Glenelg

 Glenelg SA 5045, Australia Canberra Campervan Hire

diamoxmoonbeam (contributor)

Glenelg is Adelaide’s premier, at least in terms of visitor numbers, seaside resort on the shore of Holdfast Bay/ Gulf St Veincent about 10 kms from the City centre. It is named after Lord Glenelg, then Britain’s Secretary of State for War and the Colonies.

In terms of history, while Adelaide main port was established at Port Adelaide in 1840, Glenelg was the site of South Australia’s original mainland (Kingscote on Kangaroo Island was settled earlier) European settlement on 10 November 1836. On the 28 December 1836, under the “Old Gum Tree” a proclamation was read by the State’s first Governor, John Hindmarsh, which announced that the government and State of South Australia had been established, that the law would be enforced and that Aboriginal people would be protected.

Prior to the 1836 European settlement Glenelg and the surrounding area was home to the Kaurna Aboriginal people though two outbreaks of smallpox, which had come down the River Murray from New South Wales, had killed the majority of the Kaurna population prior to 1836.

Since the early days Glenelg has been the place where Adelaideians have come for fun and relaxation. It continues to be so today and is now a very developed seaside resort offering the visitor all that he or she could want from a seaside resort.

It has a fantastic long white sand beach which is a major hit with sun worshipers and fitness fanatics – the latter of the type that like to ensure others know they exercise. I am not a sun worshiper myself, but do very much enjoy a walk along the beach. I also greatly enjoy walking out along the 215 metres long jetty which is also a popular spot for fishermen. A sign along the jetty detailing the legally minimum size of fish that can be retained covers some 30 or more fish varieties which, presumably, it is possible to catch here. I have never seen anyone with any fish on this jetty!

Glenelg has ample accommodation from backpackers to 5 star hotels and a wide variety of restaurants, sufficient to meet everyone’s tastes. Jetty Road offers enough shopping opportunity for the average beach goer and has less stringent shopping hours than more conservative Adelaide.

Significant development has occurred in Glenelg since the 1970s and indeed the rather ugly looking Atlantic Tower, replete with revolving restaurant, was not only Glenelg’s tallest building when built in the 70s but it was also Adelaide’s tallest building. Numerous other high rise hotels and apartment blocks have been built since. All this development is rather a shame I feel but given the large crowds Glenelg attracts I clearly hold a minority view.

Since 1873 a train/ tram-line has connected Adelaide to Glenelg and until mid 2013 the odd rickety old red H-Class trams, circa 1929, continued to ply this route. The old tram ride was a tourist “must do” in itself. In mid 2013 the last of the old trams were replaced with ultra modern European Bombardier trams. Not withstanding the loss of the old trams (though there is talk of introducing “new, old trams” whatever that means) catching the tram to Glenelg is still the best way to get there in terms of public transport.

I certainly recommend a side trip to Glenelg and in this regards invite you to have a look at my Glenelg page to see what it has to offer.

bradshawexplain (contributor)

When in Adelaide take a tram to Glenelg beach for the day..enjoy the ambience of the area..I had a leisurely stroll on the beach..and as it was a nice winters day sat and had coffee and apple struedel by the beach in a local cafe.there are so many early and modern houses along the waterfront here…in the main street are many shops and restaurants to enjoy..also at the tram terminus there is an exhibition “The Bay Discovery centre”in the local historic Town Hall of life from early settlement to today.Also see here the “Rodney Fox shark experience”.
The tram journey is a short ride of about fifteen to twenty minutes from the city..
Catch train at tram terminus at Victoria Square near the fountain in the City..

AlertEach (contributor)

A tram (trolley bus) service runs from the centre of Adelaide to a beautiful beachside town called Glenelg.
It only costs AU$2.10 and you can purchase your ticket from the conductor on the tram once the journey begins.
The trams are made mostly from wood and leather which is quite unusual these days in this world of chrome and plastic we live in.
The tram ride is a good opportunity to meet locals and see where they live as you venture through suburban Adelaide towards the Indian Ocean
The trip takes about 30 minutes each way

Glenelg itself has a younger vibe than Adelaide city. There is a strong beach/surf culture with restaurants and retail shops to match. Plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants also.

cometdew91 (contributor)

Pristine white sand; emerald green waters – that was what were attracting all the city-dwellers and visitors to these beach town, about 30 minutes away from Adelaide by tram. Come on a weekend and it would be jammed tight with merry-seeking and merry-making folks. It was almost like stepping into a carnival as everyone seemed to have just landed from a planet that had not seen the daylight of sadness and frustration.

Me & my gang spent about an hour on the sand, just sitting there and watching the world go by. Breathe the salty twang of the air; absorb the screeching of the gulls and sun-block yourself up for the sun!

For those who wanted more than just sun-sand-sea, you would find a flea market around Town Hall on the weekends, where local folks would display a sea of arts and crafts (paintings, hand-made jewelries etc) and other craps and non-craps for you to buy. Mingle and see what the locals has on offer for you. My lady friends had a swell time picking apart the bargains.

Getting around Glenelg is easy. Main street is Jetty Road (where all the shops, cafes and restaurants are) and you can travel along Jetty Road, completely FREE via the Glenelg Tram all the way from Moseley Square terminus to Jetty Road stop 19. Jump on and off the Tram at your leisure and never pay a cent!

Getting to Glenelg is easy: Take the Tram!

wiggaletters (contributor)

Glenelg beach is a hive of activity at most times of the year.
Its a great beach, where you can swim,fish or just sunbake.
Jetty Rd offers fantastic shopping, so dont forget to take your
wallet!!!!
There is an abundance or restaurants and cafes, so eating out is
definitely not a problem. Choosing what you want could be though!!!
For an icey cold beer, try the Grand Hotel right on the foreshore.
Getting to Glenelg can be half the fun…Try catching a tram in Victoria Square
and travelling there…The old trams are still running, and they are great fun.

Latest Images of Glenelg, Adelaide