South Australia might not get the marquee attention the way its neighbours to the east do, but there’s something wonderfully unpretentious about this Australian state. This is artisan Australia, where meals are farm-to-table, souvenirs are hand-crafted, and the landscape is as authentic as you’ll find anywhere in the nation. It also has a subtle “wow” factor that’s undeniable for anyone lucky enough to visit on a trip to Australia.
South Australia is bursting with natural wonder and flavour. You can spot sleepy fur seals near the famous rock formations of Kangaroo Island, hike through the otherworldly landscape of Wilpena Pound in the outback, and sip on Shiraz or Riesling in the Barossa. There’s variety to an Australian vacation to South Australia, as well as a charm that lingers long after you visit. Discover the wow factor of South Australia’s wildlife, outback, and wine, and experience authentic Australia as its meant to be lived.
Experience Adelaide, a charming capital that’s bursting with cultural appeal.
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s boring. In 2024, Architectural Digest named it the most beautiful city in the world, and it has consistently ranked highly on global lists for quality of life. Also in 2024, it was recognized as Australia’s first and only National Park City It’s a beautiful cultural centre with many festivals that attract people from across the globe and a thriving food and wine scene. The Central Business District (CBD) is the city’s hub for commerce and entertainment, but by no means is it the only part of the city worth exploring.
Head to the Adelaide Central Market for a taste of the city’s fresh produce before hitting up some of the trendy restaurants that showcase international cuisine, from the Indian fried chicken of Daughter in Law to modern Thai at Golden Boy and French fine dining at STN RD. Haigh’s Chocolate Factory will let you in on the secret of Australian chocolate making while the National Wine Centre gives you an introduction to the abundant flavours that await once you head into the nearby wine regions. Also, don’t miss out on the Botanic Garden, which offers an urban oasis of greenery and architecture for the perfect city break. Adelaide is also your gateway to the rest of the state, where wildlife encounters, outback adventures, and wine tastings await.
Suggested vacation package: Tastes of Southern Australia
Experience the iconic wildlife and astounding biodiversity of South Australia.
So many travellers head on a trip to Australia to see the animals. Who can blame them? There’s likely no more iconic assembly of national animals than kangaroos and koalas, which you’ll find in abundance in the reaches of South Australia. Kangaroo Island is an epicentre for seeing wildlife. This biodiverse island is a 45-minute flight from Adelaide or a few hours drive and ferry by car. The island is famed for its dramatic geology, showcasing natural wonders like Admiral’s Arch and the iconic Remarkable Rocks—a striking granite formation and the crown jewel of Flinders Chase National Park on the island’s wild west coast.
But travellers visit Kangaroo Island primarily to see the animals, and they’re in abundance here. Seal Bay Conservation Park on the island’s southern coast is home to a magnificent sea lion colony. Fur seals also call the island home, as do a small colony of little penguins, the world’s smallest species of penguin. Famous marsupials such as kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and echidnas can be seen across the island, as are a unique endemic lizard known as the Rosenberg’s goanna. Birders will also delight at the vast numbers of migrating bird life, including the glossy black cockatoo, which breeds on the island.
Suggested vacation package: Essence of South Australia
Experience the wonders of the outback.
While it might be tempting to stick to the coast when exploring South Australia, there’s a world of wonder awaiting you when you head inland. The state is home to the authentic outback, where the earth is red, the skies are big, and the land comes alive with a magical allure.
Head five hours north of Adelaide and you’ll reach Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, one of the best outback parks in Australia. Bushwalk with an indigenous guide to learn about the local flora and fauna, go birdwatching, or enjoy some soft adventure with mountain biking. Ikara-Flinders Ranges is perhaps most notable as the home of Wilpena Pound, a massive natural amphitheatre that is a premiere hiking destination and a sacred site for the Adnyamathanha people, who hold deep cultural and spiritual connections to the land. The views from the rim are truly spectacular.
Continue another seven hours north to reach Coober Pedy. To escape the desert heat, locals live underground in unique dugouts—homes, churches, and even hotels carved into the earth. Famous for being an opal mine, the town draws gem hunters and adventure seekers from far and wide. All around, surreal, Mars-like landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable experience. You can tour the mines and buy some opals to take home as a souvenir.
Suggested vacation package: Outback Adventure
Experience a world of flavours in the state’s celebrated wine regions.
The wine in South Australia isn’t just notable within the Australian market; it’s home to some of the best wine in the entire Southern Hemisphere. The Barossa is the most famous of the South Australian wine regions and is located an hour’s drive from Adelaide. The Baross is renowned for its ancient, continually producing vines, playing a pivotal role in shaping the world’s winemaking legacy. It’s home to over 150 wineries. The valley is most famous for Shiraz, but it’s by no means the only wine to be found here, as the rich and fruity local Cabernet Sauvignon is also popular. Initially settled by German immigrants, the valley also has dry German wines such as Riesling. Its German heritage also means there are German bakeries serving up delicious pastries in towns such as Tanunda.
The Barossa might be the most famous wine region in South Australia, but it’s by no means the only one. South Australia is proud to be one of the 12 Great Wine Capitals of the world, joining renowned regions like Napa Valley, Porto, Bordeaux, and Verona. With 18 distinct wine-growing regions, the diversity of landscapes across South Australia creates the perfect environment for a wide range of exceptional varietals. McLaren Vale offers Shiraz and Grenache, while Adelaide Hills refreshes with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Clare Valley is the nation’s Riesling capital. Even Kangaroo Island has a wine region, with remote vineyards offering surprising blends amongst the island’s beaches and dunes.
Suggested vacation package: South Australian Wildlife & Wine
South Australia never fails to captivate with its blend of cultural treasures and natural wonders. Here, you’ll discover breathtaking landscapes, vibrant flavours, and some of the world’s most endearing wildlife. It’s the perfect destination to experience the heart of authentic Australia.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
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