Port Noarlunga Jetty (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Port Noarlunga Jetty?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: Solo travelers enjoy free reef snorkelling, fishing, and photography from the long jetty; public toilets and cafes are near, but little shade and strong winds can limit comfort.
Positives:
- Easy public transport: Catch the 720 bus from Adelaide directly to Port Noarlunga, then walk 10 minutes to the jetty.
- Nearby amenities: Find public toilets at the Witton Centre and cafés along Gawler Street within a 5-minute walk.
Challenges:
- Strong currents: The reef can have swift currents; avoid snorkelling alone at mid to high tide.
- Limited shade: The exposed jetty and beach offer little sun protection; carry sunscreen and a hat.
What is Port Noarlunga Jetty?
- A timber jetty extending from Port Noarlunga beach into Gulf St Vincent
- A heritage-listed pier erected in the early 20th century to serve local fishing and maritime access
- A fixed platform linking the shoreline to the submerged Port Noarlunga Reef within the Encounter Marine Park
What is so special about Port Noarlunga Jetty for solo trip?
- Follow a 12-marker snorkel trail off the wooden jetty.
- Photograph reef life and seasonal whales from above.
- Kayak in a glass-bottom boat for dry-foot reef views.
- Experience nocturnal marine life on a guided night dive.
- Enjoy riverside walks and local cafés nearby.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for self-guided snorkelling, jetty photography, and a quick café break.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Port Noarlunga Jetty
Self-guided snorkelling dive trail:
Follow the 12 underwater markers off the jetty to explore the reef at your own pace.
Tip: Start at low tide and enter from the third set of steps for calm waters.
Jetty photography & wildlife spotting:
Shoot colourful reef fish and, seasonally, dolphins or southern right whales offshore.
Tip: Bring a zoom lens and a waterproof phone case for close-up shots.
Glass-bottom kayak tour:
Paddle above the reef in a clear kayak with fish-feeding below.
Tip: Book with Easy Kayaks before noon to catch low-tide tours.
Guided night dive:
Join a dive group after dark to see Port Jackson sharks and octopus.
Tip: Reserve at least two weeks ahead and check water temperatures.
Riverside walk or jog:
Follow flat paths along Onkaparinga River Recreation Park south of the jetty.
Tip: Combine with sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures and soft light.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Port Noarlunga Jetty
- Bring your own gear: Use personal snorkel equipment to skip rental lines and save money.
- Check tide times: Plan snorkelling and kayak tours at low tide for calmer water and better reef access.
- Book activities early: Reserve glass-bottom kayak slots online to guarantee a solo seat on busy days.
Reviews of Port Noarlunga Jetty
Corinne Parnell
Enjoyed our walk along the boatdwalk to the Htty and down the jetty, only days after the Algal breakout. Water was clear. A lovely jetty to walk down. It is a busy jetty with lots of people fishing. Just need ti be careful not to trip of their gear or when they are casting. Shame the minimum size of fish caught is not sheared too, lots of undersized fish being kept. The lovely snorkel sign just...
Emmy Silvius
The 300 meters long Port Noarlunga jetty is located above the Port Noarlunga Reef - a vibrant marine protected area that is a popular and accessible dive and snorkel site. The Reef is within the Encounter Marine Park, which is home to over 200 species of marine plants and animals. The jetty itself was built in the early 1921, replacing the original 1850s structure, and includes stairs providing ea...
Claire Page
There is a fantastic new boardwalk that starts from the jetty. It goes all the way to Christies Beach and is nice and flat so wheelchairs can roll along it. Lovely beach and great jetty. It is busy but has a reasonably big carpark nearby and toilet and shower facilities.
Pat Chung
I think Noarlunga Beach is a beautiful beach. On the day of my visit (25 July 25), it was a windy day and with strong wave. The jetty was closed due to damages by extreme weather recently. I saw a thick layer of toxic algal foam washed with the waves. The foam had been washed up to the beach or the rocks at the coast. I am very sad that after my first sight of algae in SA coast back to early Apr...
Pankaj Sharma
Visited this beach the first time. What a beautiful beach! Ambience around the beach is beautiful. Nice cafes and a walking trail. The water was so crystal clear. Just loved it. Very famous for snorkelling.
When is the best time to visit Port Noarlunga Jetty (Adelaide, Australia)?
Swim and snorkel in summer for best visibility. From June to September, watch southern right whales offshore. Bring a wetsuit or extra layers in winter.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Snorkel gear hire | AUD 10 |
| Glass-bottom kayak tour | AUD 65 |
| Coffee at nearby café | AUD 4 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 79 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Port Noarlunga Jetty
Address: 95/96 Esplanade, Port Noarlunga SA 5167, Australia
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About Port Noarlunga Jetty
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
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