Glenelg Beach in Adelaide, South Australia

These days, Glenelg is a seaside suburb, an Adelaide beach, 30 minutes from the city by tram. But in 1836 it was the hub of the new colony of South Australia.

The ships put down anchor in the harbor and the passengers and supplies were carried ashore. New settlers lived in makeshift tents made from the ship sails destroyed during the voyage.

Between July and December 1836, 8 ships arrived in the infant colony, but significantly, Captain Hindmarsh arrived on HMS Buffalo and, under a gum tree a little inland from the shore, proclamed South Australia.

A replica of the HMS Buffalo has been created and is used as a family restaurant, and is a worthwhile lunch venue, especially if you have children and want a venue with a novel twist.

The Old Gum Tree is about a 10 minute walk from the shorefront, and is well worth the effort. The poor old tree has been preserved with cement filling, and is a place much loved by school groups and historians. 

The Glenelg jetty is a favorite for all visitors. It was first built in 1859 with a length of 381 meters. This jetty was styled on the British jetties such as the one at Brighton. However in 1873 a fire destroyed the lighthouse at the end of the jetty. In 1948, it was destroyed by a hurricane-like storm and not rebuilt until 1969 at a length of only 215 meters.

The town hall has been preserved and now serves as a museum of the area. Here you can see pictures of the old jetty, and learn about the first settlers and their sea voyages. This museum is free with plenty of volunteers on hand to guide you around and explain the exhibits.

Apart from the history, Glenelg beach is a bustling Adelaide seaside beach. The main street is lined with shops that are popular with locals as well as tourists.

One big attraction is the Beach House Glenelg with fun for the whole family, and don't forget to check out the historic merry-go-round that has been built into the large glass window.

Restaurants do a good trade in Glenelg with a mixture of fast food, al fresco, family restaurants, up-market restaurants, and of course, seafood in abundance.

Seaside activities include of course, swimming, walking on the beach, camel rides, bicycle hire and loads of walking trails.

The Beach House at Glenelg is a great hit for children and adults alike. You only need to be young at heart to enjoy the Beach House Glenelg.

Glenelg accommodation has fabulous options.

Oaks Pier Glenelg is new and right on the foreshore of Glenelg beach. Imagine stepping out of your hotel's front door straight onto the beach.

Likewise, the Stamford Plaza is a multistory hotel right on the Glenelg beach. If you like, you can swim in the hotel pool or enjoy a drink in the bar overlooking the beach.

Everything you want is in short walking distance of both of these hotels. Shops, restaurants, the Beach House and the tram to the city.

The easiest way to visit Glenelg is to catch the tram from the city of Adelaide where most visitors stay. The Glenelg tram line has been Adelaide's only link with the past as it was the only remaining tram line when trams were discontinued.

When you are in Adelaide, Glenelg is a must for at least one day.