Home to the famous oyster of the same name, stand on a seabed and eat them straight from the source. Once you’ve had your fill, head to one of many pristine beaches or explore the Coffin Bay National Park, Kellidie Conservation Park, or the Thorny Passage Marine Park. At this beach town the best way to end your day is with a local wine paired with a seafood feast overlooking the coast.

A peaceful hamlet with crystal clear waters, Normanville’s heritage-listed dune system is the perfect beach town in South Australia to start exploring the coast or try snorkelling, fishing, or scuba diving on the reef. ​​The HMAS Hobart Memorial Lookout offers spectacular views of the coast, too.

Port Elliot is one of South Australia’s most popular holiday spots. As well as beautiful beaches and a rustic timber jetty, its historic streetscapes are home to charming shops and cafes, including the much-loved Port Elliot Bakery, making it one of the best beach towns in the southern state.

A favourite with families and anglers, Victor Harbour boasts beautiful beaches for swimming and spotting whales, dolphins and seals. Take a walking tour, visit the beachside market, and wander the many shops and cafes in the town’s vibrant centre. Don’t miss the horse train to Granite Island to spot penguins or for a picnic with a view.

Penneshaw is your first stop when you get off the Kangaroo Island ferry, and it offers a convenient snapshot of some of the best of the island, from wildlife and nature to accommodation with spectacular ocean views, local produce, wineries, a sculpture trail, and a charming beach town atmosphere.

Located on an isthmus, historic Beachport offers two beautiful bays, extensive coastal dunes, and birdwatching at nearby Lake St George. Stroll down its historic 722-metre jetty (the second longest in the state), or get out your rod to try your hand at catching your dinner. This is a quintessential South Australian beach town.

Robe’s spectacular 14km white sand beach is not its only drawcard: Local wineries and breweries, historic buildings, an arresting star-shaped lighthouse, and a rich cultural and arts scene keep South Australian and interstate visitors returning year after year.

Only 34 kilometres south of Adelaide, Port Noarlunga beach town is an easy escape from the city, offering a beautiful beach, a fishing jetty, a heritage-listed reef, a marine reserve, a national park and many great eating, drinking and shopping options.

Gateway to the Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park, including access to one of South Australia’s beautiful, untouched coastlines, sleepy Marion Bay has plenty of appeal, too, with glamping, stargazing, frequent markets, and great local dining.

Historic Wallaroo is a working port town with a rich maritime history. Sandy beaches, a famous jetty, and rich local life give holidaymakers plenty to do. A new-ish marina and plenty of beachside eateries and cafes make Wallaroo an ever-popular holiday spot.

Known for its famous six-kilometre-long U-shaped beach which has been voted the best in Australia, Vivonne Bay is not only home to a picture-perfect spot to soak in the sun but you’ll also find plenty of stunning accommodation options like Serenity Cottage, just a stone’s throw from the beach.

Thanks to the shallow waters that surround Moonta Bay, it’s the ideal getaway for families with young kids in tow that want to spend days splashing around at the beach. It’s only a two-hour drive from Adelaide, which makes it a popular spot for city folk looking for a sea change. Insider tip: make sure you stop by at one of the bakeries to sample one of Moonta’s famous Cornish pasties – a delicious remnant from the historic town’s mining past.

The seaside village of Port Vincent is beloved by locals for its sheltered beach and laid-back coastal vibes. Think classic summer holidays: long days on the sandy shores of the beach, fish and chips from the beachside kiosk and hiring a stand up paddle board or kayak for something to do during the day. Bliss.