I had the chance to visit Adelaide – the capital of South Australia – on a short autumn trip from Melbourne in 2025. With only three days to spare, I spent one exploring the city centre, another wandering the suburbs, and the last one entirely by the sea with my camera.
Choosing which beach to visit in Adelaide for just a day was no easy task, as the city boasts more than 20 beaches stretching from north to south. After some research, I settled on Port Willunga Beach – famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, long stretch of white sand, and a nearby hidden gem that few people know about.
In this blog, I’ll reveal why Port Willunga Beach is considered the most beautiful beach in Adelaide, and why it should be at the top of your South Australia travel list.
Port Willunga Beach Address: Google Map
- How to Get to Port Willunga Beach from Adelaide
Port Willunga Beach is located about 45 km South of Adelaide's city centre. You can either drive (around 45 minutes) or take a train-and-bus combination (about 1 hour 50 minutes) to reach the beach.
You can check out self-drive car rentals in Adelaide (starting from just AUD $50) here: Adelaide Car Rental
If you opt for public transport, take a train from Adelaide station to Seaford station, then hop on bus route 750B. After about 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at Port Willunga Beach.
2. Port Willunga Beach Photography Guide and Activities
Port Willunga stretches for about 1 km and offers plenty of amenities, including free parking, public BBQ facilities, restaurants, and cafés. However, there aren’t many supermarkets nearby, so if you’re planning a BBQ or picnic, make sure to bring all your food and supplies with you.
It’s also one of Adelaide’s dog-friendly beaches, where dogs are allowed to run off-leash – a perfect place for a seaside walk with your furry friend.
With its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and quiet suburban setting, Port Willunga Beach offers a rare sense of peace. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a tranquil beach in Adelaide.
Walking along the beach, you’ll come across small hand-carved caves in the golden cliffs – once used by fishermen to store their boats and gear. Today, these caves have become a unique photo spot loved by many visitors.
If you’d like to stay overnight and catch the sunrise the next morning, you can choose Century 21 accommodation as your place to stay.
Port Willunga Beach has a small walking trail where you can stroll along the coast while enjoying panoramic ocean views from above. The path is about 2 km long and leads to Blanche Point, a hidden gem at Port Willunga Beach that I mentioned earlier in this post.
Blanche Point Address: Google Map
If you’d rather not walk too much, or if you’re visiting with young children, you can also drive from Port Willunga Beach to Blanche Point. The distance is about 4 km, which takes roughly 5 minutes by car.
If time and conditions allow, hiking along the Port Willunga Beach coastline is highly recommended. The trail offers spectacular views, particularly during golden hour and sunset, making it one of the best coastal walks in South Australia.
I was truly blown away by the natural beauty the moment I arrived at Blanche Point. Its striking white sandstone cliffs rise high above the shore, offering sweeping views of the deep blue sea and the rocky reefs offshore.
From above, you can even see that the cliff resembles a crocodile stretching out toward the sea – a fascinating wonder of nature.
In front of this “crocodile,” there’s a small rocky outcrop in the middle of the ocean, home to dozens of Black-faced Cormorants. These seabirds are native to the southern coast of Australia and are rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
Watch the video below to get a better feel for the beauty and grandeur of Blanche Point and Port Willunga Beach. Most of the footage was filmed at these two locations.
The cliffs at Blanche Point are not only visually stunning but also hold significant geological value. They were formed from ancient marine sediments – layers of sandstone and limestone deposited millions of years ago when this area was still beneath an ancient ocean.
Thanks to its West-facing position, Blanche Point offers an unobstructed view of the sunset, with the entire horizon in sight – making it one of the best places to enjoy the sunset in Adelaide.
Blanche Point, situated South of Maslin Beach – the first legal clothing-optional beach in Australia – is connected by a scenic clifftop trail. This route is considered one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia.
And with the Blanche Point, my day exploring Adelaide’s most beautiful beach came to a close. This spot is about 2 km from the nearest bus stop, so if you’re coming by bus, it’s best to head back before it gets too dark.
You can also consider renting a car in Adelaide (from just AUD $50) for more flexibility during your trip: Adelaide Car Rental
Port Willunga Beach and Blanche Point showcase Adelaide’s finest coastal experiences – stunning ocean views, fascinating history, and a tranquil environment. For anyone planning a short trip and searching for the best beach in Adelaide, Port Willunga is a must-visit, and adding Blanche Point to your itinerary will make it even more unforgettable.
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