Brighton Beach

I’m going to have to say that this is probably one of my favourite beaches in Adelaide, namely because the water is pretty deep which means that you can actually go for a decent swim. I remember coming down here when I was much younger and jumping off the jetty, namely because it was really deep and you could do it without causing yourself significant injuries — until I got to a point where I started questioning what I actually achieved by jumping off the prefectly good jetty (as well as developing a concern about all of the fishing lines that happen to dangle of the jetty on most weekends). Okay, Brighton may not have the facilities of some of the other beaches in Adelaide, and if you don’t live in the south then it can be a bit of a hike to get there, but I have to admit I’ve always have a pretty good time when I’ve landed up here.

Love this beautiful beach. Perfect for dogs and people alike. Always something to see. Dolphins, seals, people watching, dog watching. Breathing in the beautiful salt air. Love Brighton Beach.

Brighton Beach is one of my favourites in metropolitan Adelaide. Not too far from the CBD and situated along a row of eclectic eateries and shops, the beach is close to the obligatory Fish ‘n’ Chip stores and a super sweet gelateria.
Parking at this beach is a breeze compared to Glenelg and Henley Beach, parks are scattered down Jetty Road with more down the Esplanade either side of the jetty. Parking lasts for three hours on average but parking a wee bit further down saves you from the parking inspector. For those opting for public transport, the Train station is a 10 minute walk away and the bus is of a similar distance.
There are public showers and toilets scattered down the beach so that the sand doesn’t come home in the car and their is usually enough space on the beach to run a cricket match without angering the odd grumpy old man or accidently hitting a six into the tourists’ esky. Speaking of Eskys, the Espy’s Bottle-​O will sell you ice for $ 4 a bag if you need to stock up.
For those looking for a sunset swim or beach walk, Brighton is a safe beach but I’d personally go for Glenelg or Henley as their are more people present and frequent police patrols.

28÷1÷2012
I really like you.
Maybe it’s because I have a thing for good looking women, and baby, I include you in my review. Or you know, the other bikini babes (but no-​one rocks a bikini quite like you), nearby cafes and walkway help as well.
By the way, I know you’re hot, but please control your barking dog (yes the one that kept jumping on my leg when I innocently walked past) with your leash. You almost ruined a perfect day so far.
But honestly, I think it’s just who you are and how you got me motivated to get out of the house today. You live only a short walk away from the beach, and who isn’t happy when they’re at the beach?
In fact, I had a great day with her today and hope to do it again. :)

I’m a born and bred Glenelg girl, but every now and then I defect a little further south and visit Brighton beach. It’s a great place for a walk and the cafés on Jetty Road back off the beach are great.
There are two icons in this area that I particularly love — the Brighton Jetty and the Arch of Remembrance at the very end of Jetty Road.
The current incarnation of the Jetty was rebuilt and opened in 1996 was funded by Telstra who positioned their phone tower at the end of the jetty creating a somewhat ugly feature on a stunning outlook. The original wooden jetty, built in 1886, was destroyed in violent storms in the 1990’s — you’d have to say 100 years for a jetty is a pretty good run. Interestingly even that original jetty was self funded. The local council couldn’t convince the government to fund construction so they funded it themselves but then proceeded to charge ratepayers a jetty levy!
Standing proudly at the entrance to the Jetty is the Arch of Remembrance commemorating those lives lost during both World Wars. This too is the second of its kind after the first Arch suffered storm damage in the 60’s. The modern Arch is also the site of Anzac Day commemoration services at Brighton and provides a perfect backdrop to the sombre but poignant service.
Brighton beach is a great place to visit with history, coffee, exercise, food and swimming … and the good thing is you can nearly always grab a park.

One of the great experiences held here annually is the ANZAC day service. Every year people rise from their beds in the dark chill of the April air. The beach is particularly cold by the arch of rememberence but people wave in year after year to show their respects towards those who will not grow weary nor they years contemn.
The Holdfast Bay Council, the Federal and State Member offices, and the RSLs release a timetable about the service. The service begins about two hours before the sun rises with at about 4am. There are a number of dignitaries, religious figures, schools of the area, and of course our diggers/​ex-​servicemen.
Some are too frail to to walk so are already seated in the provided seating on the round-​about, but others will march down Jetty Road lead by a pipe band and come to stand in the cordoned-​off round about.
Speeches are made by the various ministers (poltical and religious), and by the head boy and girl of the local schools. Brighton Secondary School’s band, choir and the Salvation Army band get together to play various hymns for the service as the community sings from programs distributed by the RSLs and ex-servicemen’s league. Different organisations, family, and anyone who wants to lay wreaths one by one.
The most poignant moment of the ceremony is always when The Ode for the fallen is read out and the bugler takes up his bugler to play the last post. This year the bugler’s notes shot brilliantly from his brightly brassed instrument. Along with the community, pleased by this was a piping-​shrike which flew above the bugler and pearched on the Arch. Fluttering its wings and cooing its unique coo, this spectacle was extremely eerie to those who know it as out state bird and symbol.
As the sun valiantly rises from the horizon marching in a new day, the piper strikes his bag the drummer his snare and the ex-​servicemen are marched back to the nearby RSL. They will later head into town from here to the big march there.

Brighton Beach is a lot quieter than Glenelg or Henley, still local enough for most and still popular but to a more easily controllable point. It is easier to get parking here if not on the Esplanade in the streets nearby. Usually it is free parking but there may be time limits and the councils do check, especially in summer, so make sure you check the signs.
There is grass along the foreshore and plenty of trees for shade most of the way. Near most of the popular entrances there are also showers to wash the sand off before getting in the car to go home. There are also a lot nice little parks or playgrounds across the road along this area.
Plenty of options to grab a bite to eat or just something to quench your thirst. Some great café’s if you want a full breakfast after your long morning stroll along the beach on a weekend. Really nice and relaxing environment to be in.

I had a bad experience here whilst sunbathing when a man came up and asked us where the nearest bathroom was whilst jerking himself off under a towel. ah well, that’s what you get for sunbathing — first a creepy old man and next, skin cancer.
Anyhow, this encounter didn’t stop me from coming back to Brighton beach, I prefer it to the main beach at Glenelg because it’s quieter and I feel I don’t have to worry quite so much about stepping on syringes buried in the sand (just hearsay but I’m slightly paranoid). Also there’s some good fish and chips to be had along the Brighton strip before you walk it off along the jetty.

The best time to be visit the beach is in the late afternoon when you can enjoy a swim then watch the sun set over the jetty. Bliss.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Brighton Beach is popular with families because it’s near Adelaide CBD, relatively safe and great for swimming in the crystal blue sea.
FISHERS’ AND SNORKELERS’ FAVOURITE
There’s a top fishing and snorkelling spot to the north of the beach.
FUNKY SCENE
There are also some funky cafes, pubs and shops nearby, so you can really make a day of it — or even stay at one of the hotels in the area, or at Brighton Caravan Park and Holiday Village.