South Australia is one of the favorite destinations to Australia tourists. From eye catching cities and towns, exotic food and wine, and popular cultural festivals, to remarkable attractive scenery. It is ranging from barren outback to beautiful parks and the iconic Murray River, there’s truly something for everyone. Even the prehistoric sites giving visitors a deep understanding into millions of years of evolution on the most isolated continent! Let’s explore the 16 best tourist attractions to visit in South Australia. It brings you the wonderful memories of your trip.
The plants and animals are amazing with native wildlife only a few minutes away from the city. If you’re a wine lover, Barossa Valley is a must place to visit. There are plenty activities to do in the region such as surfing, kayaking, climbing hills and picking variety of fruits. Coober Pedy gives the satisfaction to complete the trip to South Australia. It is not only opal capital of the world but also an exotic township where most people live in caves.
- Adelaide
- Adelaide Hills
- Barossa Valley
- Clare Valley
- Coober Pedy
- Coorong National Park
- Eyre Peninsula
- Fleurieu Peninsula
- Flinders Ranges and the Outback
- Kangaroo Island
- Limestone Coast
- Mount Gambier
- Murray River
- Riverland
- The Painted Desert
- Yorke Peninsula
1. Adelaide
Travelling to Adelaide is something that you have to do while visiting South Australia. Adelaide is Australia’s fifth largest city, one of its most charming and unsurprisingly it is the capital city of SA. Once considered a dull, oversized country town that couldn’t compete with bigger rivals such as Sydney and Melbourne, but now one of Australia’s most dynamic cities with its parks and gardens, high-rise buildings in the city center, brimming streets with exciting cafes, exotic restaurants and cutting-edge cocktail bars, as well as beautiful beaches including the Adelaide Oval and Adelaide Zoo.
Adelaide Oval – is popular for its cricket matches and AFL game, and it has played a wide range of sports since late 1800s. Climb the roof for 360-degree views of the River Torrens and the city.
Adelaide Central Market
There are many farmers’ markets such as Gepps Cross Treasure Market, Torrens Island, Salisbury Fruit Bowl. Also many great points of interest in Adelaide, such as the lovely Botanic Gardens to stroll through. Adelaide Central Market, a shopping centre and the impressive line-up of events at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Have breakfast at the Adelaide Central Market, whose 80 stalls attract eight million visitors a year.
North Terrace cultural area is another popular attraction of Adelaide with its museums, galleries, and historic gems. It’s also home to the biggest club in Australia, which dispels the notion of it being a boring city! Learn something at the excellent clutch of museums as well as the zoo. One who visit Adelaide should amble down the Rundle mall shopping centre and obviously spend some time and money to have some delicious drinks and snacks, picking up some Haigh’s chocolate for a souvenir.
From Rundle mall or Victoria square catch a tram or bus to Glenelg beach to sail, swim and soak up the seaside ambience, or venture into the beautiful bush-covered hills of the Mount Lofty Ranges (Adelaide Hills). Waterfall Gully is worth a visit, as is the beachside suburb of Glenelg with its famous jetty and trams. Watch the sunset over Glenelg beach with a cold pint of Cooper’s fresh from the source. Have a visit to Hindley St’s lively nightlife, or sip a little more in the moody bars of Peel St.
Adelaide Hills
Adelaide is surrounded by hills, with some great parks such as Cleland, George wildlife park to cuddle a koala. Moreover, there are beaches such as Aldinga to visit if you need a break from the city. Visit the Big Rocking Horse out of the city centre for a cute, peculiar backdrop to your travel videos. We will see more details in the next section.
Adelaide is big enough to have fun but small enough not to have the crowded feeling of larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne with just over a million residents. Eventually, there are also many lovely heritage buildings in many suburbs. Without a doubt, Adelaide is one of the best places to go in South Australia!
2. Adelaide Hills
Adelaide hills is a must visit for its scenery, wildlife, and friendly activities are perfect mix of fun and relaxation. Although only 20 minutes from Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills be another world away. The appeal of the Adelaide Hills precisely defines the region. It is characterised by vineyards, charming villages, a sense of elegance and farms growing produce for the city.
10 best things you must do including trail to Mount lofty summit, wine tasting at McLaren Vale, visit Wildlife park. Spend a day touring the beautiful Adelaide Hills visiting winery cellar doors and cheese tastings with the early morning visit to Penfolds first vineyard. Udder Delights Cheese Cellar is passionate for their cheese and we can sample a variety of cow milk cheese.
Adelaide Hills is embodiment for South Australia’s social elite. With its towns and villages the climate is notable for being cooler even in hot summer months (November, December, January). In winter it is known for snowfall. Adelaide Hills extend from the foothills behind Adelaide Penfold’s Magill Estate where the grapes are grown that produce Grange wine. It stretches from Williamstown in the north to Strathalbyn in the south.
Hahndorf Hill winery is the one where we can sample some of the Hills well respected wines. The novelist Barbara Hanrahan captured this European feel. She wrote of the hills that they “were more like England than any other place in the state”. Each mansion was surrounded by plants that would have died on the plains in summer. Most critically they include Mount Lofty Summit, Mount Barker, Aldgate, Birdwood, Hahndorf, Stirling, Lobethal, Crafers-Bridgewater, Summertown and Gumeracha. Each of those towns is covered under separate entries.
3. Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley, a favorite day trip from the capital is about an hour drive from Adelaide. It makes an ideal place to visit for a day trip from the capital. It is known worldwide for its premium wines where you will enjoy a more refined taste of SA. Barossa Valley is the hub for wine-producing. Consider this as one of the best places to see in South Australia if you love wine! Apart from wineries, there’s not much else in the Barossa Valley. But this is precisely why people visit in the first place.
History of Barossa Valley
In the 1840s, German and English immigrants originally settled the valley. They planted the first vines in Barossa Valley and still producing some of the world-class drop almost two centuries later. The 150 wineries dotted throughout the stone villages of the Barossa. They are famous for their full-bodied best bottles of Semillon, Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling.
Their history and culture are still palpable today in the museums, heritage trails, historic buildings and European-style cuisine. This includes lovely architectural, cultural and heritage sites such as the churches are particularly known for their beautiful designs. Eat and drink your way through the area of hundreds of cellar-doors tastings in the valley and epicurean food experiences. You can still feel the German influence most strongly in Tanunda. A town which boasts delicious gourmet meats, breads and pastries in the German style.
This verdant valley is blessed with fertile soils. It is one of Australia’s oldest grape-growing regions, lured by the high-quality fresh produce and cuisine. In addition to all the historic attractions, the region offers plenty of other departures. You can shop at the popular farmers’ markets, have a feast at the fabulous restaurants, attend cookery schools, relax at the spas and do window shopping at the many gift shops and art galleries as well as an interesting cultural combination of British-Australian and German-Australian heritage.
Accommodation in Barossa Valley
4. Clare Valley
Clare Valley is another famous Australian grape-growing region, which is about 136 kilometers away from Adelaide. Attractive countrified landscapes provide a perfect setting for romantic weekend retreats. The region is known for its thriving food culture. English, Irish and Polish immigrants originally settled the valley. Their culture and customs are still evident in the charming heritage towns and historic bluestone buildings.
Clare Valley is popular for its wine area and also a famous tourist destination. There are many stunning trails for jogging and walking and attractive backdrop to enjoy. From 1845 to 1877 copper mining brought prosperity to the area around Burra. It has conserved its rich history in museums, mine buildings and stone dwellings along Burra’s Heritage Passport Trail. The British style heritage town of Mintaro is home to Martindale Hall, a Neoclassical mansion is now became a hotel.
In the main town of Clare, named after County Clare in Ireland, you can explore the region’s history in the town’s museum. You can also visit nearby Seven hill, named for its rolling countryside recalling hills around Rome. It is housed in the mid-19th century courthouse. From here, you can take the scenic drive to Polish Hills River Valley, explore the Polish Church Museum, or bike the old railway route.
10 best things to do in the Clare Valley include tasting Jim Barry wines, visiting Richardson park play space. It also includes exploring the beautiful Skilly Hills, dining at restaurants; browsing the gift shops, and art galleries. Every year in May, foodies gather here for the annual Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend. It’s a celebration of the region’s abundant fresh produce. Spring Gully Conservation Park has many lovely native orchids, a best place to spot a kangaroo and bird-watching.
5. Coober Pedy
Welcome to the gorgeous opal mining town, Coober Pedy. It is one of the most interesting things to do in South Australia. The opal-mining town of Coober Pedy lies in the heart of the South Australian outback. It is located on top of the biggest opal field in the world in the middle of the outback. It makes it so unique. However, there are plenty more to see in this popular tourist site. Perhaps the best known for the underground homes that most residents live in.
The name of the town comes from an Aboriginal phrase meaning “white fellows in a hole,” since most of the inhabitants seek refuge beneath the earth’s surface from underwater to underground dwellings to combat the aggressive heat of summer – temperatures may reach even above 40 degrees and the extreme cold of winter.
History of Opal Mining
In 1911, since the gold miners found the valuable white opals in Coober Pedy, the opal mining has converted the isolated countryside into a lunar-like landscape. You can still try your luck looking for these opalescent beauties. But you have to get the permission from the Mines Department in Coober Pedy. The Old Timers Mine and Museum displays shows on the history of precious stones.
The underground homes may look strange but there is a beautiful golf course, which can only be played at night. It even has a swimming pool in the living room! There are also two dugout churches namely the Catacomb and the Serbian Orthodox. We can even stay in an underground hotel or eat and drink at an underground restaurant or bar. If you are a movie lover, visit the spaceship, which featured in the 2000 science fiction movies. The nearby Kanku Breakaways Conservation Park is also well worth a visit, conceits breathtaking views and exotic plants and animals.
6. Coorong National Park
A place that calms the mind, soothes the soul and appeases the senses and a little under two hours drive from Adelaide you will discover a stunning natural ancient landscape – a coastal wilderness that is magnificent and ample.
With stunning beaches, visitors are exploring paddling along waterways by kayaking, camping with permit, boating, bird watching, fishing, various walking and bush trails, four wheeler driving along designated tracks and the beach and European cultural history. It is a very popular getaway spot for locals, as well as beloved by tourists for its distinctive landscape in an important breeding area for the Australian pelican and a refuge for cormorants, grebes, ducks, terns, swans and over 230 migratory birds that travel annually from Siberia, Alaska, Japan and China.
The Coorong is also a wetland of international importance. It supports many significant and endangered flora and fauna, which are spectacular. Particularly, its worth visiting between September and November for the wader migration, when up to 100,000 wader birds come to the Coorong wetlands to feed.
Coorong National Park is a spectacular saline lagoon stretching 140km, established in 1966. It is separated from the Southern Ocean by sand dunes of the Young husband Peninsula. It is a place of aboriginal significance derived from the word ‘karangk’ meaning narrow neck. This is one of the most breathtaking national parks in Australia. You will also be a guest of the Ngarrindjeri people, the traditional custodians of these lands and waters for thousands of years.
7. Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula is one of Australia’s least crowded coastal stretches but one of its most beautiful, located east of the Great Australian Bight Marine Park diving with great white sharks. It is a long six hours drive from the Flinders Ranges to Port Lincoln but there are plenty of places to stop for a feed along the triangular shaped Eyre Peninsula, Australia’s seafood capital such as gathering into Blue Swimmer crabs in Cowell, kingfish in King George and Arno Bay, whiting in Tumby Bay before arriving in the tuna hub of Port Lincoln.
Whale watching is popular activity during winter and spring when southern right whales migrate along the Great Australian Bight cage.
Murphy’s Haystacks, a unique geological feature, is well worth a visit, and there’s plenty of attractive eco-tourist options here such as swimming in a cage with Bluefin tuna, snorkel with sea lions, giant cuttlefish and dolphins or even great white sharks and sometimes spot a humpback whale. We can explore the bushland and wildlife of the Gawler Ranges or venture into the outback across the legendary Nullarbor Plain.
Eyre Peninsula is considered the “seafood frontier”, with delicious local Pacific oysters, crabs, prawns, Bluefin tuna, mussels and Yellowtail kingfish.
The Gawler Ranges are a particular spot of the peninsula, with a wide variety of native plants and animals and splendid rock formations such as the famous Organ Pipes.
Coffin Bay
Coffin Bay is known for its fantastic seafood and spectacular national park. Occupying the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula, Lincoln National Park offers stunning backdrop with rugged and ravishing coastline of cliffs, sheltered beaches and abundant birds, while Port Lincoln is becoming an even more popular holiday resort. Its fishing fleet produces some of the country’s best seafood, which is the largest in Australia. There are also seafood festivals such as the Oyster fest Festival.
8. Fleurieu Peninsula
One of SA’s most attractive covers touches the coast south of Adelaide is Fleurieu Peninsula. Just under an hour south of Adelaide, Fleurieu is known as Adelaide’s playground, which is known for its wineries, water sports and charming scenery. It is a limb of land projecting southwest from the Mount Lofty Ranges, is a playground for many activities such as surfing, fishing, swimming, boating, whale watching and bush walking.
Best tourist attractions include the picturesque scenery, wildlife reserves, and splendid beaches like the sheltered sandy bays in Gulf St. Vincent. Granite Island, connected by a long causeway, protects it from the turbulent Southern Ocean and is a haven for kangaroos and penguins.
Victor Harbor
Enjoy a cocktail in the vine draped hills of McLaren Vale wine region, a leading grape growing region. Go on an aquatic tour from Victor Harbor – swim with tuna, which is one of the most popular beach resorts on the Fleurieu peninsula. Other popular stop on the peninsula is in Port Elliot, where we can do surfing and go for whale watching. Follow the Fleurieu Art Trail and explore the Coorong National Park wetlands.
On the narrow channel at the outlet of Lake Alexandrina, visit Murray River flows, the rapidly burgeoning resort of Goolwa. Off the resort of Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island is a favorite hangout of birdwatchers. At the tip of the peninsula, from Cape Jervis, a famed fishing spot, tourists can trip aboard a ferry service to Kangaroo Island or walk on the Heysen Trail. If you’re looking to add a stop on your road trip, then you could do much better than the Fleurieu Peninsula. Take a boat, check out the resident birdlife, ship wrecks, sealions and dolphins, dive reefs, or land into any number of other unique aquatic attractions.
You can enjoy the delicious food, exotic museums and galleries and museums and there are plenty of activities to keep the kids tight such as a horse-drawn tram, camel rides and even penguin tours.
9. Flinders Ranges and the Outback
The Flinders Ranges are a pleasure for photographers and nature lovers. In the shifting light of day, the dry landscapes provide a striking play of colors from pale pink and gold to burnt orange. Despite the dry conditions, the place is home to many wildlife such as yellow-footed rock wallabies, emus and group of bright colored parrots. Flinders Ranges named after a famous explorer Matthew Flinders, the largest mountain range in South Australia. They’re located around 200km north of Adelaide and nearly double that distance across the state and the unspoiled 540 million-year-old landscape is breathtaking.
With its beautiful outback scenery, you can experience a taste of true-blue outback with a station stay on farm or cattle, do camping in the desert’s nature, and spot plenty of native animals. The Pichi Rich steam railway from Quorn is a heritage highlight. If you love hiking, the area is perfect, as there are numerous trails to be found here. The Tunnel of Time at the Wadlata Outback Centre is a fascinating insight into the ancient history of the region. Explore the gorges, creeks and mountain ranges that surround Wilpena Pound in this 95,000-hectare nature reserve.
The mountains run from north to south through the eastern part of South Australia. In Flinders Ranges National Park, the most attractive area of that region, is rich in its vegetation growth and wildflowers in spring includes the natural arena of Wilpena Pound with St. Mary’s Peak at its peak, fossils, part of the long-distance Heysen Trail and Aboriginal art at Arkaroo Rock. It’s also a great place to try bush-tucker. The National Park has its impressive mountain sceneries, fossils, native wildlife, serene campsites, indigenous rock art and great trail for cycling, walking and four wheel driving.
10. Kangaroo Island
Off the Fleurieu Peninsula, the third largest island in Australia is Kangaroo Island, stretches 509km of coastline. It is one of the best places to visit in South Australia just for the name alone! You’ll be pleased to know that, as the name suggests, the island has plenty of kangaroos hopping about, which feels like a zoo with no fences thanks to the richness of native Australian wildlife protected by a flock of nature reserves.
However, the island is not just all about the kangaroos, there is bounty of other things to see and do on the island. One of the main reasons to visit the island is the incredible natural backdrop. In Flinders Chase National Park, places such as the suitably named wind-sculpted boulders of the Remarkable Rocks: this natural rock formations are very interesting and unique, the stunning sea lion colony at Seal Bay and the eroded curve of Admiral’s Arch are striking geographical features that should be a particular must see in South Australia.
Wildlife
With the 4hrs drive from Adelaide – 220kms or catch a ferry from Cape Jervis, this Island is crawling with an abundance of wildlife, you can easily spot sea lions, possums, goannas, bandicoots, penguins, dolphins, fur seals, fish, sea dragons, snakes, even six species of bat, five types of frogs that are unique in this island, koalas, echidnas, wallabies, pelicans, a rich diversity of bird life in their natural habitat and of course kangaroos. The island is also known for its plenty of fresh produce including fresh seafood, Ligurian honey and free-range eggs.
Unspoiled beaches, glittering cerulean seas, charming rock formations, rugged coastal backdrop, caves and close-up encounters with fascinating wildlife are the key attractions. Enjoy the premium gourmet food and premium wine such as the Dudley Wines, roam around the studios and galleries, or enjoy the water sports such as surfing, fishing, scuba diving and more. Scuba divers frequently spot sea dragons in the crystal-clear pleasant waters. Much of Kangaroo Island is still unspoiled greenery, so it’s perfect for hiking and bushwalking.
Accommodation in Kangaroo Island
11. Limestone Coast
Exploring South Australia is something every person should put on their agenda. The Limestone Coast is home to some of South Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders. It is located about halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne and it can be part of a road trip between the two main cities. From Coorong National Park to the Victorian border, the region is showered with geological wonders, which help to produce the various spoils.
Experience four beautiful days on the Limestone Coast. Between its two major wine regions, the southern coast of South Australia is the perfect mix of adventure, comfort and sophistication. It is the nearly endless coastline and the delightful emerging food scene. You can relax on the tranquil beaches, wine tasting in the Coonawarra wine region to explore the amazing geological formations. Whatever approach you take this is a truly fascinating part of Australia.
12. Mount Gambier
The second biggest city in South Australia, Mount Gambier is an extinct volcano with four stunning crater lakes, and sinkholes, particularly the striking Blue Lake and the other worldly Sunken Garden in the Umpherston Sinkhole including snorkel or dive the crystal-clear waters of the Kilsby Sinkhole or Piccaninnie Ponds or cuddle up glamping under a blanket full of stars.
An interesting natural phenomenon occurs on the crystal-clear Blue Lake every year in November. It happens when the color of the lake changes from dull grey to an intense cobalt blue. A picturesque four wheel drive with spectacular views runs round the crater. The other magnificent site is its amazing caves, Tantaloona Caves stalactites and the cave gardens are lavish, green and stunning.
Don’t forget to stop by the Umpherston Sinkhole. This spectacular tourist attraction was created into a beautiful “sunken garden” by James Umpherston in the 1880s when the roof of a cave has collapsed. Calla lilies, hot pink hydrangeas and ferns flourish in the gardens, and lush plants cascade over the sinkhole, filling over the space with a great feel. The illumination of lights in the gardens during evenings and friendly possums assemble here makes it a very attractive garden.
Hells Hole is another sinkhole, which is larger, deeper, filled with full of fresh blue water. Diving into Hells Hole is allowable with a permit. South of Mt. Gambier, you can explore South Australia’s only World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves. It is one of the most important fossil sites in the world. Because of its mesmerizing fossils, bats colonies, lingering subterranean scenery attractive fishing port and historic beach resort of Robe.
13. Murray river
Clock on to river time: Australia’s longest river and third longest in the world, The Murray River. It spans three states (New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia), stretches for over 2,500km through five contrasting landscapes, finally entering the Southern Ocean in the area of Coorong, South Australia. The area is often known as the “food bowl of Australia” as the surrounding land is productive. The river and its surroundings are perfect for exploring and relaxing and there are many fascinating towns alongside to enjoy the cultural differences between the three states.
Sandstone cliffs and tall eucalyptus trees fringe the river, and its wetlands are home for many water birds. Once habitat to the Ngarrindjeri and Nganguraku people, however, today the river floods a massive citrus-growing industry and agricultural region and provides a wealth of water based activities such as surfing, swimming, gliding, skiing, boating and fishing.
Showered with aromatic roses and colorful gardens, the riverside town of Renmark is home to huge plantations of citrus fruits. From here, you can tour the Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum, hire a river cruise, or explore the river by houseboat.
Another must place to visit is Loxton, the “garden city”, with galleries and museums. The Historical Village takes the visitors back to ancient times. It is on the banks of the river with its authentically created late-19th century buildings and artifacts. Waikerie, the little town, which is located on the northwest of Loxton, is a prevalent spot for gliding and decent cliff-top walk.
14. Riverland
If you want a relaxed place of living where the days bounce before you then visit Riverland. Splendid conservation parks, a flourishing fruit industry and the attractive Murray make the place a great place to visit. There are frequent boats to depart from where you stay and the rich food is available whenever you want. It claims some of the top fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, unique liquors and ciders. It also includes brewery and distillery experiences plus ground-breaking cellar door. Enjoy the spectacular sunset with a glass of local wine.
Pitch a tent at one of the many splendid caravan parks or camping spots or hop the Murray River on a houseboat. Take the kids to the great playgrounds, do kayaking and discover the backwaters. Further to that, explore national parks or cruise in a boat and enjoy the list of water activities. Relax, wind down and enjoy the peace on the Murray River. Experience the locally made wines and exotic food made from local ingredients. Also, enjoy the dawn over the river or indulge stars like no other.
Whatever your age or whatever you taste, you will find something astonishing in here for you! “There are a lot of things to see, taste and do. It is a beautiful, relaxing place to go any time during the year to enjoy delicious food and local wine. Also a place to experience the local culture and friendship. It is a must place to go and only three hours from the town.”
15. The Painted Desert
The unproductive outback at its most lovely and attractive is the Painted Desert. It is located 150kms north of Coober Pedy: overflowing with soft, delicate and bright colored rock formations.
Nearly 100 million years ago, this area was a seabed, and a combination of rain, weather and erosion. It has left masses of yellow, orange and white slate stone on the sloping hills, giving the area its appropriate name. The desert is particularly gorgeous at dawn or dark. Besides, it’s a great spot to get an appealing taste of Australia’s stunning desert sceneries.
16. Yorke Peninsula
About a three-hour drive from Adelaide, you can reach Yorke Peninsula. It is known for its elegant beaches, coastal towns and mining towns, and the landscape of striking national parks. From the summit of the remarkable Peninsula, isolated Innes National Park is an interestingly uncrowded raw slice of nature. If you look at the South Australia map, the Peninsula is the boot shaped claw of land projecting out to the west of Adelaide. It makes a delightful trip for the holiday vacation.
Plenty of Australian wildlife is ample. We can spot emus and kangaroos most frequently in the park. It also includes seals, dolphins, sea lions and southern right whales off the coast. Moreover, the park is also habitat to more than 150 species of birds including ospreys and hooded plovers. It is also a great spot for fishing, surfing, seafood and scuba diving. The Peninsula has a fascinating history (both indigenous and European), which you can learn about at many museums.
Rugged seascapes, wildlife and desolate white-sand beaches lapped by alluring blue seas are the prime attractions. Natural beauty flourishes in the area. Here we can explore the park by car or on hiking trails, visiting at the empty beaches on the way. Enjoyable things to do include pitching a tent or camping, surfing the remote breaks, boating off the ravishing beaches. Also, shipwreck diving along this passionate stretch of coast. Also, visit the rusted hull of the Ethel and follow the maritime informative trail along the coast.
The Moonta Mines Museum is mesmerizing and Kadina is particularly a lovely town to enjoy. Wallaroo is also well worth a visit where the Heritage and Nautical Museum even offers ghost walks!
