PORT NOARLUNGA

Welcome to Port Noarlunga

Soak up the relaxed ambience of life by the seaside in the picturesque village of Port Noarlunga.

Along with its collection of interesting shops, great coffee spots and heritage-listed buildings, this old port town also boasts one of the state’s most iconic aquatic playgrounds, nestled between red sandstone cliffs and edged by a safe swimming beach. The beach is patrolled by the local Surf Lifesaving Club in the warmer months, making it an ideal, family-friendly spot to swim or paddle.

Port Noarlunga Jetty juts out into the ocean, providing the perfect access point to explore the natural splendour of Port Noarlunga Reef and aquatic reserve. It’s the perfect spot to cast a line or begin your underwater adventure snorkelling or diving the reef amidst schools of colourful fish.

For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, the main street offers an enchanting collection of shops featuring unique fashions, gifts and homewares. The heritage-listed villa, Sauerbier House, is located on Wearing Street close to the banks of the Onkaparinga River. Dating back to around 1898, this charming colonial building now houses an Arts Centre featuring the works of local visual artists.

If all this exploring has piqued your appetite, there are plenty of dining options within walking distance. Check out bustling Beck’s Bakehouse for good coffee and tasty baked treats, Agatha’s Licensed Café for a laid-back lunch option, or indulge in award-winning seafood at Hortas on the beachfront. Alternatively, enjoy the quintessential Aussie coastal cuisine - take-away fish and chips on the beach from one of the local eateries.

Conveniently located approximately thirty kilometres south of Adelaide, Port Noarlunga is a popular snorkelling and diving destination or perfect location for a family-friendly beach break.

Listen on as we dive deeper into the natural beauty of Port Noarlunga.

Port Noarlunga Jetty

Take a leisurely stroll on the century-old Port Noarlunga Jetty to truly experience this seaside centrepiece. Jutting approximately 300m out into the ocean from the sandy shore, this iconic jetty brings you even closer to the watery wonders of the Port Noarlunga Reef and aquatic reserve. Feel the cool sea breeze caress your face, listen to the splashing of snorkellers on the nearby reef or the excitement of daredevils diving off into the waters below. The jetty has become a popular spot for fishers of all ages, so why not cast your worries away as you sink a line to chance a catch. Fishing is said to be at its best in winter, when salmon, mullet and tommy rough frequent the waters.

The first jetty at Port Noarlunga was built in 1855 to service the flour mill and fishing industries which were flourishing in the area at the time. However, storms caused significant damage over the years and the original structure was finally demolished in 1914. Its pile stumps are occasionally visible south of the current jetty at low tide. The existingjetty was constructed for purely recreational purposes and opened to the public in December 1921. It continues to be a popular fishing, diving and social spot for locals and visitors alike.

The jetty features several stairs and platforms designed to give snorkellers and divers easy access at any tide level to the encompassing Port Noarlunga Reef and Aquatic Reserve. The Reserve forms part of the Encounter Marine Park, extending from Port Noarlunga to Kangaroo Island, and featuring pristine conservation areas and diverse marine life. Keep listening to dive beneath the surface and discover the underwater world of Port Noarlunga Reef and Aquatic Reserve.

Dive Deeper- Port Noarlunga Reef

Nicknamed the ‘Great Southern Reef’, Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary Zone is one of South Australia’s most popular aquatic reserves. Its protected waters provide shelter for a colourful collection of marine life, creating an underwater paradise for snorkellers and divers of all abilities.

This natural temperate reef system is comprised of two separate reefs, formed from consolidated gravelly-sand, and extending for a length of about 1.6 kilometres. The two reefs are separated by an area known as ‘The Gap,’ where the Onkaparinga River used to flow via a gorge straight out to sea thousands of years ago. The reef runs in a North-South direction parallel to the shoreline and is submerged in around 3-7 metres of water. At high tide, the rocky top of the reef is exposed above the surface and is visible from the jetty.

More than two hundred species of marine plants inhabit the area, attracting around fifty species of fish. Common inhabitants of the reef include silver sweep, nudibranchs, zebrafish featuring blue and white stripes along their length, and old wives and moonlighter species boasting bold vertical black stripes encircling their bodies. Well-camouflaged wobbegong sharks and nocturnal Port Jackson sharks (both considered quite harmless to humans) have also been seen in the area. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter larger species such as dolphins or southern rite whales.

Snorkel and scuba gear can be hired from local dive shops located near the jetty and along the esplanade. The reef can be explored at your own pace independently, via a self-guided underwater trail consisting of twelve information markets, or via guided snorkel or dive tours. The closest access to the reef is via the dive stairs and platforms located at the far end of the jetty.

Accessibility

Port Noarlunga is just over thirty kilometres south of Adelaide. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes by car or taxi. Alternatively catch Adelaide Metro bus service 721 from Stop W Grote Street (South side) towards Seaford, and disembark at Stop 73 at Saltfleet Street, Port Noarlunga.

Accessible toilets and accessible parking bays are located at the Witton Centre at 1 Saltfleet Street in Port Noarlunga and are open during daylight hours. Jubilee Park also offers accessible toilets open 24 hours.

Please note that you need to be a certified diver to rent scuba gear in Australia. Safety requirements may restrict the ability of people who are legally blind to obtain this license. However, it may be possible to negotiate an introductory dive (completed with the aid of an instructor) even if you are unable to obtain your certification. This would be at the discretion of the operator and would need to be discussed with them directly. Snorkel equipment may be hired without any certification or prior experience.

Please note that there are no handrails on the dive steps located at the far end of the jetty. This is to allow divers and snorkellers easy access to the water at all tide levels. Please take care when using them to enter the water.