck at Port Willunga is a popular dive site.
Surfing and water sports — Seaford Beach is the region's top surf spot. Moana is excellent for beginner surfers with a sand bottom and modest breaks. Sellicks Beach is popular for kiteboarding, windsurfing and paragliding.
Fishing — the region has outstanding fishing from jetties, beaches and boat ramps. See our fishing guide for top spots, species by month and practical tips.
Drive-on beaches — Moana, Aldinga, Silver Sands and Sellicks Beach all allow vehicle access. See the permit information below before you go.
Dog-friendly beaches — O'Sullivan Beach allows dogs off-leash between O'Sullivan Beach and Christies Beach (under effective control at all times). Maslin Beach is also dog-friendly along its northern stretch.
Drive-On Beach Access — What You Need to Know
Four of the region's beaches allow vehicles to drive onto the sand — Moana, Aldinga, Silver Sands and Sellicks Beach. This is a popular option with locals and visitors alike, particularly for families who want to set up close to the water without carrying gear across the sand.
Vehicle access fee: $12, payable by cash or card at the beach access ramp.
Beach permit: Drivers must show a current beach permit or pay the access fee. Permission is granted under clause 9.6.2 of the Foreshore By-law.
Ramp monitoring: Beach access ramps may be monitored during December and March each year.
Speed and safety: Always follow beach driving rules, observe speed limits on the sand and be mindful of other beachgoers — particularly children and dogs.
Explore the Beaches of McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast
