Walk along postcard-worthy beaches, lounge by your own secret rockpool or stroll along the shores of a bubble gum pink lake with our guide to South Australia’s most Insta-worthy destinations.
Fill your feed with sundrenched postcards from paradise and dive into crystal clear waters on the ultimate island escape, kick back with a cocktail in a giant Rubik’s cube, then sleep deeply 25 metres below the earth’s surface in South Australia. Grab your camera and explore the most Instagrammable spots in South Australia.
1. Lake MacDonnell, Eyre Peninsula
For vast expanses of shimmering baby pink waters, you don’t need to go crazy in Photoshop. South Australia is home to some of the world’s most vibrant pink lakes, stunning travellers with their dreamlike hues from the outback to the ocean. Set against the famed turquoise waters of the Eyre Peninsula, Lake MacDonnell’s bubble gum shores have to be seen to be believed. Here, Mother Nature’s full palette is on show with a super-high salt concentration resulting in some seriously intense colours. At the end of this road lies Eyre Peninsula’s beautiful Cactus Beach: an oceanic wonderland, drawing surfers from across the world to its powerful breaks and Southern Ocean swells. Bordered by pinks and blues, the road between is a nature-made perfect runway.
2. Pristine Beaches
Forget the Maldives or Fiii. For long stretches of powder-white sand, sparkling turquoise water and sunny blue skies, paradise awaits in South Australia. From the sandy shores of Kangaroo Island to the crystal-clear waters of the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia’s coastline rivals any international destination and you’ll never have to fight for a spot to throw down your towel at these postcard-worthy beaches. Dreaming of sipping cocktails on the beach? Just minutes from the city, sunset lovers can sip mojitos with their toes in the sand and kick back to a soundtrack of balmy summer beats as the sun goes down. Escape the crowds, grab your bathers and discover these dreamy coastal destinations with our top picks of the best beach havens in South Australia.
3. Coober Pedy, Outback
The iconic red ochre and burnt orange shades of South Australia’s outback are always in season. The perfect backdrop for a unique snap, the quirky underground town of Coober Pedy is Australia’s opal capital, boasting a sun-baked lunar landscape dotted with ruins, bizarre artworks and one-of-a-kind buildings. Descend beneath the ground and discover a labyrinth of underground houses, hotels and even shops, fossick for your own opals, step inside the eccentric home of the outback’s legendary croc hunter, then fall asleep tucked beneath the earth’s surface. Nearby, you’ll also find one of nature’s greatest masterpieces tucked in the depths of the outback. At Kanku-Breakaways the expansive, rugged beauty of the outback amasses is a vast sandstone tableland that glows red and orange come sunset. Here’s our guide to the best places to stay and things to do in Coober Pedy.
4. Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island
The wind-blasted boulders of Remarkable Rocks are synonymous with Kangaroo Island. This geological phenomenon has been crafted from granite by the pounding wind, sea and rain over 500 million years and is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the island. Tucked within the wilds of Flinders Chase National Park, commanding views over the Southern Ocean only add to the drama of this eagerly photographed landscape. Plan the ultimate island escape and discover jaw-dropping beaches, abundant wildlife and world-class food and wine with our Kangaroo Island itinerary.
5. Coward Springs, Outback
A day spa... in the middle of the outback? An real-life oasis on the iconic Oodnadatta Track, Coward Springs might not be your typical day spa but after a long day traversing the dry, red landscapes of the outback, a soak in this natural spring is the perfect way for intrepid travellers to refresh on the road. Once a station on the old Ghan railway line, you'll find the springs attached to a campground where you can pitch your tent under the shade of a date palm before donning your bathers and experiencing what is arguably one of the most remote springs in the country. Love an insta-worthy swim snap? From rockpools to hot springs, secluded swimming holes are dotted all over South Australia and we’ve uncovered six of the best.
6. Greenly Beach, Eyre Peninsula
Wander down the sun-soaked shores of Greenly Beach to your own private rock pool retreat. Perched by the ocean and fit for a mermaid, these iconic Eyre Peninsula rock pools are one of the most secluded and stunning swimming destinations in South Australia. BYO cocktails and spend the day lolling about in sparkling waters. Afterwards, pluck oysters straight from the ocean, swim with sea lions and cosy up at your very own beachfront abode with our Eyre Peninsula itinerary.
7. Down the Rabbit Hole, Fleurieu Peninsula
With a vintage double decker bus converted into a unique tasting room, Mediterranean-style cellar door, sprawling lawns, a tree swing and bordering vineyards and orchards, Down The Rabbit Hole is one of the most Instagrammable wineries in Australia. Tucked between the sea and vines of the Fleurieu Peninsula, the aesthetics are matched only by the wine. Step aboard the bus to taste a drop or two then venture to the cellar door bar, or the coffee hut, grab a picnic, and throw down a rug. It’s also one of our favourite spots to Rosé all day.
8. d'Arenberg Cube, Fleurieu Peninsula
Speaking of Instagrammable wineries, McLaren Vale packs more than its fair share of picture-perfect cellar doors. Where else could you jump off a double decker bus and straight into a giant Rubik’s cube for your next tasting? Seemingly floating above the vineyards, the otherworldly d’Arenberg Cube offers is one of the most iconic and unique wine tasting destinations in Australia. Set among the rolling hills of McLaren Vale on the largest biodynamic winery in Australia, the Cube features a tasting room with 360-degree views over five levels, several bars, a casual dining restaurant, a museum and art gallery. Spend an afternoon sampling a selection of d’Arenberg’s best drops or blend and bottle your very own wine during a blending bench masterclass.
Insta-worthy stays
It makes sense to pair your South Australian adventure with a picture-perfect spot to stay. From seaside abodes to cottages nestled in the hills, start planning with our guide to South Australia’s most Instagrammable accommodation.
