Henley Square

Makeover! It started to feel like it was taking a long time, just before they unwrapped it. Now you could compare this city beach spot to somewhere like the foreshore in Cairns, Queensland.
Up in Queensland you have a major international tourist trade along with locals mixing in some shaded water. Here in our relatively quiet beach we have shade, places to sit, surreal undulating seating and other well designed facilities. I think it is world class in a nutshell, kudos to the City of Charles Sturt for a make-​over very well done.

I’m probably biased, but when you compare what you get here with exotic locations like the south of France 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!

ITS A SQUARE AND ITS IN HENLEY… :)
What can I say about Henley Square. Its cold, wet and miserable in the winter months, but its amazing in Summer. There’s constantly something happening down at Henley. You can relax on the grass, eat at one of the great Café’s. Get an Ice-​Cream, walk on the Jetty. Henley is the place to go when you want a change from the businesses that is Glenelg.
I’m not sure what else I can write about a square but its definitely worth visit during the summer months! :)

After spending a lazy afternoon and long evening sitting in the square here with a big picnic blanket and a lot of things to munch on, I must say this is one of the nicest beaches in metropolitan Adelaide. The Square looks over the beach and the grass is lush. Eateries spill into the square and the council keeps it ever so spick and span.
The beach and square is regularly patrolled by the local police but people are generally well behaved. My only issues with this lovely place to sit in the sun is the lack of shade, particularly when evening hits as the sun is right in line with the jetty and blasts into your line of sight.

I agree with Penny and Rachel, Henley Square is definitely the quieter and less touristy option when comparing it to Glenelg’s Moseley Square. Is it therefore better? Well, it depends on what you’re after. The choice of cafes and restaurants is not as extensive, but you’ve got two outstanding places here in my opinion.
There’s Thai Orchid restaurant to which I’ve been a couple of times and the food has always been amazing. It’s certainly cheaper than anything similar you would find in Glenelg. Then there is one of my favourite places for lunch or tapas, Bacchus Wine Bar. Slightly more expensive but right next to the beach and well worth it.
You’re not spoiled for choice in Henley Square, especially when it comes to shops (there is hardly anything) but if you want a nice location for drinks or dinner, you’ll most definitely find something you’ll love.

Henley Beach Square is great. It’s beautiful, it’s relaxing, and there’s a lot of places to go to have a good feed, coffee, or ice cream on a lovely summers day! On a really nice, warm, day on the weekend, there will be a few people here, but it never really seems too over crowded, which is nice because I can’t stand crowds (hence why I’ll pick Henley Beach over Glenelg any day of the year). It’s just so… nice here. I don’t think there is anything I can pick about it that I don’t like! Ok, maybe the parking can be a little irritating on the busier days, but you get that with most great places!

Henley Beach Square is in ways a refreshing alternative when in comparison to Glenelg. It’s a little less mainstream, a little less jam packed and a little less «school holiday» if you catch my drift.
You may see a few more adidas shorts over conventional board shorts here, and a few more soccer balls rather than frisbees, however like I said– refreshingly different!
The Royal Compenhagen located just out of the square is brilliant, and there are some fantastic restaurants to (immensely) enjoy such as Estia. The actual square is fairly small however clean and well maintained. The beach is also decent with a jetty to enjoy the seaside views.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, desert, drinks, swim, relax or party. Henley has something for everyone. Happy summer days boys and girls!