I won't necessarily say that this is a particularly popular beach, namely because it does tend to…read morebe rather quiet when I end up here. However, it was one of those beaches that my friends and I tended to gravitate to on those rather nice summer days that we seem to regularly get down in Adelaide. Well, one of the reasons is that the beach is rather quiet, but it is also quite close to the city as well, meaning that it is a short drive to actually end up here. Okay, there doesn't really seem to be much in the way of facilities round here, but as a beach, yeah, it isn't bad at all.

30/12/2011 It's the day before New Years Eve 2012, and I…read morejust had a long drunk night in the city clubs last night. So what other way to recover from a hangover than to go surfing at West Beach!! LOL Just as I was getting ready for another one of my favourite TV series marathon in the cosy lounge room, I heard my older brother telling to get my ass off the couch and into the car, 'cos the three of us were headed down to West Beach again (we've been here a dozen times before, it's that good!). Everytime we all go there, we love bringing back the old school art of 'Skim Boarding', with one board each. Yes, it's dangerous. But it's oh....sooo fun!! (I don't recommend you try it unless you are sure you know what you're doing, this review is promoting the beach!) I hope I start the New Year without nearly breaking my wrist, lower back or ankle though, so I always stretch up these parts before pretending to be Kelly Slater. I'm always in the zone when I come to this beach. Back to the beach: This beach is normally empty with lots of space, but when there are lots of people, they are quiet, and considerate when they walk past us - which is saying a lot considering that we were too busy being real aggressive with our boards towards the waves. A few do stop and say hello, and start a conversation, appreciating how we were having a good time. The best part? This beach is so fun that several hours are lost being here and you'll head home hungry from all the calories you burnt. I especially love the clean water here, and the occasional hot chicks in bikinis that walk past! *wink* On New Years Eve 2011-2012 tonight, I am exceptionally thankful for my older brothers and cousins for the time we've spent here in West Beach and all the awesome times we had together here! Cheers! To end, here's a summary of this beloved beach... Speechless. West Beach, everytime I leave, I miss you too much or you make me not say anything at all. Heart-pounding, dangerous, breathtaking, pleasurable, bliss, sexy! It's the range of activities that anyone can do here that makes it 5 stars. Apologies for this long review, this beach is really that good. Lucky this didn't turn from a beach to a hospital review.

A beautiful, pristine beach typical of Adelaide's best beaches. Next to the jetty is the aptly, if…read morenot imaginatively, named, Grange Jetty Cafe. This cafe affords a gorgeous view and can give the feeling of being on holiday even when stopping for a quick coffee (tip: download the app for free rewards - they add up fast!). Often on hot summer days, this beach is particularly busy in the balmy evenings that follow the hottest of days. It's those nights that make Grange feel a little different to me than the other beaches I frequent, as it transitions into a kind of hippy spiritual zone! If i don't see a fire twirler after a 40 deg day, I'm pretty surprised and disappointed. There is a feeling here that is shared and I have felt many times to be at one with the sunset, the warm air and the people breathing it in. I'm reminded of Jung's theory of collective subconscious as it certainly feels like everyone is connected. In the less spiritual moments, this beach is full of people enjoying myriad beach activities and it is a fun, pretty and safe beach for anyone and everyone. Usually not quite as busy as Henley or Semaphore and is magnificent for swimming.

I actually haven't been to this beach all that much, which is surprising because it does tend to be…read morequieter than Henley Beach down the road, and it is also much closer to the train line (the Grange Station is a couple of blocks away), which is really convenient for those who don't like catching buses (and in all honesty who does). Okay, it doesn't have the same atmosphere as Henley, in that there is no restaurant strip here, only a pub and beachside restaurant. It also has a lot more sand dunes, which I have at admit I really like because for some reason I prefer running around the sand dunes as opposed to actually swimming in the ocean, despite the fact that you tend to land up with a lot more sand on you than otherwise. However, the water is still fairly shallow, but as I mentioned, it does tend to be a lot quieter than it's cousin just down the road.

They certainly have upgraded this place since I was last down here, which is never a bad thing,…read moreconsidering that it does happen to be Henley Beach, which is honestly one of the best beaches in Adelaide. The square itself is so much better than it used to be, not that I really do remember what it used to look like. Still, it certainly does add a lot more to the location, which I have to admit is pretty cool.

I'm probably biased, but when you compare what you get here with exotic locations like the south of…read moreFrance and the Med, we are way up there and totally a hidden gem to most of the world. As the Square has gained popularity over the years, it has admittedly got busier, however there are still enough facilities to cater for everyone. The current refurbishments will add even more facilities and functionality, which is rather exciting to see unfold. My favourite restaurant of all time is Estia, the Greek restaurant. So delicious and I also noticed yesterday that there is a new extension. Sea views from the extensive outside eating area, make this an all year round fun and superb place to indulge. There is a lot of variety in the Square, from breakfast places, to late night venues, to cafes and restaurants. Also take away and spaces to sit and relax on the grass. The new Foodland is totally awesome and proudly supports local businesses by selling great local produce. I've been concerned over the last few months about some businesses closing down and I fear high rental prices are causing a detrimental affect on the Square. I hope to see the several empty properties filled and thriving and urge anyone with knowledge and influence to aid this happening. Coming up soon as part of SALA (South Australian Living Artists Festival) is SALA on the Square. So look out for that - all August the businesses in the Square will be bursting with art from local artists. Just another of the many, many reasons to visit!

A beautifully kept oval that is a perfect place to dog walk, exercise or stroll. In summer when the…read morebeach is busy and the lead restrictions strict, it's very handy to have another local place for dogs to roam. Home to the Henley Old Scholars football club (I presume it still is as I haven't followed the footy for a while), the oval is also used for cricket, athletics and school sports days. I have also seen a regular group practising yoga under the massive shady trees. There is a playground and a skate park as well as ample parking, beautiful trees and three dispensers for doggy poo bags! A memorial to David Hookes is positioned next to the cricket practice nets and it's a very picturesque oval. But shhhh, don't tell anyone; it's tucked away for locals!

My sister and I tackled this trail from the Henley Beach starting point, with her 2 yr old daughter…read morein the pram. It's 12kms to the city from Henley which we found was about 2 1/2 - 3 hours walking time; don't do this with a pram, because you have walk back and funnily enough 2 yr olds get restless and angry! it's a really nice trail though and we plan to do it again but on bikes instead, there are a lot of bike riders along here and it would be that much quicker, it's 3 hours you might get all the way to the foot hills. Bike hire is free from designated outlets along the ride, so you don't have to lug your own bike to the trail (I live in the hills so this is great for me) and you can get a helmet too, yay because I don't actually have one.

We rode the entire length of Linear Park this weekend. (Yes my butt hurts now!)…read more We started in Henley Beach and rode through to the city. This stretch is very pleasant with lots of little spots to sit down and enjoy the surroundings, watch some horses horsing around and generally enjoy the serenity. The path does get quite narrow in spots so be careful of lycra riders rushing past. The highlight was coming up the ramp under South Road to what felt like the middle of the cemetery. Have a sit and a coffee in Elder Park. We then rode past the zoo and towards the East of Adelaide keeping pretty much in line with the Autobahn. This section is more Australian bush scenery than beachy/urban Adelaide. You could really forget that suburbia is sprawling out all around you. The smell of the blue green algae is a bit gross at the moment but I'm assuming that doesn't last all year. I recommend going from the beach in and then turning back as there is a slight rise. I always like to go downhill on the way home. It is not a difficult ride at all and we saw lots of kids, families and elderly doing the whole track.