OUR SEVEN BEST
SA jetties
Catch a fish or enjoy a stroll on an SA jetty.
01 Whyalla
Eyre Peninsula
In a unique design twist, there’s a 45m-wide circular section in the middle of Whyalla’s 165m-long jetty, which opened in 2020. Three shade shelters provide protection from the summer sun, and a broad platform at the end of the jetty can hold plenty of anglers.
02 Second Valley
Fleurieu Peninsula
This is as much about the location as the structure itself. Squeezed into a tiny cove on a particularly stunning part of the Fleurieu Peninsula, this jetty offers spectacular views of the coastal cliffs plunging into the azure waters of the gulf. This is a popular spot for fishing and squidding, while snorkellers and scuba divers will discover plenty of sea creatures among the rocky reefs nearby.
03 Wallaroo
Yorke Peninsula
At 869m in length, this is one of the longest jetties in SA. An 82m section juts out about a third the way along the jetty. Catches of large fish and dinner-plate-sized blue swimmer crabs are legendary. This is a grain-loading facility, so the end of the jetty is closed when a ship docks.
04 Stenhouse Bay
Yorke Peninsula
Given its location beneath rugged cliffs in the wild waters off southern Yorke Peninsula, it’s surprising this jetty is still there. This heritage-listed structure was used to load gypsum from the nearby mine until mining operations ceased. It’s now a popular fishing and scuba-diving spot within Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. The park is renowned for jaw-dropping coastal scenery, big surf, extensive walking trails and secluded bush camps.
05 Brighton
Metro coast
Brighton (main photo) is one of the most popular metro jetties, particularly among fisherfolk. Good hauls of squid are common, and while you’re wetting a line, drop a couple of crab nets over the rail. If you’re feeling peckish, head to an eatery along Jetty Road or grab a meal at the pub.
06 Port Germein
Flinders Ranges and Outback
Stretching a whopping 1.5km into Gulf St Vincent, South Australia’s longest jetty has to be on this list. Built in the early 1880s to handle clipper ships, it was originally 1680m long, but storm damage shortened it. If you walk to the end, it’s a lengthy round trip, so you might need to carry supplies.
07 Port Noarlunga
Fleurieu Peninsula
This jetty juts into the relatively sheltered waters between Port Noarlunga Reef and the beach, with great coastal views north and south. A sea-level platform at the end of the jetty gives snorkellers easy access to the waters of the Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve, which are teeming with fish and other marine life. Scuba divers can head even deeper and follow a series of underwater markers containing information about the reef and its inhabitants.
IMAGES: Getty; Isaac Forman; SATC/Adam Bruzzone; Tourism Australia.
