There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of gently lapping waves outside the window of your very own beachside abode. From the Limestone Coast to the city and the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia is spoilt for choice when it comes to settling down seaside. Here’s our pick of some of the best beachfront accommodation options in South Australia.
1. HAMILTON AND DUNE, KANGAROO ISLAND
Seaside slumber parties are a way of life on Kangaroo Island, and beachfront Hamilton and Dune sits centre stage to one of the island’s best stretches of sand. Tucked away on Emu Bay, you’ll be close enough to feel the gentle sprinkle of sea spray on your face as you kick back on the deck and watch the sun rise over the ocean. This five kilometre stretch of unspoiled coastline is protected from the elements and far from the mainland crowds, providing a haven year round. Choose from one of two retreats, Hamilton or Dune, for the perfect blend of luxury meets affordability. All that’s left to do is unpack your bags and meander on down to the bay to throw down your towel and sprawl out in the sun before wading waist-deep in the famed Kangaroo Island waters.
2. NAIKO RETREAT, DEEP CREEK
Naiko Retreat is an isolated paradise just 60 minutes from Adelaide along the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Bordering the Deep Creek Conservation Park, this 200 acre property is surrounded by rolling hills and overlooks the Southern Ocean – with Kangaroo Island in the visible distance. Set against a secluded cove, Naiko is a high-end retreat with floor to ceiling double-glazed windows, three bedrooms and three en-suites. It’s the ultimate private and luxurious escape.
3. HEADLAND HOUSE, KINGS BEACH RETREATS, FLEURIEU PENINSULA
Perched cliff-top above the ocean, Kings Beach Retreat is affordable beachside luxury at its best. Boasting panoramic views of the expansive ocean and surrounding headlands, here you’ll wake up to dolphins frolicking in the waves below and you might even spot whales on their annual migration along the coast over your morning coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely five-minute stroll down to the sheltered shores of Kings Beach and spend the day by the surf without another soul in sight. Less than an hour and a half from Adelaide and with three separate and completely private retreats – Headland House the jewel in their crown – these self contained properties are the perfect spot to escape fast-paced city life and revel in your own seaside seclusion.
4. ONE, KANGAROO ISLAND
Picture this; soaking in a bath where the bush meets the beach while soaking in views of turquoise waters below, a glass of bubbles in hand. The stuff of island holiday dreams, One Kangaroo Island offers the ultimate seaside luxury right on the postcard-perfect waters of Kangaroo Island’s Browns Beach. Situated along the island’s protected northern coastline, you’ll never have to take your eyes off the ocean here. After spending the day exploring the crystal-clear waters, retreat to your outdoor bath with a view and then retire to bed where floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean beyond. With five bedrooms and every creature comfort catered to, it’s the perfect spot to unwind by the beach with friends. Did we mention One Kangaroo Island is also a wildlife wonderland? Get to know the locals; dolphins, kangaroos, pelicans, echidnas, stingrays and an array of bird species.
5. BEACH RETREAT, KANGAROO ISLAND
The name says it all. This beach side oasis is one of four properties managed by lifetime private retreats in Kangaroo Island. The eclectic property – that features a unique domed roof and round porthole style windows – has unrivalled views of Snellings Beach, that is only a two minute walk away from the clifftop property.
6. Coast Motel and Apartments, Port Noarlunga
Swim, drink, dine, then unwind at COAST Motel and Apartments. Boasting a collection of 15 self-contained studio apartments, sitting in prime position above Southport Beach and just forty minutes from Adelaide. Here, you can enjoy the space and privacy of a self-contained apartment, with the convenience and luxury of a hotel. Just unpack your bags and get ready for some serious fun in the sun; at COAST, bike hire, kayak hire and snorkelling experiences are right on your doorstep. Once you’ve built up a thirst, the famed McLaren Vale wine region is conveniently 15 minutes away, so you can grab a refreshing white to sip while watching the sunset from your balcony.
7. Yondah Beach House, Yorke Peninsula
Seclusion, space and the sea; welcome to Yondah Beach House. Set on 150 ocean-front acres on the tip of the Yorke Peninsula, this impressive beach abode is the ultimate spot to seek seaside solitude with panoramic ocean views and private access to postcard-worthy beaches. The award-winning, architect designed retreat has been luxuriously kitted out with three bedrooms – all with their own bathroom – and boasts four huge decking areas, perfect for kicking back with a brew in hand and soaking in the seaside vibes. A stone’s throw from Marion Bay and the rugged wilderness of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Yondah Beach House is an ideal base to explore the Yorke Peninsula. Better still, your pooch doesn’t have to miss out either – Yondah is pet friendly.
8. Snellings View, Kangaroo Island
Take in sweeping coastal views of one of Kangaroo Island’s most picturesque beaches. At Snellings View, up to 12 guests can wake-up to the ocean along Kangaroo Island’s north coast. Perched atop the rolling hills that descend below to the ocean, two retreats are available for hire as a pair of holiday homes or individually – making it the perfect seaside escape for groups or families. The beautiful interiors are matched only by the spectacular views of the coastline, while Snellings Beach itself is about a kilometre away from the property.
9. Camel Beach House, Eyre Peninsula
Forget ocean views, Camel Beach House is practically on the beach. Set on 250 acres of pristine oceanfront wilderness, the golden sands and rolling dunes of Mount Camel Beach and the mesmerising blue waters of the Southern Ocean surround this environmentally conscious Eyre Peninsula property. The architecturally designed eco house was inspired by the simplicity of the classic fisherman’s shack and is off the grid, but that doesn’t mean you have to scrimp on creature comforts. Rainwater, solar panels, internet, tasteful interior design and all the appliances you need are just some of the amenities on offer – including a fully kitted out kitchen to come home and cook up your fresh salmon catch. Keep in mind the swells at Mount Camel Beach can get pretty big, so it’s better suited to surfing than swimming.
Explore South Australia’s beaches
Forget the Maldives or Fiji, from the sandy shores of Kangaroo Island to the crystal-clear waters of the Eyre Peninsula, check out these eight postcard-worthy beaches you won’t believe are right here in South Australia.
