19 Best Things to Do in Glenelg This 2024
Looking for the best things to do in Glenelg?
Nestled in the heart of South Australia, Adelaide boasts a rich tapestry of culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty, and I’ve explored almost every nook and cranny of it.
One of my absolute favourite spots is the coastal gem, Glenelg.
Over the years, I’ve curated a list of this beachside suburb’s most delightful experiences.
Glenelg is a charming coastal suburb located just a short tram ride from Adelaide’s city centre. It is known for its picturesque beaches, historic landmarks, and bustling atmosphere.
Discover some of the best things to do in Glenelg, from strolling along the promenade to enjoying the ocean and exploring local attractions.
Glenelg is a charming seaside city, so read on to discover some of its highlights.
Best Things to Do in Glenelg
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
1. Watch the Dolphins
Get a glimpse of dolphins in the waters off the coast of Adelaide with a dolphin-spotting cruise from Glenelg.
Be on the lookout for the thousands of dolphins that inhabit Holdfast Bay on this 3.5-hour catamaran cruise. Onboard, you’ll receive a comprehensive safety briefing and commentary.
You’ll also be provided with equipment like wetsuits, snorkels, and masks to make the most of your dolphin-spotting adventure.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
2. Ride The Giant Wheel
The Skyline Ferris Wheel in Glenelg is a seasonal attraction that operates exclusively during summer. The giant wheel emerges every October of each year and operates until April.
It is open daily from 10 am until 9:30 pm every day. Take a ride and enjoy the panoramic views of Glenelg, the beach, and the neighbouring suburbs from the Giant Wheel.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
3. Sunset Cruise
Unwind and admire the picturesque coastline of Adelaide on a tranquil sunset cruise from Glenelg’s Marina Pier.
Sip on your favourite beverage while you marvel at the breathtaking sunset over the ocean on this catamaran sightseeing tour.
Experience Adelaide’s stunning coastline at twilight as the sun sets and golden hues fill the sky.
Additionally, take a stroll around Marina Pier in Glenelg, which is renowned for its waterside dining.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
4. Swim with Dolphins
Join a dolphin-watching cruise from Adelaide to witness these charming marine mammals in their natural habitat and even swim with them in Holdfast Shores.
This four-hour cruise departs from Glenelg Marina Pier on a catamaran with marine biologists providing insightful commentary.
With thousands of dolphins residing in the gulf, it’s almost certain that you’ll get a glimpse of these adorable creatures.
The cruise offers a unique opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime wild dolphin swim experience, and all necessary equipment will be provided for your convenience.
Get ready for an incredible wildlife encounter you won’t forget!
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
5. Have A Blast At The Beachhouse
The Beachouse is the ultimate destination for a day of adventure, featuring an array of Australian-first and world-class attractions suitable for all ages.
Whether you’re an adult or a kid, you’ll find plenty of games and rides to keep you entertained.
The facility boasts three fully enclosed heated waterslides, Soli Italian Formula 1 Dodgem Cars, thrilling blaster boats, a 120-year-old historic Carousel, a western-themed 18-hole mini-golf course, a dizzying 5-mini-story play castle, and an Italian-built train specially designed for little ones.
From exhilarating rides to playful games, The Beachouse will offer endless fun for everyone.
The Beachhouse is open every Saturday, Sunday, Monday & Friday. They are also open every day during School Holidays and Public Holidays.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
6. Discover Glenelg’s Grand Mansions
Glenelg’s historic mansions offer a glimpse into the grandeur of South Australia’s past.
In the mid-1880s, the sandy shores of Glenelg’s esplanade were transformed into the summer residences of the area’s most notable figures.
These Victorian mansions, once lining what was known as Albert Parade and later Seawall, South Esplanade, gave Glenelg its distinctive character and charm.
Taking a self-guided walk through these historic streets is like stepping back in time. The walk, lasting about an hour, begins at the southwest corner of Moseley Square.
It’s a journey that showcases the architectural beauty of these homes and respects their current status as private residences.
This adventure isn’t just about seeing the outside of these magnificent buildings; it’s about imagining the stories and lives that unfolded within their walls.
It’s a must-do for anyone interested in architecture, history, or a unique way to explore Glenelg.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
7. Eat Cold Rock Ice Cream
Cold Rock Ice Creamery is a popular dessert destination in Glenelg.
This ice cream shop is known for its unique concept of combining ice cream with toppings of the customer’s choice, creating a personalized dessert experience.
The shop has a wide range of ice cream flavours to choose from, including traditional favourites like chocolate and vanilla, as well as unique flavours like bubble gum and chocolate mint.
Customers can then choose from various toppings, ranging from candy and cookies to fresh fruit and nuts.
The toppings are mixed with the ice cream using a special technique that ensures the perfect blend of flavours and textures.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
8. Visit the Glenelg Art Gallery
Glenelg Art Gallery was founded in 2008 and was initially housed in a small building on Moseley Street.
It has since evolved into a premier art gallery offering an ethical marketplace for art, attracting collectors and curators from around the world.
The gallery also commissions new works and provides opportunities for emerging visual and performance artists to showcase their talents.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
9. Soak Up The Sun At Glenelg Beach
Glenelg Beach is one of Adelaide’s most popular beaches, attracting visitors and locals alike.
This picturesque beach is just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre and easily accessible by tram.
The beach offers a long stretch of white sand with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, and other water activities.
Plenty of restaurants and cafes are dotted along the beachfront, serving delicious food and refreshing drinks.
One of the unique features of Glenelg Beach is the historic jetty that stretches out into the ocean, providing a great spot for fishing, walking, and taking in the views.
The jetty also features a restaurant and a small amusement park, making it a fun destination for the whole family.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
10. Explore the History of Glenelg
Located in the centre of Glenelg, The Bay Discovery Centre is a museum that showcases the social history of South Australia, highlighting its rich cultural heritage.
As you explore the museum’s galleries, you’ll be immersed in the stories of the Kaurna People of the Adelaide Plains, the proclamation and settlement of South Australia, the development of beach culture, and the lives of some of the state’s most beloved figures.
Admission to the museum is available for a Gold Coin Donation.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
11. Fine Dining at Holdfast Shores Marina
The marina is known for its picturesque views of the ocean, its luxurious yachts, and its exceptional fine-dining restaurants.
There are several fine dining restaurants at Holdfast Shores Marina, each offering its own unique cuisine and atmosphere.
From Italian to seafood to contemporary Australian cuisine, there is something for every palate at the marina.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
12. Walk Around The Patawalonga Lake
Take a leisurely stroll around Patawalonga Lake, where you can enjoy its lush grassy banks, playgrounds, and stunning views of Glenelg, the marina, and the lake itself.
You can start your walk from either Wigley Reserve or Colley Reserve in Glenelg, and follow the path on either side of the lake towards the north.
You can return by crossing the road bridge halfway along or the footbridge near Tapleys Hill Road.
The paths around the northern end of Patawalonga Lake connect with the Reece Jennings Bikeway, which leads north to the River Torrens, and the Captain McKenna Pathway, which heads east along Brownhill Creek and the airport’s southern boundary.
Patawalonga Lake is a man-made system that runs parallel to the coastline, stretching 1.6 kilometres long from Glenelg to West Beach.
It functions as a stormwater diversion system to prevent flooding in urban areas and is kept clean and healthy by the tides flushing seawater into the lake.
You can cross the barrage on foot, and the lock features an automatic retractable walkway that serves as pedestrian access across the barrage.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
13. Watch A Movie at the Event Cinema
Glenelg’s Jetty Road precinct is home to Event Cinemas, which features a modern, purpose-built cinema complex with six cinemas and an onsite licensed café/bar.
Movie-goers can enjoy an enticing mix of both arthouse and blockbuster films in this stylish venue.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
14. Enjoy the Glenelg Foreshore Playground
During the summer months, Moseley Square water fountains and the Glenelg Foreshore playground are bustling with activity, providing various family-friendly entertainment and sporting activities.
Visitors can enjoy the bungy trampoline, pedal cars, and talented buskers.
Along the coastline, there are several user-friendly foreshore parks and reserves.
These grassy areas are perfect for picnics, with BBQ facilities, playgrounds, and public toilets.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
15. Stroll Along The Picturesque Glenelg Jetty
Originally built in 1859, the jetty has undergone several reconstructions over the years due to storm damage and the wear and tear of time.
Today, it stands 215 meters long and extends out into the Gulf of St Vincent.
The jetty offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding coastline, making it a perfect spot for fishing, strolling, or enjoying a sunset.
The jetty is also a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, as it is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colourful fish, sea stars, and crabs.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
16. Learn to Dive at Adelaide Scuba Diving
Experience the best of South Australia’s scuba diving and snorkelling with Adelaide Scuba!
As the leading diving and snorkelling centre in the region, their waterfront store located in the beautiful beachside suburb of Glenelg provides everything needed for your underwater adventure.
They have a spacious retail showroom stocked with a diverse range of dive equipment suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced.
Their experienced Adelaide Scuba Dive Team offers regular boat charters to explore the amazing local dive sites.
These temperate dive sites are a unique attraction for local divers and provide an incredible underwater experience.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
17. Coastal Walk from Glenelg to Seacliff
The Esplanade, which spans 6 kilometres along the coast, connects Glenelg to Seacliff in Adelaide’s most sought-after beachside suburbs.
This two-way path accommodates pedestrians and cyclists, offering uninterrupted views of the coastline, swimming beaches, jetties, outdoor dining options, parks, sculptures, and sites of indigenous cultural importance.
The path is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
You can relish the seaside ambience by catching up with friends at one of the numerous cafes, restaurants, pubs, or takeaway outlets along the way.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
18. See Gene the Giraffe
Gene the Giraffe, created by artist Chris Murphy, was installed on 23 April 2014 and is located on Maxwell Terrace in Glenelg East, South Australia.
This public art installation can be easily spotted by pedestrians and cyclists travelling along the Mike Turtur bikeway or by tram commuters travelling to and from Glenelg, as it stands along the tramline.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
19. Enjoy A Cocktail at Moseley Beach Club
The Moseley Beach Club is on the right side of the jetty facing the ocean, along the Glenelg foreshore.
Finding the venue is easy – head towards the jetty, which will be in plain sight.
This relaxed and enjoyable coastal venue caters to all ages with its free entry, fresh cuisine, tasty cocktails, casual dining, and various seating options, including booths, daybeds, and sun lounges.
This season, the beach club showcase a Greek Islands-inspired theme that influences its food and drinks menu, as well as its styling and design.
Guests can enjoy live music every day and DJs from Friday to Sunday.
How to Get to Glenelg
Getting to Glenelg is relatively easy, as it is well-connected to Adelaide’s transportation network. Here are some of the most common ways to reach Glenelg:
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
Tram
🚋 The Glenelg tram line is a popular option for getting to Glenelg from Adelaide’s city centre.
The tram runs from Victoria Square in Adelaide and stops at various locations before reaching Glenelg.
The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and runs every 17 minutes during peak times.
Check the Tram Timetable here.
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
Bus
🚌 Adelaide Metro operates several bus routes that connect Glenelg to the city centre and other suburbs.
The most direct bus route from Adelaide CBD to Glenelg is the 265, which departs from King William Street in the CBD.
🚗 If you’re driving to Glenelg, take Anzac Highway from the city centre and follow the signs to Glenelg.
There is ample parking available in the area, including street parking and several public parking lots.
Where to Stay in Glenelg
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
1. Beachfront Oaks Pier Building
- ⭐ Rating: 9.3 out of 10
- 🏆 Known for: Location, indoor swimming pool, beachfront
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Beachside Luxury Apartments One & Two Bedroom in Beachfront Oaks Pier Building, situated in Glenelg just 2.5 km away from West Beach, offers an array of amenities including a restaurant, spa, and wellness centre with an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub.
The air-conditioned accommodation is located just steps away from Glenelg Beach and includes private parking and free WiFi. The apartment complex also features a fitness centre and lift.
location fantastic, host had special touches added made my stay amazing
-angela (see more reviews)
Each apartment includes a balcony with garden views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, microwave, toaster, fridge, and coffee machine.
The private bathroom is fitted with a shower and hairdryer, and bed linen and towels are provided.
Guests can enjoy a bar on-site and cycle in and around Glenelg.
The Beachouse is just 200 m away, while Adelaide Parklands Terminal is 8.1 km away. The nearest airport is Adelaide Airport, located 5 km from the accommodation.
Amenities:
- Parking
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Spa and Wellness Centre
- Balcony
- Free Wifi
- Fitness centre
- Bar
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
2. Pier 108 Glenelg
- ⭐ Rating: 9.3 out of 10
- 🏆 Known for: Location, swimming pool
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Pier 108 Glenelg, situated in Glenelg, offers air-conditioned accommodation with a heated pool, sea view, and a balcony.
This beachfront property provides guests with access to a terrace, free private parking, and free WiFi. Guests also have access to a sauna, hot tub, and indoor pool.
The room was in a great location right near the beach and close to supermarkets as well as the Main Street of Glenelg
-nanfah (see more reviews)
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, and a fully equipped kitchen complete with a dishwasher, oven, washing machine, microwave, and toaster.
Towels and bed linen are provided, and the property has an outdoor dining area.
On-site, guests can find a bar for their convenience.
Glenelg Beach is only a few steps away from the apartment, while West Beach is located 2.5 km away. Adelaide Airport is the nearest airport, situated 5 km from Pier 108 Glenelg.
Amenities:
- Free Parking
- Swimming Pool
- Free Wifi
- Balcony
- Sea View
- Hot Tub
- Kitchen
THINGS TO DO IN GLENELG
3. The Heart of Glenelg
- ⭐ Rating: 9.2 out of 10
- 🏆 Known for: Location, free parking
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
The Heart of Glenelg, located in Glenelg, offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
This sustainable apartment is conveniently situated just 200 m away from Glenelg Beach and 2.3 km from West Beach.
Additionally, the apartment provides free WiFi, free private parking, and facilities for disabled guests.
It’s located in a quiet area of Glenelg beach. It’s equipped with kitchen, washing machine and dryer.
-meijiang (see more reviews)
The apartment boasts a balcony with beautiful garden views, one bedroom, a living room, and a flat-screen TV.
Guests can prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen, complete with a dishwasher and an oven, and enjoy dining in the outdoor dining area while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
The bathroom is fitted with a walk-in shower, and the apartment provides bed linen, towels, and laundry service.
The Beachouse is only 300 m away, while Adelaide Parklands Terminal is 8 km away. The nearest airport is Adelaide Airport, situated 5 km from The Heart of Glenelg.
Amenities:
- Parking
- Air Conditioning
- Free Wifi
- Balcony
- Washing Machine
The Wrap-Up: Things to Do in Glenelg
Glenelg is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions.
With its beautiful beach, historical sites, diverse dining options, and exciting adventure activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, spending time in Glenelg is a great way to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of this stunning coastal suburb.
From relaxation to adventure, Glenelg has it all, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and memorable experience.
