For a lot of us, a visit to an RSL is an annual event on Anzac Day, but we found out that they are in fact year round fantastic venues where families are not just welcomed as guests, but are actively encouraged to come visit! We have been fans of the Port Noarlunga-Christies Beach RSL (Returned Services League) forever. A South Australian icon which works tirelessly to provide a great place for the community to catch up and have a drink and a meal in a friendly environment (at really cheap prices too by they way….like really cheap!)

We loved the Porties RSL for so many reasons. The location is absolutely magnificent. For the northerners who may not be as familiar with the south, the RSL sits at the very top of the mountain with incredible sea views to the north and south. Port Noarlunga beach (surely in the top 5 beaches in our state) is a few hundred meters to the south and Christies Beach a short walk to the north. With a brand new huge deck out the front of the RSL, there is no better way to wind down after a busy day than to kick back with the fam and watch the sunset.

Food wise, their amazing chef Matt has pivoted brilliantly due to Covid-19 and has fired up one of the best food trucks (Smokin It Up) in the area, serving American BBQ style food (which is open every Friday from 5pm til late , and 12pm on Sundays). I legitimately had the best sausage I have ever eaten in my life, but we settled on the loaded fries and a pulled pork pie which was an absolute delight. If your kids like more simple food like mine, the standard burger and chips was sensational. It is actually quite incredible the quality of food Matt served up from a food truck. Once Covid settles down and things return back to normal, Matt will be moving back into the kitchen to continue to serve amazing food to the RSL’s guests. Watch this space for updates!

The location sells itself, but for the families an awesome feature is the massive playground right next door to the RSL. With equipment suitable for all ages and with enough space to fly a kite or kick a footy, it makes for a fantastic family complex. Read more about our playground visit here!

As a big believer in teaching our kids about the incredible history of our country and what people sacrificed to help get us to where we are today, a big plus of visiting and supporting the RSL is being able to show the kids the memorabilia and explain what it all means. With a huge beer garden, massive deck and outdoor dining area, FREE 8-ball (snooker for the traditionalists) and video games, you just won’t get this sort of environment or atmosphere at a pub of restaurant.

Port Noarlunga RSL Opening Hours

  • Wednesday – 3pm til 8pm
  • Friday – 3pm til 11pm (Meals from 5pm currently due to Covid)
  • Saturday – 3pm til 9pm
  • Sunday – 3pm til 8pm (Meals from 12pm currently due to Covid)

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  • Find it at: Esplanade, Port Noarlunga How about this stunning playground location! Located at the top of the Esplanade cliff between Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach (Right next door to the Port Noarlunga RSL - Free 8 ball and video games by the way), this great little playground is a fantastic way to let the kids burn off some beach energy while you enjoy the breathtaking views. With lots of space, some modern equipment to climb on with enough to keep the little kids and bigger kids entertained (oh and some fitness equipment if you get the urge...must say I never have!), it is a fave with the locals this one. Lots of parking both on the street and in car parks, with toilets available at the RSL too. There is a BBQ and shelter and enough grassed area to bring a footy for a kick (to be honest this is kite country. Bring one!)

  • Find it at: Port Augusta foreshore (Behind the Woolworths) Port Augusta Skatepark opened in 2010 and is still a fantastic community space in great condition. There no bowl per se but a large but accessible kinking bowled type area. It’s got a beyond vert half pipe section known as ‘the wave’. A smaller, beginner and transition area and a perfectly sloping downhill street skate section. Close to facilities, this is well worth a look on your trip up north.

  • Agatha's Food Store has been a part of the Port Noarlunga cafe community for as long as we can remember - we remember going there as kids and now we are taking our own kids there for their delicious, family friendly drinks and food menu! You'll find Agatha's on the corner in Port Noarlunga, opposite the pub - just a short walk to the Port Noarlunga Beach and Jetty and only a stone's throw from the Jubilee Playground just over the bridge. It's right on the doorstep of the Onkaparinga River mouth, so is perfect for breakfast, lunch or a coffee and treat while you are having a day trip down south. Enough about the location - onto the food! The menu is simply HUGE, with tons of options for both breakfast, lunch and drinks. There is also a delectable range of macarons, cakes, slices, biscuits and more to go with your coffee, or to takeaway for later. We are big fans of the kids menu. There are options for kids who like to keep it simple and also options for kids who are a bit more adventurous. On our most recent visit, our kids went for the waffles with…

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