15 Best Things To Do In Glenelg, Australia

things to do in glenelg australia
Raphael
Raphael 
Updated
| 5 min read

You might wonder what a town like Glenelg has to offer, in terms of entertainment general things to do, when you visit. Well, I am here to tell you that there is a load of things that can be done in Glenelg, for you and your whole family to enjoy. Glenelg has plenty of activities and sites inclusive to all age groups and everyone can have a good time when they visit this town. Let’s have a look at some of the best things to do in Glenelg.

1. Glenelg Visitor Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

With characteristics such as white sandy beaches, an active shopping hub and restaurants with a variety of foods to savor, you are bound to enjoy a lot of the things on offer at Glenelg. When you visit the Glenelg Visitor Center, you will not believe that this town was once an old settlement area, which began in 1836. The Center gives an insight into how the town started.

The Center also has a museum with no entrance fee and features exhibits that involve the visitor while educating them on the history of the town and its heritage.

Glenelg Visitor Center

Address: Glenelg Town Hall, Moseley Square, Glenelg SA 5045, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am–4:30pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am–2pm

Contact: +61 8 8294 5833

Website: Glenelg Visitor Center

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2. Bay Discovery Center

Bravest of the Brave at Bay Discovery Centre
Source: Photo by Flickr user South Australian ... used under CC0

Priding itself in detailing Glenelg’s social history in its museum, the Bay Discovery Center is the place to go to revel in south Australia’s heritage. Art lovers, history buffs and everyone, in general, are welcome to visit the Center to learn one or two things about Glenelg.

Bay Discovery Center

Website: Bay Discovery Center

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3. Glenelg Art Gallery

Art gallery
Source: Needpix

All art enthusiasts will have a ball visiting the Glenelg Art Gallery as they sample an array of art from upcoming and award-winning established artists.

Glenelg Art Gallery

Website: Glenelg Art Gallery

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4. Glenelg Pier - The Jetty

Glenelg Jetty (The Pier) Adelaide. (19857206540)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bernard Spragg. NZ used under CC0

Built in 1859, this jetty used to lead to the lighthouse at the end but a fire destroyed the lighthouse in 1873. Years later, in 1948, a hurricane hit the jetty, washing it away, leaving behind only a kiosk and the aquarium, which was later demolished, as it was a hazard. The jetty was rebuilt to what it is now, in 1969.

Glenelg Pier - The Jetty

Address: Glenelg Beach, Glenelg, South Australia 5045, Australia

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Contact: +61 8 8229 9999

Website: Glenelg Pier/Jetty

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5. Oldgum Tree Reserve

The Hon Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia giving her Proclamation Day address
Source: Photo by Flickr user South Australian ... used under CC0

The old gum tree was where the ‘Proclamation of South Australia’ was read, making it a landmark in the area. The tree stood on land owned by John Hector who gifted it to Glenelg municipality, in 1857.

Oldgum Tree Reserve

Website: Oldgum Tree Reserve

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6. Proclamation Trail

Proclamation Day plaque
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bahudhara used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is a self-guided walk through Glenelg starting from Glenelg Town Hall and taking you through eight sites that have quite a history, in Glenelg. Walking or cycling through the self-guided tour, you will come across sites like ‘First Landing and the ‘Old Gum Tree’, through the original streets of Glenelg and Colley Reserve.

Proclamation Trail

Website: Proclamation Trail

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7. Haigh’s Chocolates

At Haigh's Chocolate manufactory (2)
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kristina D.C. Hoe... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This family-owned chocolatier has been running for years. They have been producing quality chocolates in Australia with confectioners who are dedicated to making new chocolate recipes and modifying old recipes to come up with the best product. They also have tours, made famous by the many tourists and other parties interested in chocolate making.

Haigh’s Chocolates

Address: 154 Greenhill Rd, Parkside SA 5063, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am–5:30pm. Saturday: 8:30am–5pm. Sunday: Closed

Contact: +61 8 8372 7000

Website: Haigh’s Chocolates

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8. Marina Experience

Marina Pier to the Right
Source: Photo by user Michael Coghlan used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Marina Pier, with its golden sands, is the best walking location for those who would like to take it nice and slow while taking in the ocean view. You can also people watch at the many restaurants lined up along the Marina, as you enjoy an array of delicacies and watch the sunset.

The Marina Restaurants

Website: The Marina Restaurants

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9. The Beachouse

Water slide fun at The Beachouse
Source: Photo by Flickr user The Beachouse used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Pack up the whole family and head out to the Beachouse which is jam-packed with waterslides, games, rides and other family activities that will be fun for the kids as well as the adults.

The Beachouse

Address: 4 Colley Terrace, Glenelg SA 5045, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10AM–5PM. Friday: 10AM–9PM. Saturday: 9AM–9PM. Sunday: 9AM–7PM.

Contact: +61 8 8295 1511

Website: The Beachouse

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10. 10. Temptation Sailing Dolphin Swims

Dolphins
Source: Pixabay

This cruise will give you the opportunity to come face to face with dolphins. Minutes into the cruise, the first pod of dolphins show up near the boat, they do not swim away in fear but rather come towards the boat and play around its hull.

There are a few optional experiences when you cruise with the Temptation. If you opt to swim, you will have over an hour of interaction with the dolphins as they showcase their agility in the water. Their playfulness will leave you giddy and with a lifetime of memories. If you’d rather stay dry and watch from the safety of the boat, you will still get to enjoy their playful nature as they play with the boat and give a show. You can take pictures and have an experience worthy of your payment.

Temptation Sailing Dolphin Swims

Address: 10 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg SA 5045, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9AM–7PM. Saturday and Sunday: 10AM–7PM.

Contact: +61 412 811 838

Website: Temptation Sailing Dolphin Swims

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11. Chorus Stones

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

We have already learned a bit about Glenelg history, with the Old Gum Tree and the Proclamation Trail. Chorus Stone, on the other hand, is a monument set up to venerate the many conflicts experienced over the years. Rather than choosing to remember any one specific war, refined stonework is placed at the center of the memorial, with the word ‘remember’ engraved on it.

This place has a lot of history and there is more information at the site regarding the many wars the monument symbolizes.

Chorus Stones

Address: Anzac Plaza, Glenelg

Opening Hours: 24 hours

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There is a place known as Jetty Road in Glenelg which is synonymous with great eating places to suit all, from cafés to fine dining. You can sample all types foods here, like Indonesian, Thai food, Indian, Japanese, French, seafood and so many other delicacies. The following are some of the restaurants one can enjoy on Jetty Road:

12. Grind It

Coffee
Source: Pexels

Adorned with trendy graffiti-like paintings, a lot of the décor at Grind It is made of wood and metal. The food is great, and they offer many of the foods usually served in cafés. Check it out for an experience.

Grind It

Address: 4 Moseley St, Glenelg SA 5045, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7AM–3PM. Sunday: 9AM–3PM

Contact: +61 8 8376 0049

Facebook: Grind It

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13. The Good Life Modern Organic Pizza

Pizza
Source: Piqsels

This restaurant makes their pizzas from organic produce that is in season. Their intention is to have people enjoy good food and wine at their establishment.

The Good Life Modern Organic Pizza

Website: The Good Life Modern Organic Pizza

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14. Brave the fear of heights and go sky diving at The Coastal Skydive company

Skydiving
Source: Photo by user Chris Betcher used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Glenelg is a whole new landscape for adventure for those who have never been to this part of Australia. Discover how much fun you’re willing to have and give sky diving a go when out with friends looking for something fun and outrageous to do. Visit the Coastal Skydive Company and get geared up with proper skydiving attire, gear, and training on how to participate in one of the most exhilarating activities you can take part in when in Glenelg. See one of the most stunning ocean views from above including the scenic Semaphore Sunset, Aldinga Beach, or Middleton Beach among others. Professional skydivers will be with you as you jump off the helicopter and experience one of the most adrenaline-pumping experiences one can experience in their lifetime. Why not try your first time in Glenelg, Australia and see how far you are willing to experience absolute fun and terror at the same time.

Sky Diving at The Coastal Skydive Company

Address: Coastal Skydive, PO Box 333,Glenelg, SA, 5045

Website: Skydiving

Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Sundays to Mondays

Price: 599 USD

Contact: jump@coastalskydive.com.au, 0417 224 417

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15. Chill at the Grand Bar at Stamford Hotels and enjoy a beachside meal with your lovedones

Glenelg Beach Jetty Road
Source: Photo by user James Yu used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Have some delectable Australian snacks and go people-watching at Stamford Hotel’s Grand Bar. Located by the Glenelg Beach, The Grand Bar is an amazing hangout spot is where all the young people come to just spend some time out and about. It has an incredible beachside view, as well as an incredible array of food from Italian, seafood, vegan veggie bowls, burgers, and steaks, indeed, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. The Gand Bar also hosts several weekend events that are open to public admission at an affordable price, guaranteeing guests great acoustic performances, live music sets, just for a 7.50 USD entrance fee with a choice selected pints and wines Friday Tunes Acoustic Duos and 6.00 USD for unlimited vodka on Grand Bar Saturday nights. Spend a whole day of leisure and excitement in Grand Bar and experience one of Glenelg’s finest.

The Grand Bar

Address: Stamford Grand Adelaide, 2 Jetty Rd, Glenelg SA 5045

Website: The Grand Bar

Opening hours: 11.00 am - Late Mon - Fri | 8.00 am - Late Sat - Sun | BREAKFAST from 8.00 am Sat - Sun | ALL DAY DINING FROM 12 noon EVERYDAY Contact: (08) 8376 1222

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Sightsee and learn at Glenelg

Come and enjoy the wonderful scenery in Glenelg and learn about the historical background of the town. Apart from that, there are a lot of restaurants and other fun things to do.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Raphael is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for exploring the world. With over a decade of experience in travel writing, he has honed his storytelling skills, making readers feel like...Read more

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