Published on 08 July 2021

Five reasons to head to Beach Road this winter

You’d be hard-pressed to find a local strip containing more diverse things to see and do than Beach Road, Christies Beach.

The unique 1.4-kilometre stretch, from Dyson Road to the east and the Esplanade to the west, is packed with great eateries, quirky shops and million-dollar beachfront views.

But it’s also home to an all-encompassing array of shops and services, which means you can combine your visit with ticking a few things off your to-do list, stocking up on groceries and health products, or doing a workout.

Here are five compelling reasons to head to Beach Road this winter.

1. Partake in some retail therapy

Beach Road is home to more than a few curious seaside shops, and its towering pine tree-lined strip, salty sea air, street murals and mosaic beach-themed artworks make for a coastal shopping experience like no other.

For lovers of all things vintage and beautiful, you’ll find an antique and homewares store, record shop, florist, crystal stores and multiple op shops.

If you’re sporty or outdoorsy, there are shops for those interested in sporting goods, canoes and kayaks, bikes, running or camping.

Music lovers you’re set with a record store and musical instrument shop.

Or, if you’re after something a little more specific, Beach Road’s more niche offerings include a specialist cake shop, a veritable vegan supermarket, and even SA’s biggest reptile store!

Don’t forget about Beach Road’s Original Open Market (established 1982), which opens on the first and third Sunday of the month, boasting a ripper mix of second-hand goods and clothes, homegrown fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, homemade jewellery and crafts, antiques, collectables, bric-a-brac, and much more.

2. Wine, dine or have a cuppa

There are a multitude of cafes dotted along Beach Road where you can stop for a cuppa (or bubble tea), alongside restaurants, bakeries, pizzerias, fish and chips, acai and other takeaways (including Vietnamese, Chinese and Indian food).

If you’re after a cheeky glass of McLaren Vale wine, head to the western end where you might be lucky enough to grab a table with million-dollar beachside views.

3. Rest (or work) the legs in Rotary Park

At the beach end of Beach Road you’ll find the lush palm-lined Rotary Park, which is the perfect spot to take the kids or to unwind after a walk, swim or meal.

Boasting a gazebo, playground, picnic seating and tables and a whole lot of grass to sit or have a kick of the footy, the views of the beach and the iconic Witton Bluff are hard to beat and there’s a line of eateries beckoning across the road.

Rotary Park regularly hosts fun events, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the City of Onkaparinga’s events calendar to see what might be coming up soon.

It’s also home to some of Healthy Active Lifestyles Onkaparinga’s health and fitness programs, including OUTFIT Onkaparinga—free one-hour group exercise sessions.

4. Enjoy one of Adelaide’s finest beaches

Christies Beach regularly appears in lists of SA’s best beaches, and it’s no surprise—it features beautiful white sand, the ancient cliff face of Witton Bluff and an offshore reef teeming with marine species.

When you’re done walking along Beach Road, cross the Esplanade and set up at the picnic area or head down the boardwalk on to the sand to soak up some vitamin D (or, for the more intrepid, go for an invigorating winter swim).

It’s a popular spot for dog walks too. Dogs must be on a leash until you head north off Heather Street, Christies Beach, and south of Selway Terrace, O’Sullivan Beach, where off-leash is permitted (provided your dogs are under effective control).

5. Tick a few things off your to-do list

There’s an incredible diversity of shops and services on offer on Beach Road, so when you’re finished exploring you can “get some stuff done” before you head home.

Think chemists, major supermarkets, a post office, newsagency, banks, a locksmith, seafood place, butcher, veterinary clinic and mechanics.

For health and wellness, you’ve got hair boutiques; barbers; beauty spas; yoga, physiotherapy and Pilates studios; GPs; podiatry care; pathology; dance and fitness studios/gyms; and a hearing clinic.

Or get your affairs in order with accountants, conveyancing, lawyers, employment and training providers, and business advice.

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, Beach Road has you covered!

Photos: @deliciachristiesbeach@fleurieu_fit_@mirandascollab and @yourdestinationhairandbeauty.

Food, glorious food. Photo: @deliciachristiesbeach