Glenelg, Adelaide | #ShepsDownUnder

Our first taste of Adelaide was the beautiful seaside suburb of Glenelg in Holdfast Bay, which is only 10km from Adelaide city centre but feels like a different world. Leah (the bride-to-be) and I enjoyed a leisurely wander down along the beach front at sunset after dropping off the Mister & her husband-to-be, Adrian, at a local bar for "the stag do".

It was a lovely warm evening and the walk along the beach down to Jetty Road - a long precinct of shops, bars, entertainment facilities and restaurants - was picturesque and refreshing with the cooling sea air, and the stunning backdrop of the setting sun over the water. We walked along to the end of the jetty to appreciate the spectacular sunset (and for a photo, of course) before heading off to choose somewhere to have dinner.

Where to Stay

Glenelg has plenty of accommodation types to suit all pockets and needs, from 1-3 bed private apartments to hotels, motels, B&Bs, caravan parks and a beachfront hostel.

Eating Out

You are spoiled for choice in Glenelg, where you will find a large range of cuisines in its many and award-winning eateries with something to suit all tastes - Mexican, Italian, Greek, Indian, Japanese, as well as traditional steak houses, seafood, and cafe/bistros. Leah & I opted to eat at Salsa's, and I enjoyed a huge bowl of chicken nachos with guacamole, salsa and sour cream with some spicy wedges. Mexican style food is my favourite, so I was completely in my element and struggled to decide what I was having.

For the Kids

We didn't have our children with us during our trip, but everywhere I looked I thought "My kids would love this!", in particular The BeacHouse with its mini golf, waterslides, carousel, play castle and dodgems - I don't think I would be able to get my younger three out of there, that is if I managed to get them off the white sand beach right out front.

Things to See & Do

Glenelg is the site of South Australia's original mainland settlement in 1836. You can learn all about its history by visiting its museums, the Bay Discovery Centre, and of course the Visitor Information Centre who can help you with local tourist information as well as booking excursions, tours, car hire and even accommodation. Glenelg is also home to many shops, sport & leisure activities including dolphin watching and watersports as well as walks & trails, or visit the beautiful marina and enjoy a drink or meal as you sit overlooking the beach.

Getting Around

Most attractions are within walking distance, but if you want to travel in and around Adelaide then you can hop on the tram that runs from Moseley Square at the end of Jetty Road to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Hindmarsh. There are also a range of bus services that go as far as the airport and Adelaide city centre, or you can take a taxi.

Glenelg is the perfect base for your trip to Adelaide with its stunning views and welcoming atmosphere and so much to see, do and enjoy for the whole family, and I know that the next time we visit South Australia it will be the first place that we go.