From rippling beaches on the Eyre Peninsula to hidden shorelines on Kangaroo Island and sinkholes in the Limestone Coast – there’s no need to travel interstate or overseas to cool off this summer.
Whether you’re looking to trek inland, dip your toes in the ocean or plunge into the unknown, the scorching hot days are fast approaching.
Here’s some of the most beautiful swimming spots in the state. Let us know if we’ve missed your favourite on our Facebook page!
Second Valley
Fleurieu Peninsula
Second Valley. Image: SATC
With more than 15 thousand Instagram posts, Second Valley Beach is clearly a popular SA destination. Despite its popularity on the gram, there’s still space to play.
Rocky areas and a hidden cave will satisfy explorers, while beach bums can relax on the shoreline and dip their toes in the clear blue water.
Little Blue Lake
Mt Gambier
The Little Blue Lake captured by naturallyfrankie on instagram.
Not to be confused with the more famous Blue Lake, the Little Blue Lake is a sinkhole fit for a day of fun. Enveloped by natural scenery, and just 11km from Mt Gambier, this sinkhole has a stepped walkway, floating pontoon and pristine waters – making it a great choice for a day away.
Kilsby Sinkhole
Mt Gambier
Photo by Ockert le Roux.
The depths of the Kilsby Sinkhole have long been reserved for certified divers, but its natural wonder is now open for the public to explore.
Located about 20km southwest of Mt Gambier, the privately-owned sinkhole is launching small-group snorkelling experiences this summer inclusive of a site tour, gear hire and in-water guide.
After exploring the crystal-clear water, visitors will soon be able to toast their spirits with a glass of Sinkhole Gin, distilled from the limestone-filtered water.
Greenly Beach
Eyre Peninsula
Greenly Beach via koleah on Instagram.
Boasting ocean surf, calm rock pools and breathtaking views, Greenly Beach is just an hour’s drive away from Port Lincoln and is popular with surfers and swimmers alike.
Elliston
Eyre Peninsula
Locks Well. Picture via SATC
Set less than two hours away from Port Lincoln, this seaside town is home to breathtaking views, beaches and rocky cliffs – spend a day exploring, relaxing and taking in the scenic views. We recommend checking out Locks Well.
Stokes Bay
Kangaroo Island
Stokes Bay. Image: SATC
Traverse through a natural rock tunnel to reach the sandy shoreline of Stokes Bay, a secluded beach on Kangaroo Island’s north coast.
The white sandy beach is protected from the rough surf by a barrier of rocks, while crystal clear rock pools and rock formations sit just metres away.
Island tip: Emu Bay is another popular spot on Kangaroo Island, with clear waters and a long sandy shoreline – it’s definitely worth a visit.
Dalhousie Springs
Witjira National Park, Far North
Dalhousie Springs. Image via Trip Advisor
Located on the western edge of the Simpson Desert, this remote hot spring is a hidden oasis worth a weekend (or week) away.
Best accessed by 4WD vehicles, temperatures in Dalhousie Springs sit between 38C to 43C, making it perfect for those chillier summer weekends.
Fishery Bay
Port Lincoln, Eyre Peninsula
Views from the coastline.
Around 40-minutes from Port Lincoln and hidden behind cliffs and sand dunes, Fishery Bay is well worth a visit if you like exploring, relaxing and lively ocean swells. Stop along the coastline for breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
Innes National Park
Marion Bay, Yorke Peninsula
Innes National Park. Image: SATC
Sitting three and a half hours from Adelaide via Port Wakefield, entering Innes National Park costs just $10 for a day trip, and $12 per night for 2 people.
We recommend setting up camp at Browns Beach and spending a weekend, with ship wrecks, shorelines and an abandoned township to explore – you’ll want a few days.
Pool of Siloam
Beachport, Limestone Coast
This coastal salt lake is reputedly seven times saltier than the sea, and fittingly buoyant. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Pool of Siloam is thought to relieve aches and pains – making it the perfect place to let your troubles float away.
Maslin Beach
Southern Adelaide
Maslin Beach. Photo via SATC
Famous for being Australia’s first nude beach in 1975, Maslin lies just an hour’s drive from Adelaide and is a popular choice for beach lovers – clad and unclad alike.
If the idea of going bare at the beach is troubling – don’t worry. Nudity is only permitted on the southern half of the sandy coastline, and signs are clearly labelled to make sure you don’t wander in accidentally.
Header image: Locks Well, Elliston. SATC.
Visit I Choose SA to meet the people building business and industry in SA, and to find out how your choices make a difference to our state.
