Glenelg

Water, wildlife and wine

On the waterfront, you’ll find the large Stamford Grand hotel and the wooden jetty leading out into the blue water (always with groups of fishermen trying to catch herring, squid and blue swimmer crabs). The old Glenelg Town Hall overlooks the beach; it has a lovely exhibition about the history of the area, including when the European settlers first landed here in 1836 aboard The Buffalo. There is a replica of the boat around the corner on Anzac Highway which is a restaurant.

A little way to the north is the Holdfast Bay marina, with its contemporary beachside restaurants, bars and marina. Everywhere feels open to the sun and sea breezes; with sun-soaked balconies and decks, the perfect places to enjoy a wine or beer.

If you feel like being active, join Temptation Sailing’s catamaran to swim with dolphins; an amazing experience when you think you’re just 20 minutes from the centre of a modern international city.

Families love the Beachouse for its modern mix of funfair, amusements and super-steep waterslide. On weekends, you’ll often find a camel giving rides on the grassy foreshore…

There’s excellent beachside dining right next to the sand at restaurants like Sammy’s On The Marina (seafood), Zucca (Greek) and Salt (modern Australian). People also enjoy the sunny areas of The Dublin, Stamford Grand and Oaks Plaza Pier bar.

Sunset cruises are popular. Glenelg faces west so you can sit on the deck and watch the sun set over the Gulf St Vincent while the Glenelg foreshore begins to glitter with lights. Champagne is served…

Alternatively, you can be part of an old sunset tradition and simply buy fish and chips, to eat while sitting cross-legged in the sand!