We are, arguably, the luckiest people in the world to call the beautiful and varied state of South Australia home. A quick 30-minute drive from the city and you can escape to another world! Visit the rolling valleys of the Adelaide Hills, the vast pastoral lands of the North, the vineyards of the South, or one of the many world-class beautiful beaches that line our coast! Venture a bit further and discover hidden treasures dotted all over the state.
Discover Kangaroo Island
Take a quick flight or a short ferry over to Kangaroo Island, our very own island escape with so much to see and explore. Allow a couple of nights minimum to take in all the glory of KI - from rugged beauty to native wildlife, and mouth-watering food and wine experiences all topped off by the incredible hospitality of the friendly locals. Visit one of the many outstanding wineries and cellar doors, pick up a handmade creation from a local store, stock up on fresh oysters or marron, and visit the lavender or honey farm for a quintessential taste of KI. And don’t forget to visit the brewery and KIS distillery for a cheeky tasting. While you could easily while away the days tasting your way around the many food and drink establishments on the island, there is still so much to see and do.
Seal Bay
Venture down to Seal Bay and meet the puppies of the sea, as they laze about and play on the beach. Make your way along the coast to Vivonne Bay to swim in the crystal blue waters and, if you’re lucky, be joined by the resident pod of dolphins! As you journey further across the island, you'll be awestruck by the rugged beauty of the coastline.
Flinders Chase National Park
Enter the Flinders Chase National Park and experience the exceptional beauty of the bush regrowth, post the devastating bushfires earlier in the year. Wander down to Remarkable Rocks and marvel at the natural phenomena of the sky-high stacked granite boulders before visiting the unique Admirals Arch, an impressive natural rock arch that's been carved out by the forces of nature. Watch with delight as the seal pups play in the waves and on the rocky surface below.
Discover the Flinders Ranges
Venture inland to South Australia’s largest mountain range, the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Spend a weekend away, enjoying the experience of glamping at the Wilpena Pound Resort or Heli-Swagging at Rawnsley Park Station or dwell a little longer and immerse yourself in a 4WD adventure or hike for days through the picturesque valleys of this Mars-like landscape. Rug up warmly as you sleep, camping under the light of a million stars - a breathtaking way to fully experience the remote and untouched beauty of this stunning region. Learn about the ancient lore of the traditional owners, the Adnyamathanha people, who tell the story of Wilpena Pound's creation by two intertwined serpents.
Explore the Fleurieu Peninsula
Spend your days indulging in all the delights of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Like a scene pulled from a painting, marvel at the ochre-coloured cliffs as they roll into the glittering seas of the south coast. Set up for a day of swimming and sunbaking on the beautiful Port Willunga beach or venture inland a short 10 minute drive on a Saturday morning to the popular Willunga Farmers Markets. Find yourself lost in a sea of vines as vineyards roll over the hills as far as the eye can see while you kick back for a wine tasting or two in McLaren Vale, or feast on the freshest regional flavours at one of many boutique dining venues scattered amongst the vines.
Charming towns
Visit the lively town of Aldinga before heading further south to Normaville, Yankalilla and Second Valley. Spend a lazy weekend away exploring the charming coastal towns of Goolwa, Port Elliot and Victor Harbor located just pver an hour from the city. Dive into a Fleurieu Peninsula escape and indulge in the simple pleasures of life.
Experience the Eyre Peninsula
Take off for a road trip to the Eyre Peninsula, an 8-hour drive or short flight from Adelaide, to experience the best of the west. You'll need a car to explore the ins and outs of this wonderful region, with rentals available from the Port Lincoln airport if you fly in.
Try world-class seafood
You'll need at least 3 or 4 days explore the area - the epicenter of the South Australian seafood industry. See how oysters are grown before sampling Coffin Bay Oysters on an oyster farm tour. If oysters aren't your seafood of choice, there are plenty more mouthwatering delights you can feast on, freshly plucked straight from the sea.
Up close with marine wildlife!
There's a long list of marine experiences to be had on the Eyre Peninsula - from swimming with the sea lions, tuna or dolphins to cage diving with sharks. Prefer to be above the sea rather than below? How about a fishing charter where you can catch yourself a feed and learn tips from the locals who have fished these waters their whole lives. The adventures don’t stop there. Add an overnight camping stay on the Sir Joseph Banks group of islands or take a twilight sunset cruise for an unforgettable experience!
In winter, head further west to the Great Australian Bight and marvel in awe as you witness migrating Humback whales splashing about, as far as the eye can see. The Head of Bight Vieiwing Platform and Interpretation Centre is the best place to view the giants of the sea, and learn more about them.
Get up close with native wildlife
Get up close to the native wildlife in the National Parks and cuddle koalas in their natural habitat at Mikkira Station. Travel further out of the township and explore some exceptional 4WD tracks whether you are travelling in your own 4WD or a tour is more your speed, there are options for everyone! Join Australian Coastal Safaris for an immersive ocean to plate experience, snorkel for abalone, four-wheel drive through sand dunes to reach a deserted beach, and enjoy your fresh catch. Enjoy South Australia’s seafood capital, and dive into an ocean exploration like never before in the Eyre Peninsula.
Enjoy picturesque Adelaide Hills
Winter is for the Adelaide Hills and surrounds where you can enjoy a glass of local vino whilst the open wood fire crackles beside you, offering a warmth and ambience that is second to none. Walk the tree-lined streets of bustling Hahndorf, explore the charming towns of Aldgate or Stirling, or take a scenic drive through the hills from Lobethal to Lenswood.
Visit a cellar door and treat yourself to a wine tasting and delicious lunch or delve a little deeper into the comfort of the Adelaide Hills and stay a night or two in one of many exceptional accommodations. From a quaint and cosy B&B nestled in amongst the rolling hills to the grandeur of the prestigious Mount Lofty House, you're sure to find somewhere you'll feel embraced by the Adelaide Hills.
Wine and Dine throughout Barossa or Clare Valley
How about a weekend away in the beautiful Barossa or Clare Valley as you wine and dine your way through one of the beautiful wine regions of the north! Discover the tastes of the region at the many cellar door tastings or wine masterclasses available. But wine is not all there is on offer! Visit the Barossa Distilling Co for gin, spirits and cocktails or create your very own take-home gin at the Gin School at the Durand Distillery.
Literally rise bright and early as you float above the vineyards on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Prefer to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground? How about a luxury car tour, taking you from winery to winery as you indulge in world-class wines, just an hour from the city.
Murray River
Float your troubles away on the Murray River as you travel in style aboard a historical river Steamboat or private Houseboat, witnessing the river as so much more than just a water source. Watch in awe as you cruise past contrasting landscapes, from sandy beaches to sheer ochre-coloured cliff faces, every glance revealling a new and picturesque aspect of this beautiful region. Surrounded by fertile land, the towns of the Riverland such as Waikerie, Berri, Renmark, Loxton and Barmera showcase exceptional citrus, fresh and dried fruits and wine.
Beautiful images credited to South Australian Tourism Commission and various other photographers: Meaghan Coles, Isaac Forman (Serio), Ben Goode, Mark Elbourne, Adam Bruzzone, South Australia Museum, John Montesi, Elise Cook, Natalie Homna, Megan Crabb, Calypso Star Charter, Maxine Coquard, Lyndon O'Keefe, Ryan Cantwell, Andy Rasheed, Ian Routledge, Dimitra Koriozos, Barossa Distilling Company/TCS Productions, Josie Withers and Atze's Corner Wines Estate.
