Explore the best of South Australia with our ultimate travel guide, showcasing top destinations, attractions, and hidden gems in this stunning southern-central state.
Known for its breathtaking coastlines, world-renowned wine regions, picturesque beaches, and unique outback adventures, South Australia offers something for every traveller. Discover the beauty of South Australia’s pink lakes, explore vibrant wine-growing areas like the Barossa Valley, and indulge in fresh, local produce and cool-climate wines.
Whether you’re looking for nature, relaxation, or adventure, South Australia is the perfect destination for your next holiday. Plan your trip with our South Australia travel guide and experience the best the state has to offer!
Destinations
Adelaide & Adelaide Hills
On the surface, Adelaide comes across as a very chilled and almost sleepy State capital. If you dig a little you will find a city brimming with excellent food and wine, events, culture, and entertainment.
A pretty city that Aussies have nicknamed the "City of Churches". Some of Australia's best wine country is on its doorstep making Adelaide a great base for a day trip to the Barossa or Claire Valley.
Barossa
The Barossa is located less than an hour's drive northeast of Adelaide. An internationally acclaimed wine region with over 80 cellar doors.
What pairs with great wine? Great food of course. The Barossa is home to artisan cheesemakers, chocolatiers, and passionate local foodies.
Clare Valley
Wine wise it is all about Riesling in the Clare Valley, it's Australia's home of Riesling. There are more than 50 cellar doors in the region, plus the 35km Riesling Trail to explore.
But that's not all. Gourmands will be delighted as they discover fine food, farm gate stores, food festivals, and local restaurants. To work off all the good food explore one of the many walks, conservation parks, or historic towns.
Eyre Peninsula
You won't be at a loss for things to do around the Eyre Peninsula. Choose your adventure, stunning outback landscapes, or over 2000km of pristine coastline and ocean.
When you grow hungry you will be delighted with the local seafood. The waters of the Eyre Peninsula are abundant with prawns, tuna, Hiramasa Kingfish, mussels, abalone, and King George Whiting.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Located only 45 minutes south of Adelaide makes the Fleurieu Peninsula a great day trip. A diverse region with beaches, vineyards, rolling farmland, and quaint villages.
Along with the wineries discover the local distilleries and breweries. Food lovers will not be forgotten with the bounty of regional delights on offer.
Flinders Ranges & Outback
Where red Mars-like landscapes meet Aboriginal Dreaming. Stunning ancient mountain ranges and spectacular gorges.
Take an Aboriginal cultural walk and learn about the area from the local Adnyamathanha people. Discover the Painted Desert, view Wilpena Pound by air, or take a trip on the Coffee Pot.
Kangaroo Island
Visit for one day or a few (we suggest a few). Kangaroo Island is home to unique wildlife, mouth-watering food and wine, and breathtaking scenery.
Discover farm gates and cellar doors. Visit galleries, studios, and markets. Meet the locals, koalas, kangaroos, seals, wallabies, echidna, goanna, and Cape Barren geese.
Limestone Coast
If you are after spectacular natural wonders then South Australia's Limecoast is a perfect choice. Climb volcanoes, swim in sinkholes and, discover fossils.
A beach lover's paradise, a place to relax and rewind. Like the rest of South Australia, the Limestone Coast is home to wonderful wineries and local produce.
Murray River & Riverland
The mighty Murray River flows more than 2500 km from the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales to the Southern Ocean in South Australia. It is the third largest navigatable river in the world.
Hire a houseboat for a leisurely river vacation. Explore the beauty of the river and lakes. Enjoy the local produce and try your hand at the best fishing spots in South Australia.
Yorke Peninsula
The Yorke Peninsula has 700 kilometres of pristine coastline to explore. Plus it is just over an hour drive from Adelaide.
When not spending your time lazing on white sandy beaches, spend time in the crystal clear water swimming, surfing, or next to it fishing. Away from the water discover local breweries, or take in a hike or two.
South Australia's Highlights
Our top five picks for the South Australia Travel Guide. Of course, there is so much more to see and do.
Coober Pedy
There is nowhere in the world quite like the opal mining town of Coober Pedy. 50% of the population live underground which makes the town look a little void of civilisation. Add to this the moon like terraine and you could feel like you are visiting another planet.
Ceduna
Ceduna is located on the Far West Coast of South Australia and has claimed the title of the oyster capital of Australia. Enjoy abundant seafood, deserted beaches, spectacular sunsets, and whale watching. It is also the launchpad for a trip across the Nullabor.
Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is on Boston Bay, the largest natural harbour in Australia. Explore pristine beaches, eat amazing seafood and come face to face with Great White Sharks.
Handorf
Heritage listed and Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. A picturesque villaged filled with German flavour, and is home to the iconic Beerenberg Farm.
Marree
Marree is a small outback desert town located at the junction of the Oodnadatta and Birdsville tracks in Northern South Australia. Take a scenic flight and see the mysterious Marree Man. The world's largest piece of art. A giant geoglyph of an Aboriginal man etched into a plateau. The mystery? Discovered in 1998, seemingly to appear overnight. Nobody knows how it got there, or who the artist was.
Festivals and Events
February
Adelaide Fringe Festival
March
Adelaide Fringe Festival
Adelaide Festival
WOMADelaide
July
Tasting Australia
Adelaide Guitar Festival
Adelaide Film Festival
Beer & BBQ Festival
August
South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA)
September
Royal Adelaide Show
October
Oz Asia Festival
Fleurieu Folk Festival
November
Australian International 3 Day Event
Feast
Planning Your Visit
The weather is great all year round in South Australia with a Mediterranean climate. Warm, dry summers often above 35°C (95°F) and mild winters around 15°C (59°F).
Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting an area during school holidays or a festival. Also book well in advance if heading anywhere along the coast of South Australia for Christmas/summer holidays
Even in summer pack a light jumper for the evenings, especially if you are in the Outback.
Summer: Water activities and longer daylight hours to explore.
Autumn: Enjoy Autumn colours in the Adelaide Hills.
Winter: Southern Right Whale watching at Head of the Bight
Spring: Flowers galore! Adelaide's jacarandas, Clare Valley's Canola crops, and Fleurieu Peninsula's almond blossoms.
Getting Here
By Air: Adelaide Airport is the main International and Domestic Airport. There are many Regional Airports dotted around the State.
By Train: Trains run from the Capital Cities of each State to Adelaide. Adelaide is also the start/end destination for The Ghan, a major stop for two other Australian great train journeys. Trains also run throughout areas of South Australia.
By Sea: Pre-COVID times there were two major cruising ports Port Adelaide-Outer Harbor and the other on the Eyre Peninsula at Port Lincoln. At present cruising is on hold.
By Bus: There are regular bus services available from the Capital Cities of each State. Buses also run throughout South Australia. The main bus terminal in Adelaide is the Adelaide Central Bus Station.