Top 10 iconic South Australian experiences
18 DEC 2024
Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, Limestone Coast
Ready to make some memories? Ditch the ordinary and dive into the best places to visit in South Australia.
There’s something about South Australia that feels like a deep inhale — breathing in the arts, culture, food, wine and natural wonders. It’s about meeting the passionate pub owner amidst the red plains and vast blue skies of the outback; feeling the cool sea breeze on your skin as you dive into the turquoise waters with dolphins; having the sand crunch beneath your toes in an untouched pocket of island wilderness; or losing yourself in the electric atmosphere of a world-class festival. Experiences in South Australia are abundant — and we’ve listed the top 10 iconic highlights to explore while you’re here.
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Spectacular sunsets over the sea
Did you know that South Australia is one of the only states in Australia where you can watch the sunset over the ocean? Catch the sky stained with streaks of pink, orange and purple from picturesque westward facing locations such as Glenelg, Aldinga Beach and Henley Beach. Why not set sail on a 58-foot catamaran to catch sundown or sink your toes in the sand - with a pina colada in hand - at Australia’s first and only beach club. If it’s the iconic South Australian experience you’re after, head to Silver Sands Beach Club and enjoy fish ’n’ chips and good vibes complete with a sunset view. Writer’s tip: Want our insider tip on the best sunset in Adelaide? Just 15 minutes outside the CBD lies Mount Osmond, a perfect spot to get panoramic views over the entire city.
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Outback adventures
The Flinders Ranges and Outback boast some of the most dramatic landscapes in South Australia. Imagine towering cliffs, ancient mountain ranges and vast, dusty plains that will make you feel like you’re navigating the unexplored face of Mars. Explore Wilpena Pound, a massive natural amphitheatre shaped by millions of years of erosion, or uncover the rich history and mystique of ancient and contemporary Aboriginal culture. Visit Coober Pedy, the underground town and Australia’s opal capital, or experience the Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Whether hiking through rugged gorges, flying over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, or exploring remote creeks, the Flinders Ranges and Outback — just five hours from Adelaide — are among the top 10 places to visit in Australia.
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Up-close wildlife experiences
Get up close and personal with wildlife like never before. Why not cuddle a koala at Cleland Wildlife Park, or if you're feeling brave, step into Australia’s only 360-degree lion experience at Monarto Safari Park—the largest safari adventure outside of Africa! Dive into the shimmering blue depths with Cuttys Tours to swim alongside playful dolphins and mesmerising cuttlefish. Every winter, tens of thousands of giant Australian cuttlefish gather off the coast of South Australia, creating a breathtaking underwater light show with vibrant hues of green, blue, purple and flashes of gold, making for a truly unique experience.
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Kangaroo Island adventure
This untouched pocket of island wilderness is one of the best places to visit in South Australia. Kangaroo Island is a bucket list Australian destination just a stone’s throw from Adelaide, and home to some of the most authentic nature experiences in Australia. Start your holiday at the Remarkable Rocks—a geological phenomenon of granite formed over 500 million years by pounding wind, sea and rain—before checking out Admirals Arch. Work your way to Seal Bay and see the playful sea lions or stroll along the pristine shores of Vivonne Bay. For the foodies out there, Kangaroo Island offers some of nature’s best produce; devour oysters metres from where they were plucked, feast under the branches of a century-old fig tree, taste-test lavender gin and limoncello on a 51 acre lavender farm, or visit South Australia's first boutique distillery using local and native ingredients. This whole island is an iconic experience in South Australia.
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Journey along Australia’s longest river
Imagine floating down Australia’s longest river—stretching over 2,500 kilometres—in a luxurious hire houseboat. Pass by dramatic sandstone cliffs that rise sharply from the river’s edge, spot magical wildlife and hear the calls of waterbirds like pelicans, black swans and ibis at your doorstep. The 130-million-year-old river, spanning from New South Wales to South Australia, is one of the top 10 places to visit in South Australia. Go for a leisurely paddle with Canoe the Riverland Experiences and explore the charming waters and riverside towns, or for groups why not head out on walking tours or wildlife experiences with Murray River Trails.
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Taste Australia's most iconic wines
Did you know South Australia is home to 18 wine regions and is officially a Great Wine Capital of the World? Pull up a stool at a cellar door in one of the state’s iconic estates and sample the sweet labour of vintages past. Sip on legendary drops like Penfolds Magill’s famous Grange, or enjoy the complex reds of Henschke from the Eden Valley. Just an hour from Adelaide, you’ll find the world-renowned Barossa Valley. Home to the historic Seppeltsfield Estate, visit their Centennial Cellar, award-winning restaurant and impressive art studios. Or, head to the Adelaide Hills to discover Shaw + Smith, where cool-climate wines and breathtaking views are the perfect pair. Our famous wine regions are undoubtedly some of the best places to visit in South Australia for any wine lover.
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Vibrant market experiences
Bite into a juicy South Australian grown apple, taste-test locally made artisan cheese or grab some paella for lunch when you visit the bustling Adelaide Central Markets. It’s been home to South Australia’s fresh produce since 1869 and is now home to almost 70 stall holders! If you’re looking for a delicious sensory overload, make sure to hop around to the other lively markets found all around the state. Try the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market with fresh seasonal and organic food just a 5 minute drive from the CBD and Willunga Farmers Market which was the first farmers market to be established in South Australia.
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Experience 'Mad March'
‘Mad March’ is easily one of the most exciting experiences in South Australia. Every corner of the city comes alive with performances, pop-up bars, outdoor art exhibitions and world-class festivals that take centre stage. Leading into March, our state gets a whole lot louder with LIV Golf Adelaide, hosting some of the world's best players and an explosion of electric entertainment. It’s followed by the Adelaide Fringe Festival, where you can catch everything from mind-bending cabaret shows to daring circus acts and cheeky comedy, to WOMADelaide where you’ll dance to the rhythms of global music. Craving more? Dive into the world of high culture with the Adelaide Festival, often listed alongside the festivals in Edinburgh and Avignon as one of the top three in the world.
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Enjoy a cold beer at a classic pub
You’d be hard pressed to go far in any direction in South Australia without finding a classic pub to pull up a stool and raise a glass. Right in the heart of the CBD, you’ll find The Stag Public House with an all Aussie beer and wine list, while just 30 minutes away, the quaint Stanley Bridge Tavern sits in the leafy Adelaide Hills. For those venturing out into the red plains and blue skies of the Flinders Ranges and outback, the Prairie Hotel is a quintessential outback pub and home to a heartwarming love story. Listed as one of the top 100 gourmet experiences in Australia, it offers both a refined seasonal menu and casual grazing. Just like the others mentioned, South Australia’s pub scene offers the perfect blend of craft beer, local wines, delicious food and exceptional hospitality.
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Take a road trip
There’s nothing like driving along with the window down, the sea breeze in your hair and the open road ahead. A road trip is an iconic South Australian experience, with roads weaving a line through scenery fit for a postcard. Some of the best views in the state are best seen from the driver’s seat. Whether you’re cruising the Southern Ocean Drive to breathtaking beaches and jaw-dropping geological marvels, taking in the coastal beauty of the Seafood Frontier, or winding through South Australia’s famous wine regions on the Epicurean Way, there’s a perfect route for every traveller. Convinced? Hit play on our ultimate road trip playlist and find the best spots to explore on our Road Trips hub.
Love a party? Check out what’s coming up
Looking to explore more of our ‘festival state’? Discover our calendar of events and festivals in Adelaide that show off our exceptional food and wine, sport, art and vibrant city life.
