Bordering the Adelaide Airport to the west of the city centre, West Beach is a seaside suburb wedged between Glenelg to the south and Henley Beach to the north. Its proximity to the city, coupled with one of Adelaide’s best family-friendly campsites and resorts, makes it a popular base for visitors wanting a beachside locale.
Burbridge Road is the main commercial thoroughfare in the north of the suburb where a supermarket, bakery, pharmacy and post office are located. While just to the east of Tapleys Hill Road on its eastern edge is the large shopping complex and big brand outlet of Harbour Town. To the north stretches the green expanse of Apex Park along the Breakout Creek Wetlands, with a children’s playground, walking trails and tranquil central lake. The River Torrens Linear Park Trail begins at the beach to the west and provides a picturesque walking and cycling route along Breakout Creek and along the River Torrens through the Adelaide city centre. The southern corner of West Beach is occupied by the Patawalonga Golf Links, an 18-hole championship-style golf course that is one of South Australia’s best. On its beachside sprawls the Adelaide Shores resort and caravan park, with an impressive play area dubbed the Mega Adventure Park, swimming pools, beach volleyball and tennis courts. But the centre of action is undoubtedly the beach which is a recreation hub for both locals and visitors alike.
West Beach is connected to the Adelaide city centre by numerous public bus services along the Adelaide Metro. It also lies adjacent to the Adelaide Airport from where there are domestic flights available to other Australian capitals, as well as a few international flight routes.
West Beach was designed in 1929 as part of "The Settled Estates of FJ and PJ Gray" on a site of high, undulating sand dunes. In the 1950s it was selected as the location of the first drive-in theatre in South Australia, with its sea breezes making it a popular destination for couples and families to spend a night out.