The spectacular Route 31 Coastal Drive from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach, and everywhere in between, takes in the 31kms of beautiful coastline! This stunning stretch hosts a range of favourite holiday spots and provides opportunity to find hidden gems along the way. Route 31, dotted with seaside villages and some of South Australia’s beaches, is a must visit for your next road trip!
Aldinga is a stop you must make along the coastal drive. Restaurants, wine, bars, taphouse and a pub. It’s funky, hip, there’s live music and you can hang out with the local winemakers. The boutiques and shops are unreal too! Aldinga Beach, where you can drive directly onto the beach with a beach pass in Summer, is stunning! Then there’s Aldinga Conservation Park, a fresh wetland of great spiritual and cultural significance for the Kaurna people.
Christies Beach is a popular beach where the sand is so soft, white and inviting. You will want to pitch the umbrella, enjoy the sunshine and stay for the afternoon. The unique beachside shopping precinct is one not to miss. Explore the bakeries, restaurants, health food outlets and shops! And make sure you get there early for one of CJ’s Bakery donuts. These donuts took out the top award in the National Donut Competition at the Baking Industry Trade Show 2022! Yum!
Port Noarlunga is one of the sandiest stretches of the coastal drive. It is a local hot spot where you can experience some of the exciting water activities or just relax and explore the main street. Get swimming, snorkelling on the reef, paddling a kayak or simply do a spot of fishing. The delightful main street has some amazing eateries, especially if you love seafood!
O’Sullivan Beach is one for the pooches! They are permitted to be off of the leash at all times (between O’Sullivan Beach and Christies Beach) but it goes without saying that you must keep your dog under control at all times. The launching facilities for boats is one of the best around so you will often find the fishing enthusiasts here. O’Sullivan Beach boasts some of the best ‘million-dollar views’ too!
South Port Beach is where the Onkaparinga River meets the sea. One of the most photographed beaches because of its pristine blue sea, sandstone cliffs and the meandering river, this is a definite stop! Kayak, paddle board or swim down the river mouth to meet the sea and be sure not to miss the sunrise or sunset at the Onkaparinga River Mouth. The best place to do this is from the lookout located at the top of the main staircase. Make sure you use the staircase to the beach as the sand between your toes is good for the soul.
Moana is a bustling beach that is popular with surfers. If the kids love surfing, get them to bring their boards or take a lesson at the local surf school. Moana is another beach where, with a beach pass in Summer, you can drive your car onto it. There’s a walking trail that follows the beach where you can capture some of the most amazing photos. Another location where the beach views and sunsets are breathtaking!
Maslin Beach is an optional detour that boasts ochre-coloured cliffs, white sand and aqua blue water. It is absolute perfection! A fun fact is that the southern section of the beach is known as Australia’s first nudist beach.
Port Willunga is home to the famous Star Of Greece shipwreck. It is also home to one of the most beautiful beaches in South Australia. One of the most photographed locations in the region, you can’t miss the striking clear waters, soft white sand and golden cliff faces. The waves aren’t rough so it’s perfect for little swimmers and ideal if you enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking. Make sure you dine at the popular, stunning seaside restaurant, Star Of Greece. It is a must!
Silver Sands is another spot where you can drive onto the beach with a beach pass in Summer. It is located between Aldinga Beach and Sellicks Beach and is a very popular beach for swimming, surfing and fishing. It’s the perfect spot to beach launch your boat too! The long stretch of sand goes on for miles with eye-catching views of the coastline. Enjoy fish and chips on the beach whilst watching the sunset. Between Sellicks Beach and Silver Sands there is the spectacular Washpool. It is one of the last remaining coastal freshwater and estuarine lagoon systems along the Adelaide metropolitan coast and is of great spiritual and cultural significance for the Kaurna people.
Sellicks Beach is perfect for long summer walks and picnics too. Pack your own picnic using the local produce or enjoy takeaway fish and chips on the sand! Have a swim in the pristine, clear waters, cast a line and do some beach fishing or just take a long walk and stop for a picnic.
There is so much to see, do and explore along this scenic drive. If you are seeking sun, a weekend getaway or something that offers all year round swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing and diving, then get to Route 31! If water activities aren’t your thing, there is wining, dining, shopping, arts, culture and history.
Get your fun (and sun) on Route 31!
