Whether you’re bouncing between museums and galleries in Adelaide, winery hopping in the Barossa Valley or sunbathing on Kangaroo Island, you’ll be amazed at the sheer diversity of South Australia. Discover the state’s rich Aboriginal history and satisfy your appetite for adventure with road trips to the Limestone Coast and Flinders Ranges.
Things to do in South Australia
Discover a melting pot of history and culture in Adelaide, South Australia’s vibrant capital city. Get lost in the sprawling Central Market and catch a cricket match at the famous Adelaide Oval. The city’s once grungy laneways are now lined with trendy bars and cafes. Dine at chef-driven restaurants or keep things simple with a pie floater, a local favourite featuring a meat pie swimming in a green pea soup. Ride the tram to the lively beachside neighbourhood of Glenelg for a fix of sun, sand and saltwater.
Get off the beaten track in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. This national treasure protects a landscape of rugged mountains, rocky gorges and wildflower-strewn valleys. Walking trails lace the park and take you past abandoned homesteads and sacred Aboriginal sites. Hike to the scenic Wangarra Lookout or take it easy on the Bunyeroo-Brachina-Aroona Scenic Drive.
Wine is front and centre in South Australia and nowhere does it better than the Barossa Valley. The rolling hills are peppered with vineyards that produce full-bodied shiraz and crimson-coloured grenache. Switch things up in the Clare Valley, another winemaking region famous for fruity Rieslings. Dive deeper into the South Australian winemaking scene in regions like McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and the Adelaide Hills.
Board a ferry in Cape Jervis and sail to Kangaroo Island. Relax on beaches fringed by powder-white sand and hike through stands of sugar gums in Flinders Chase National Park. In addition to the island’s namesake kangaroos, you’ll see echidnas, wallabies and Australian sea lions.
Getting around South Australia
Adelaide is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, or you can ride the city’s famous trams. Trains are a good way to visit surrounding sights and attractions, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore South Australia at your own pace. Adelaide International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre, or you can use the express bus service.