What you’ll find down at the Bay
After months of staying at home, the white sandy beaches and seaside shopping and dining promenade in Glenelg are now beckoning Adelaide families in the school holidays as the famed seaside destination reopens for business.
Children can run free on the beaches winding from Seacliff, throw in a fishing line from the Brighton or Glenelg jetties or get onto the water to spot dolphins with an Adelaide Ocean Safari cruise. Their premium vessel has on board seating with protection from the weather.
There is plenty of space to walk, breathe in the fresh air and take in the coastal views with multiple options for delicious meals or a wander along unique shopping strips.
Entertainment venues like The Beachouse and the local cinema are opening while some of the state’s top coastal eating and coffee spots are welcoming diners back to their tables.
Glenelg is only 20 minutes from the city with 10 kilometres of beautiful coastline to explore for both daytrippers and those wanting to stay a little longer.
There are numerous accommodation options right on the beachfront from holiday houses to the Brighton Caravan Park spacious cabins and the family friendly Seawall Apartments.
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Those craving the fresh air can begin with a self-guided walk uncovering Glenelg’s unique past and historical importance as South Australia’s first settlement including the Mansions of Glenelg walking route.
Or explore the new $5.3 million coastal pedestrian and cycling path that was opened only last year to link the esplanade pathways from Glenelg to Seacliff.
The route features a 500m-long pathway through the Minda Dunes and an elevated deck and public seating area for a picnic with a spectacular view of the sea.
Younger children will be entertained by the Glenelg Foreshore Playground with its focus on nature play and featuring a water area, a metal mega slide, pebble pits and mini trampolines.
They may also be keen to taste the dozens of gelati flavours on offer during a walk along the outdoor shopping and dining strips at Jetty Road in Glenelg or the more offbeat cafes and boutiques on Broadway or Jetty Road in Brighton.
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As the precincts’ many cafes, boutiques and entertainment venues emerge from hibernation, the ever-popular The Beachhouse is flinging open its doors to get its bumper boats, dodgem cars and arcades back in action. The mini golf has been upgraded with the surfaces stripped back, new greens installed, upgraded landscape garden masterpieces and some new challenging obstacles.
Grab some popcorn to take in a movie as the GU Filmhouse reopens to screen the latest movies and old favourites.
Or for those wanting to learn more about the local area, The Bay Discovery Centre located in the historic Glenelg Town Hall is welcoming visitors to the social history museum in the heart of Glenelg to celebrate the cultural heritage of South Australia.
Walk through the interactive displays to discover the stories of the Kaurna People of the Adelaide Plains, South Australia’s Proclamation and settlement, the evolution of beach culture and some of our state’s most loved identities.
Try something different and join the Segway Sensation SA Team to experience all the iconic sights of the Glenelg foreshore on a guided Segway Tour. Turn heads as you glide past the many attractions including free time to ride on the beach.
Food and wine is integral to the relaxed Glenelg lifestyle with a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafes offering different cuisines to indulge the taste buds including the new Banjo’s Bakery Café in Moseley Square.
Following the success of The Moseley Igloos in 2019, Igloo East and Igloo West will be open daily in Moseley Square from Saturday July 11 until Sunday September 20. Each igloo offer the opportunity for a private group dining experience featuring a cosy and warm fireplace, fitting a maximum of 8 people.
Watch the boats come in at the Marina Pier while tucking into a seafood platter or people watch from an eclectic mix of cafes, bakeries, fashion and homewares shops at Brighton.
And when the day draws to an end find a spot in the family bistro at the Seacliff Beach Hotel to watch the sun set over the bay with a well-earned beer and a schnitzel.
