Glenelg is the new beach holiday hotspot

From its Euro-style beach club, lively restaurant scene and family-friendly waterslides to dolphin swims, stand-up paddleboarding and spectacular sunsets, Glenelg is the ultimate beachfront escape for those who love sun, sand, the sea, and plenty of space.

An easy tram ride from the Adelaide CBD, or a 10-minute drive from the airport, Glenelg has the restaurants, cafes, and lively vibe of some of the east coast’s popular seaside spots, but without the crowds.

And right now, travellers craving an autumn escape can stay in the heart of Glenelg with Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites’ two perfectly positioned properties to choose from.  

Beach Club Bliss

The Moseley is Australia’s only toes-in-the-sand European-style beach club positioned steps from the water alongside Glenelg Jetty. Complete with striped umbrellas, a choice of bean bags, sun lounges, roomy day beds and booths and plenty of cocktails, cold beers and bites, it’s the ultimate way to spend a day, and night, at the beach. Head along on weeknights for chilled live music from 7pm, or for something a little livelier, pop in on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday for live DJ sets.

Swim with dolphins 

Temptation Sailing’s ‘Swim with Dolphins’ cruise is a must for any sojourn in Adelaide. There’s nothing quite like spending the morning on a catamaran cruising the South Australian coast before kitting up, donning your snorkel and mask and popping into a net below the boat for an unforgettable up close and personal encounter with playful pods of dolphins. The company also offers sunset sailings for those who prefer their sailing in a sundress rather than a swimsuit.

Watersports for beginners  

Renowned for its calm waters, Glenelg Beach is the ideal place to dip your toes in the water to try your hand at learning to surf, kayak or boogie board. Take a stroll along the sand to nearby Brighton Beach to hire stand-up paddleboards and take advantage of the glassy water which is ideal for beginners.

Old school family fun

Kids will love The Beachouse, a retro style amusement centre which is home to water slides, bumper cars, arcade games, a mini train ride, putt-putt golf and more, while the Skyline Ferris Wheel – open between late October and May - in front of the jetty is another family favourite, especially at night under lights.  

The Oyster Bar

Lively on weekends and weeknights, The Oyster Bar at Marina Pier is an Adelaide institution and the perfect pick for those who like their freshly shucked oysters and seafood with a side of social – and champagne of course.

Diverse dining  

Glenelg is home to a raft of restaurants, from long-term favourites like Sammy’s on the Marina to laidback Greek at Ellenika, sunset views at Coast, tapas and gin at Junipers on the Marina, casual family fare at the elevated Glenelg Surf Lifesaving Club, or multicultural bites at Terra & Sol on buzzy Jetty Road.

The high street strip of Jetty Road is also the spot for juices, smoothies, ice-cream, pizza and of course, fish and chips, which you can enjoy on the grass in front of Moseley Square overlooking the jetty.

Esplanade escapades

The six kilometre stretch between Glenelg and Seacliff is made for slow strolls, morning jogs or a leisurely cycle. Grab a coffee or snack at the Somerton Park Lifesaving Club along the way or reward yourself with a meal at the stunning Seacliff Surf Lifesaving Club which has views for days. Just don’t take your eyes off the water while you walk, run or ride – frolicking dolphins and seals regularly put on a show in the shallows along the coast.  

Haigh’s Chocolates – an Adelaide institution

No visit to Adelaide is complete without picking up a box or three of mouthwatering Haigh’s Chocolates, but there’s no need to hit the city to get your choccy fix with a store in the heart of Glenelg on Jetty Rd.

Ride the tram

For those who fancy a day trip into Adelaide’s CBD to visit the museum, art gallery, Botanic Gardens, zoo or famous Central Market, the Glenelg tram pulls right into the middle of Glenelg’s Moseley Square so you can pop in to explore and be back in time for sunset – no car required.

Events galore

From the Tour Down Under and Ice Cream Festival in January to the Asia Street Food Festival by the Sea in February to the REWIND Music Festival in April, a regular calendar of car shows, and beachside concerts, there’s always something going on at ‘the Bay’ – so be sure to check out what’s on when planning your stay.

STAY

Centrally located to enjoy everything Glenelg has to offer, Oaks’ properties offer the ideal base for attractions including the beach, Moseley Square, the Jetty Rd shopping precinct, family-friendly parks and playgrounds, and upscale dining at Marina Pier.  

Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites is an absolute beachfront property with a heated indoor lap pool offering a choice of one, two and three-bedroom studios and apartments including kitchen and laundry facilities. Ask for a balcony apartment to make the most of the stunning sunset views.

Perfect for families looking for affordable apartment-style accommodation, Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites overlooks a waterfront park and has an indoor pool and jacuzzi, as well as a choice of one, two and three-bedroom self-contained apartments.