Nestled into a neat rectangular block to the south of the bustling Jetty Road precinct, Glenelg South is an upmarket beachside suburb to Adelaide’s south-west. Its eastern border is defined by Brighton Road and its west by the waters of Saint Vincent Gulf, with Moseley Street and Broadway crossing through its centre.
Unlike Glenelg which lies just to the north and features a busy commercial area, waterfront plaza and plenty of tourist attractions, Glenelg South is a largely residential area. The beach is the heart of the action, with calm waters that are ideal for swimming and a large stretch of sand where residents come to walk in the early mornings and late afternoons. The Broadway Kiosk overlooks the sands, serving lunches, cakes and coffee, and connects to Glenelg proper along the waterfront Esplanade. There are a scattering of other eateries at the eastern end of Broadway, including an organic cafe, Mediterranean and Indian restaurants, as well as an excellent bookshop and cafe that provides a quieter alternative to the establishments along Jetty Road. Glenelg South is also home to a small boutique luxury resort, the Glenelg Community Hospital and a supermarket, making it an ideal base for those wanting to be right on the beach, but away from the majority of the crowds.
Glenelg South can be accessed by public buses which run north to south along both Brighton Road and Moseley Street. It’s also just a short walk along the waterfront from the tram terminus in Moseley Square to the north.
Glenelg was established as the oldest European settlement in mainland South Australia in 1836 and was named after Lord Glenelg, the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. Over time, Glenelg South became a popular residential area for wealthy retirees, with an enviable beachside location and pleasant sea breezes.