Henley Beach  South Australia

The chain of beaches running north from West Beach are regarded as the best in the Adelaide metropolitan area. Grass-topped dunes, clean sand and picnic lawns typify this stretch of beach.

West Beach is also the place to catch The Woolshed which features shearing demos and offers the chance to get on touching terms with a range of farm animals.

If you fancy your food on the plate rather than the hoof, mosey north to Henley Square and Grange. These beach villages are renowned for their relaxed, outdoor dining and their range of food - everything from snacks, dinkum fish and chips to gourmet a la carte.

And if you are tempted to over-indulge, take the bike and walking trail back to the inner city.

While most of the social action and aquatic recreation might take place on northern beaches, the metropolitan coastline from the ecological gold mine of the St Kilda mangroves to the fascinating geological formations at Hallet Cove, Adelaide can present the complete coastal canvas for the entire range of beachcombers from the builders of sandcastles to sailors, divers, anglers, swimmers or promenade strollers.