Adelaide
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Positives
- Southern ocean swells
- Wide variety of spots
- Choice of coastlines
- Low crowd pressures
Negatives
- Cold water, hot air temps
- Experienced surfer spots
- Some local vibes
- Sharks, snakes and flies
Adelaide surf travel guide
Adelaide is South Australia's capital city of 1.3 million people. It's a quick drive to the city spots, but it's crowded and inconsistent because of a narrow swell window. Yorke Peninsula, 4h drive west of Adelaide has a concentration of quality waves on its tip in the Innes National Park suited to experienced fearless surfers. Kangaroo Island is 150km (96mi) long, and features many remote and spooky surf spots, exposed to the full force of the swell coming out of the Great Southern Ocean.
Surf spots in Adelaide
Research the 16 surf breaks in Adelaide and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Adelaide.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Adelaide
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 1,677,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Adelaide is a rare int’l flight but Singapore fly direct from SE Asia, Air New Zealand to Auckland and Qatar fly from Doha. There are many flights (Virgin, Qantas, Jetstar, REX) from Melbourne and Sydney daily; Melbourne (from AU$70 o/w). Driving from Melbourne would take 10h. Cabs cost AU$25 from City to Airport. It’s 4h to Yorke's’ tip, 1h30 to Victor Harbor.
Getting Around
Cruising along the Esplanade on the mid-coast is a treat, driving around Victor Harbour is fine unless it’s summer high season. Most of the beat-up, unsealed roads are on Yorke's. Rental cars: AU$40 gets a compact of 65/d for a SUV. Kangaroo Island is a 30min flight or a 40min crossing from Cape Jervis.
Accommodation
On Yorke, use cheap caravan parks. Marion Bay Seaside Apartments for groups: from AU$111/n sleeps 4. Around mid/south coasts, try backpackers for reasonable rates. Grosvenor Hotel in Victor Harbor from $90/n/dbl. On Kangaroo, prepare to camp, or use Ozone Hotel in Kingscote.
Activities
Wild bush is the landscape. Main wildlife parks are Urimbirra Wildlife Park, Victor Harbor and Gorge Wildlife. Churches outnumbered by pubs and nightclubs. Don't miss Rodney Fox Shark Museum. Fishing is amazing. SA produces 50% of Australian wines. Kangaroos galore!
Hazards & hassles
Bronze whalers and white pointers often patrol the area, be aware when to stay out of the water. Winds and tides cause strong rips. Avoid the brown snakes. Crowd pressure is much less than other parts of Australia.
Handy Hints
All kinds of waves so take a full quiver. Check out Cutloose or MidCoast Shop&Board in Lonsdale or Nasty Boards in Beverly. Victor Harbor has Surf Power, but no shops or shapers on Yorke.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.