Port Willunga Beach

Port Willunga Beach, on the Fleurieu Peninsula about an hour south of Adelaide, is one of South Australia's most beautiful and beloved beaches. Backed by dramatic limestone cliffs and lapped by clear water, it's known for the weathered timber posts of its historic jetty and the wreck of the Star of Greece offshore — a place as rich in atmosphere and history as it is in scenery.

The beach is a favourite for swimming, snorkelling and simply soaking up one of the prettiest stretches of coast in the state, with the famous cliffside Star of Greece restaurant overlooking the sand. It's an easy and rewarding day trip from the city, often combined with the wineries and towns of McLaren Vale nearby.

With a 4.8 rating from more than 1,200 reviews, it's a much-loved coastal destination. The beach is free and open, but conditions, tides and parking vary, and there's limited shade, so it's worth checking conditions before you go — and taking sun protection, water and sensible footwear for the cliffs and the walk down to the sand.