With a size of 983,482 square kilometres, South Australia is an outdoor wonderland. Discover more than 300 national parks, 1638 beaches, 346 islands, unique wildlife, the hip capital city of Adelaide, the outback, an underground town, and much more.
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The capital city of South Australia is oozing with beachy laid-back vibes, friendly locals, hip bars, and much more. A haven for foodies and wine lovers, visit the Adelaide Central Markets and taste locally grown produce. Go bar hopping on Peel and Leigh Street. Or if you prefer, indulge in some shopping at Rundle Mall.
With 20 beaches to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the beach lifestyle. For one of the most beautiful beaches near Adelaide, go to Maslin Beach. If you are feeling active, rent a bike and explore the city's neighbourhoods. Take a wander around Adelaide's Botanic Gardens or go mountain biking at the Cobbler Creek Recreation Park. Morialta Conservation Park also offers a variety of walking trails.
Follow Adelaide's Historic Walks and find out more about this city. Learn about the oldest culture in the world at the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. Visit the current exhibitions in the North Terrace cultural precinct. Or take it easy - pack a picnic and explore the gardens of Carrick Hill.
The Cleland Conservation Park offers a panoramic view of the city. Have a close encounter with emu, koalas, and other native wildlife at the Cleland Wildlife Park. Say G'day to the animals at Adelaide Zoo or interact with the variety of animals and birds at the Glen Forest Tourist Park. Or if you are a sports fan, visit Adelaide Oval and watch a game of cricket or AFL (Australian Football).
Adelaide Hills is worth a visit with rolling vineyards, native bushland, and curving mountain drives. There are lots of quirky villages to explore, and it is a perfect place to spot koalas. Discover an amazing assortment of flora and fauna, hiking trails, conservation parks, farms, and vineyards.
The charming town, Hahndorf has a tale to tell and was founded by German immigrants back in 1839. Today, it is a picturesque place, lovely for tourists to visit. Have a local encounter in the small towns of Aldgate, Stirling, Oakbank, Birdwood, Crafters, and Mount Barker, all located within an hour's drive from Adelaide.
Are you ready for a culinary adventure? The Barossa Valley is filled with gastronomic delights and is renowned for being Australia’s wine Mecca with some of the oldest vineyards in the country. Located approximately one and a half hour’s drive from Adelaide, discover rolling vineyards, fruit trees, and world-class restaurants.
The main towns of the Barossa are Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Lyndoch, Angaston, Seppeltsfield, Cockatoo Valley, Eden Valley, Springton, and Williamstown. Dabble in a little history and take a wander through Barossa's first village, Bethany.
Get a bird’s eye view of the Barossa in a hot air balloon. Rent a bike and cycle through the vineyards or conquer the Barossa Trail which is approximately 37.4 kilometres. Sample some local beer at the Barossa Valley Brewing Company. Meet the locals at the Barossa Farmers Market on Saturday morning. Here, you can find an array of fresh local products and a relaxed Australian atmosphere.
Admire local art at the Barossa Gallery or pop by the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company. Stroll through more than two hectares of lavender at the multi-award-winning Lyndoch Lavender Farm. Touch and smell more than 70 different varieties! End the day by heading to Menglers Hill Lookout and watching the sunset.
The Clare Valley, approximately 120 kilometres north of Adelaide, is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. The region is best known for producing Riesling. The climate is also ideal for the production of Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, and Merlot.
Clare Valley has more than 40 small-scale wineries, all of which are located within 40 kilometres between the towns of Auburn and Clare. Spend your days wandering through vineyards, sampling the region's most excellent wines, and tasting fresh local produce.
In the area, you will find many fine restaurants, boutique wineries, local craft breweries, museums, and art galleries. If you enjoy cycling, you can take the Clare Valley Riesling Trail, which will lead you past all the highlights of the region in approximately three hours.
Discover Australia’s most accessible outback, Flinders Ranges. Located approximately a five-hour drive from Adelaide, stretching over 400 kilometres. There are plenty of things to do and see in this part of the country.
Marvel at geographical wonders, deep red rock gorges, deserted plains and ancient rocky landscapes. See Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre, from above with a scenic flight. Get in your 4WD and explore wide open roads, red dirt and big cattle stations.
Admire spectacular outback colours at sunset over the ranges. Or drive to the Chase Ranges for another vantage point at dusk. Go on walks and spot an abundance of wildlife, the Heysen trail starts here. Head to Woolshed Restaurant or Prairie Hotel for some local Aussie flavours.
Discover one of Australia’s most beautiful islands, Kangaroo Island. Located southwest of Adelaide, this magical part of South Australia features 509 kilometres of coastline, an abundance of wildlife, and protected nature reserves. Have close encounters with sea lions on the beach of Seal Bay or spot koalas in the eucalyptus trees. There is also a diverse range of bird species found here.
Enjoy the scenery on the Snake Lagoon hike or conquer the Hanson Bay hike. Go swimming with dolphins or get closer to nature by kayaking around the bays. Visit Stokes Bay and walk through the natural rock tunnel to discover what lies on the other side.
At Dudley Winery, you can sample wine and enjoy a tasty lunch with a view. Say G'day to native Australian animals at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. Go sandboarding at Little Sahara or pack a picnic and spend the day on Vivonne Bay, voted one of Australia's top beaches! Kangaroo Island is authentic Australia.
Kati Thanda/ Lake Eyre is Australia's largest salt lake, located 647 kilometres north of Adelaide. The Arabana people ask that visitors do not walk on the lake due to its cultural significance. Therefore, the best way to admire this extraordinary sight is by taking a scenic flight. You can also experience the national park by night, camping! The best time to visit Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is between April and October. Keep an eye out for the Lake Eyre dragon!
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowDid you know? Australia has an underground town. Located between Alice Springs and Adelaide, Coober Pedy is a mining town, supplying 80% of Australia's opals. It is known as the 'opal capital of the world' due to the precious opals that are mined here. Restaurants, shops, museums, and even the local church are all located underground! Discover the road to Oodnadatta and marvel at all the colours of the outback.
For a quirky experience, why not stay in an underground hotel! Wake up and watch an outback sunrise, the best place to see this is at the Big Winch Lookout. Are you feeling active? Play golf at a golf course with no grass! And be sure to end your day by watching the sunset at the Big Blower Sign.
Coorong is derived from the Aboriginal word 'karangk' which means 'narrow neck'. If you drive in South Australia, along the coast from Meningie to Robe, you will discover why the name Coorong was chosen. Coorong is a narrow lagoon behind 140-kilometres of dunes, on a coastline of about 200-kilometres.
A trench was created by the construction of breakwaters at the mouth of the Coorong in 1940. In this waterland environment, you will see many freshwater lakes, salty lagoons, and beaches. Birdwatchers are well catered for in this area: it is a breeding ground for large pelicans and mallards.
In the Coorong National Park, 238 different bird species have already been spotted. There is a good chance that you will see swarms of black swans, waders, and geese. Coorong is a quiet area that lends itself perfectly to canoeing, sailing, and fishing trips.
The Murray River stretches 2500 kilometres from the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales to Coorong in South Australia. Over 130 million years old, the Murray is famous because it is Australia's longest river. Rich in Indigenous history, there is plenty to explore in this part of South Australia. Cruise the river in a houseboat or kayak through Hermann Gass Bird Sanctuary. Discover the natural treasures of Coorong National Park by kayak or canoe!
Stop by the Meningie Cheese Factory for some local delights or savour locally sourced Coorong mullet at the Coorong Hotel & Motel. Visit the Point Malcolm Lighthouse: the only inland lighthouse in the southern hemisphere. Visit Australia's largest pioneer village, Old Tailem Town, or go bird-watching at Martin Washpool Conservation Park. There are plenty of attractions to tick off your bucket list.
Approximately 40 kilometres outside of Adelaide is a magical place called Mclaren Vale. Marvel at the fruitful vineyards which touch the ocean and soak up the Mediterranean climate. Are you a foodie? Mclaren Vale is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions and is where South Australia’s viticulture started.
Visit beautiful beaches, sample local wine, and savour locally-grown produce. Pop by the farmer’s markets or conquer the hiking trails of Onkaparinga River National Park. Say G'day to the animals at the Woodstock Wines Wildlife Sanctuary. Be sure to visit the charming historic town of Strathalbyn.
Check out some of the pristine beaches Port Willunga, Aldinga Beach, Sellicks Beach, Moana, and Port Noarlunga. Feeling adventurous? Visit Australia’s first official ‘clothing optional’ beach, the south end of Maslin Beach. Discover the McLaren Vale Heritage Trail or cycle the Shiraz Trail. Enjoy views of Australian nature including deep river gorges on the Chapel Hill Lookout Loop.
Discover a natural playground: the Limestone Coast is located in the southeastern part of South Australia and is a fascinating place to visit. Visit the city of Mount Gambier or pop by one of the wine regions - Coonawarra, Padthaway, Robe, Mount Benson, and Wrattonbully. If you have time, conquer the Limestone Coast Loop which includes Menungie, Beachport, Naracoorte, and Keith. An ideal destination to relax in nature by the seaside and experience Australia's outdoor lifestyle.
The perfect blend of nature, wine, and food - Eyre Peninsula is waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its delicious seafood, this part of South Australia is a foodies haven. Have an ocean to plate culinary experience. Savour freshly caught oysters, and fish while soaking up the incredible ocean views.
Indulge in an array of aquatic activities including swimming with dolphins and sea lions. And for the adventurous, go shark cage diving or swim with giant cuttlefish! There is plenty to explore in this adventure playground.
Port Lincoln is a city within the Eyre Peninsula and is renowned for its fishing and seafood industry. Often referred to as the 'Seafood Capital of Australia,' it is an ideal destination to indulge in the freshly caught produce served at the local restaurants. If you seek nature, go to Lincoln National Park or Coffin Bay. Here, you can have a 4WD adventure, and go fishing, swimming, whale watching, or boating.
Approximately one hours' drive from Adelaide, you will find an outdoor wonderland, Yorke Peninsula. Discover 700 kilometres of stunning coastline, unique wildlife, diverse walking trails, friendly locals, cellar doors, alfresco dining, and breweries. Spend your days fishing, surfing, bushwalking, and more. Visit the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park or conquer the Coastal Way road trip.
Welcome to Fleurieu Peninsula - Adelaide’s adventure playground! Located approximately 45 minutes south of Adelaide in South Australia. The landscape of the Fleurieu Peninsula consists of mountains, national parks, rolling vineyards, long sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs.
The region offers a combination of delicious food, quality wine, and an array of recreational activities in the middle of nature. Spend your days sampling local wine, taking scenic walks, and popping into quirky small towns.
Since Fleurieu is a peninsula, there is an abundance of water activities to fill your days. You can go fishing, surfing, diving and snorkelling in the region. You can also go sailing and swimming in the bays.
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At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
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