Not sure where to go to in South Australia? To help you get started, we have found the top 6 regions for you to fall in love with.
South Australia is a destination for all, a place where you can escape the chaos of the city and seek solace. With so much on offer, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and base your itinerary around. To help you plan your next adventure, we have highlighted six popular regions of South Australia that you absolutely must explore. Whether you’re a lover of food, culture, thrill seeking, or nature, unleash your passions in South Australia and as per Tourism South Australia, “reward your wonder”. Before we get into the list, please remember, before booking any travel, to check for any developments with domestic travel. restrictions.
Kangaroo Island
If you’re planning a get-away to South Australia, don’t forget to hop over to Kangaroo Island, which is located 13km off the coast. You can choose to get there via plane from Adelaide airport which only takes 30 minutes, or by a luxurious vehicle and passenger ferry from Cape Jervis (approx. 2 hour drive from Adelaide).
Kangaroo Island is an oasis plentiful with native animals, delightful local food, fresh air and the most gorgeous coastal hotels. Spanning 155km long and 55km wide, you will need at least a weekend to explore the island. But if you are lucky enough to visit, don’t forget to stroll on the beach and witness rare sea lions at the Seal Bay Conservation Park, enjoy delectable local honey at Clifford’s Honey and visit the farmer’s markets at Penneshaw.
Adelaide
Adelaide is filled with entertainment, culture and fantastic food to tantalise all of your senses. When in Adelaide, be sure to join the locals and visit the Adelaide Central Markets, which are open daily*. Here you will find a large array of authentic eateries so you can enjoy tastes from all over the world, as well as fresh local produce.
If the shoreline is more your scene, be sure to visit Adelaide’s favourite beaches, Glenelg and Henley Beach and grab a delectable bite at many of their coastal restaurants. You also need to ensure you dedicate time in your itinerary to explore the various galleries along Adelaide’s cultural boulevard North Terrace and escape the city into an oasis of blooming rose gardens and tropical sanctuaries at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
*For any trading hour information/updates, please visit: adelaidecentralmarket.com.au
Flinders Ranges and Outback
Just a one hour flight away, or a 5 hour drive from Adelaide, you will find Flinders Ranges and Outback, just the place to be when you want to really get away from it all. With its burnt orange dusty roads, ancient cliffs and deep craters, you will truly feel you are someplace out of this world. Here you can delve into the rich aboriginal culture on a tour with traditional owners of the land, go stargazing at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and attend the various calendar of events such as country races and rodeos.
The Wine Country
South Australia is abundant with wine regions that are also renowned for their quality local produce, charming towns and tranquil atmosphere. There are plenty of delectable places to visit, but to help narrow it down, South Australia has developed The Epicurean Way. This is a four day food and wine touring route that links together four iconic wine regions; McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley. Along this route, be sure to visit Willunga Farmers, the d’Arenberg Cube, Woodside Cheese Wrights, Maggie Beer’s farm and the Barossa Farmers Markets.
Limestone Coast
The Limestone coast region runs along south-eastern South Australia between the flat span of the lower Murray River and the Victorian border. Here you will find Mount Gambier, which contains many beautiful spots for any photo enthusiast such as Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, Kilsby Sinkhole, Piccaninnie Ponds and other smaller lakes dotted around the area. In addition, Mount Gambier also offers a multitude of outdoor activities such as, hiking, walking trails and trekking opportunities.
Yorke Peninsula
Just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide, and home to 700 kilometers of coastline, the Yorke Peninsula has plenty to offer from fishing, boating, surfing, camping, bushwalking, wildlife watching and more. Here you will also find the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, where you can see the Aussie locals such as emus, kangaroos and Tammar wallabies in the wild. You can also visit the ghost town of Inneston, an old town within the national park that was once home to 200 people, and stay in one of their renovated heritage cottages for the night.