The Best Beachfront Accommodation in South Australia

Dreaming of a seaside escape in South Australia?

There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of gently lapping waves outside the window of your very own beachside abode. From a luxurious adults-only eco pod tucked away next to Deep Creek National Park to an eclectic 1950’s seaside shack, South Australia is spoilt for choice when it comes to settling down seaside. Here’s our pick of some of the best beachfront accommodation options in South Australia.

1. HAMILTON AND DUNE, KANGAROO ISLAND

Seaside slumber parties are a way of life on Kangaroo Island, and beachfront Hamilton and Dune sits centre stage to one of the island’s best stretches of sand. Tucked away on Emu Bay, you’ll be close enough to feel the gentle sprinkle of sea spray on your face as you kick back on the deck and watch the sun rise over the ocean. This five kilometre stretch of unspoiled coastline is protected from the elements and far from the mainland crowds, providing a haven year round. Choose from one of two retreats, Hamilton or Dune, for the perfect blend of luxury meets affordability. All that’s left to do is unpack your bags and meander on down to the bay to throw down your towel and sprawl out in the sun before wading waist-deep in the famed Kangaroo Island waters. 

2. NAIKO RETREAT, DEEP CREEK

Naiko Retreat is an isolated paradise just 60 minutes from Adelaide along the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Bordering the Deep Creek Conservation Park, this 80 hectare property is surrounded by rolling hills and overlooks the Southern Ocean - with Kangaroo Island in the visible distance. Set against a secluded cove, Naiko is a high-end retreat with floor to ceiling double-glazed windows, three bedrooms and three en-suites. It’s the ultimate private and luxurious escape. 

3. HEADLAND HOUSE, KINGS BEACH RETREATS, FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Perched cliff-top above the ocean, Kings Beach Retreat is affordable beachside luxury at its best. Boasting panoramic views of the expansive ocean and surrounding headlands, wake up to dolphins frolicking in the waves below and you might even spot whales on their annual migration along the coast over your morning coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely five-minute stroll down to the sheltered shores of Kings Beach and spend the day by the surf without another soul in sight. Less than an hour and a half from Adelaide and with three separate and completely private retreats - Headland House the jewel in their crown - these self contained properties are the perfect spot to escape fast-paced city life and revel in your own seaside seclusion.

4. ONE, KANGAROO ISLAND

Step into your private outdoor bathtub where the bush meets the beach and soak up the views of turquoise waters below with a glass of bubbles in hand. The stuff of island holiday dreams, One Kangaroo Island offers seaside luxury on the postcard-perfect waters of Kangaroo Island’s Browns Beach. Situated along the island's protected northern coastline, you’ll never be able to take your eyes off the ocean here. After spending the day exploring the crystal-clear waters, retreat to your outdoor bath with a view before retiring to bed where floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean beyond. With five bedrooms and every creature comfort catered to, it’s the perfect spot to unwind by the beach with friends. Did we mention One Kangaroo Island is also a wildlife wonderland? Get to know your neighbours; dolphins, kangaroos, pelicans, echidnas, stingrays and an array of bird species.

5. Yondah Beach House, Yorke Peninsula

Seclusion, space and the sea; welcome to Yondah Beach House. Set on 60 ocean-front hectares on the tip of the Yorke Peninsula, this impressive beach abode is the ultimate spot to seek seaside solitude with panoramic ocean views and private access to postcard-worthy beaches. The award-winning, architect designed retreat has been luxuriously kitted out with three bedrooms - all with their own bathroom - and boasts four huge decking areas, perfect for kicking back with a brew in hand and soaking in the seaside vibes. A stone’s throw from Marion Bay and the rugged wilderness of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Yondah Beach House is an ideal base to explore the Yorke Peninsula. Better still, your pooch doesn’t have to miss out either - Yondah is pet friendly.

6. Camel Beach House, Eyre Peninsula 

Forget ocean views, Camel Beach House is practically on the beach. Set on 250 acres of pristine oceanfront wilderness, the golden sands and rolling dunes of Mount Camel Beach and the mesmerising blue waters of the Southern Ocean surround this environmentally conscious Eyre Peninsula property. The architecturally designed eco house was inspired by the simplicity of the classic fisherman’s shack and is off the grid, but that doesn’t mean you have to scrimp on creature comforts. Rainwater, solar panels, internet, tasteful interior design and all the appliances you need are just some of the amenities on offer - including a fully kitted out kitchen to come home and cook up your fresh salmon catch. Keep in mind the swells at Mount Camel Beach can get pretty big, so it’s great for advanced surfers looking for perfect surf.

7. Love and Mutiny, Yorke Peninsula 

A gorgeous 1950's shack with 360 views of Chinaman Wells, Love and Mutiny is the ultimate beachfront holiday destination in the Yorke Peninsula. Watch the tide roll in from bed, put a record on or have a cocktail by the wood fire - this beach house is unlike any other. Sleeping up to four guests, the eclectic interiors situated in the quiet township of Chinaman Wells provides a truly unique and relaxing getaway all year round.

8. Flinders Island Eco Escape, Eyre Peninsula 

Taking beach front accommodation up a notch, Flinders Island Eco Escape offers a tranquil holiday in a homestead situated on absolute beachfront – along with the added privacy of an entire island to yourself. Welcoming just one group of guests at a time, this homestead off the coast of the Eyre Peninsula at Gropper Bay, invites guests to experience beachfront accommodation while exploring empty beaches, breathing in salty sea air and living the island life. Charter yourself and bring your boat or arrive by plane and spend your days watching an abundance of sea life from the kitchen window, or go surf and divie in crystal clear waters. Your private island getaway awaits! 

9. Wander Pods, Kangaroo Island 

The name of this eco-accommodation says it all: Wander Pods are made for those who want to explore their natural surrounds, without leaving a trace. Resting gently atop Kangaroo Island's northern bluff, the WanderPods are designed with community and connection at their core. Guests are encouraged to take part in a range of curated experiences around the island - from marine discovery tours to exclusive wine tastings and unique dining experiences, Wander promotes connection to the land and the locals. The four WanderPods are also named after constellations only seen in the southern skies - take your pick from Columba, Carina, Pyxis or Velaso, and fall asleep with galaxies swirling in your dreams.

Explore South Australia’s beaches

Forget the Maldives or Fiji, from the sandy shores of Kangaroo Island to the crystal-clear waters of the Eyre Peninsula, check out these postcard-worthy beaches you won’t believe are right here in South Australia.