The best Limestone Coast beaches

You know that feeling—that first step into the water, cooler than expected but just right after a moment. The way salt clings to your skin long after you’ve dried off. The satisfying thwack of a cricket ball in a beachside match that’s destined to continue till sunset.

On the Limestone Coast, beach days are simple and easy going. The coastline stretches wide, the water is clear and there’s plenty of space to spread out a towel and settle in. If you’re looking for a spot to swim, surf, fish or just breathe a little deeper, you’re in the right place. So, pack the esky and hit the road—your perfect beach day is waiting at these five Limestone Coast beaches.

SALMON HOLE

Some places you plan to visit for an hour and somehow stay all day. Salmon Hole is one of them. A natural rock shelf shelters the bay, keeping the water calm and clear—perfect for floating, snorkelling or standing knee-deep, watching fish weave between the rocks.

Fishermen know this spot well, staking out their place in the shallows, waiting for the telltale tug of a Salmon Trout. If the fish aren’t biting, there’s still plenty to do. The surrounding dunes dare you to climb up, take in the view and race back down by board or foot—you’ll be shaking out sand long after you’ve left, but it’s completely worth it.

LONG BEACH, ROBE

Pull straight onto the sand, roll down the windows and let the salty air do its thing. Long Beach is made for effortless days in the sun—12 kilometres of white sand, gentle waves and all the space in the world for a spot of beach cricket or a whole lot of lounging. The waves stay friendly near the shore, making it perfect for kids and floaters, while surfers will find bigger swells further along. When hunger kicks in, Robe’s just minutes away —fresh seafood and a quick refuel before heading back for another swim.

SOUTHEND

40 minutes south of Robe, the aptly named Southend is where the road meets the sea and the pace slows right down. Sheltered beaches make for easy swimming, while the four-wheel-drive tracks weave into Canunda National Park, adding a bit of adventure to the mix.

Back in town, Southend’s crayfishing port means you’re never far from a fresh feed, best enjoyed watching the boats bob in Rivoli Bay at sunset. If you’re looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure, Southend has you covered.

CARPENTER ROCKS

Shipwrecks, sea spray and a lighthouse that’s seen it all—Lighthouse Bay feels like a step into another time. The Pisces Star -  a fishing trawler that ran aground in 1997 - still rests in the shallows, its rusted bow peeking out as the tide shifts. At low tide, you can wander right up to it, making for a striking sight against the blue stretching as far as you can see.

Just up the coast, Cape Banks Lighthouse keeps watch, standing tall against shifting dunes and rugged cliffs. Whether you're here for the history or the ocean views, you’ll feel the stories of the sea in the crash of the waves and the whisper of the wind through the scrub.

BROWN BAY

If you prefer your beach days quiet, Brown Bay is the spot. Just a short drive from Port MacDonnell towards the Victorian border, this stretch of coastline keeps things simple. There’s no café, no surf shop—just a car park, a picnic table and the sound of the sea.  

Waves roll in slow and steady, perfect for surf fishers wanting to wade into the shallows. The sand feels warm to the touch after a bit of sun, while seabirds patrol the shoreline waiting for a chance to swoop a fish. Further along, footprints fade as the tide creeps in, sweeping the beach clean for the next visitor. Pack an esky, prop up a beach chair and let the afternoon unfold at its own pace.

Still got some beach days left in you?

The Limestone Coast is just the beginning—South Australia’s coastline is full of spots worth pulling over for. Take the scenic route and check out the best beaches on the Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsula and even in Adelaide. There’s always another stretch of sand waiting.