For ages, South Australia has captivated the curiosity of artists and explorers. Visitors are inspired by expansive wildness, a breathtaking coastline, and the harsh beauty of the desert. Adelaide, the state capital, is situated on the edge of all these natural beauties. The city is peppered with parks and gardens, and its broad, tree-lined streets are flanked by stately 19th-century structures. But there are plenty of other tourist attractions in this sparsely populated state. The top ten tourist attractions in South Australia are listed below.
1- Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest island and one of its most magnificent natural beauties, which is located off the Fleurieu Peninsula. You absolutely must visit this stunning island while in South Australia.
Some of the island’s major attractions include sparkling cerulean seas, immaculate beaches, rough coastal landscapes, and unique rock formations and caverns. These stunning wilderness regions are the focal point of the best things to do on Kangaroo Island. Discover the mascot marsupial up close, together with koalas, seals, penguins, sea lions, and a variety of birds in their native habitat. Surf down enormous beach dunes or scuba dive the crystal-clear waters. In the temperate seas, sea dragons can frequently be seen by divers. Many sunken ships also lie offshore.
The wind-sculpted boulders of the Remarkable Rocks and the eroded curvature of Admiral’s Arch are notable geological features in Flinders Chase National Park. The island is renowned for its abundance of fresh produce, which includes Ligurian honey, free-range eggs, and fresh fish.
2- Barossa Valley
A popular day trip from the city is to the Barossa Valley, which is about an hour’s drive from Adelaide. One of Australia’s oldest grape-growing districts and a refuge for foodies, who are drawn to the area by the high-quality fresh produce and artisan cuisine, this beautiful valley is blessed with fertile soils.
The valley was initially colonised by German and English immigrants, and their history and culture are still evident in the old structures, heritage trails, museums, and European-style cuisine.
The Barossa Valley has a tonne of other attractions outside just the historical ones. Shop at the well-known farmers markets, enrol in cooking classes, dine at world-class eateries, unwind at day spas, and peruse the numerous gift stores and art galleries.
3- Clare Valley
The Clare Valley, located about 136 kilometres north of Adelaide, is another well-known Australian grape-growing region in addition to the Barossa Valley. Beautiful pastoral settings are ideal for secluded weekend getaways, and the area is well-known for its thriving gourmet culinary scene. The valley was initially colonised by Polish, English, and Irish immigrants, and their culture and traditions can still be seen in the attractive heritage villages and old bluestone structures.
One of the nicest country towns in South Australia for a weekend trip is Clare, which is named after County Clare in Ireland. Visit the town’s museum, located in a courthouse from the middle of the 19th century, to become knowledgeable about the local history, or head over to Sevenhill, a village nearby with undulating terrain evocative of the hills around Rome. From here, you may either ride the former railway path or take the picturesque drive to Polish Hills River Valley, where you can check out the Polish Hill River Church Museum (open on the first Sunday of every month).
Discovering the stunning Skilly Hills, dining at top-notch cafes and restaurants, and perusing neighbourhood markets, gift stores, and art galleries are all popular activities in the Clare Valley. The annual Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, a celebration of the area’s plentiful fresh vegetables, draws foodies to this location every May.
4- Adelaide Botanic Garden
Green thumbs, be aware that one of the top free activities in South Australia is a visit to the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Located behind wrought iron gates at the eastern end of North Terrace.
The Adelaide Botanical Garden, which opened its doors in 1855, is home to numerous themed botanical wonders. Among the amazing collections are native Australian species, a Mediterranean garden, and medicinal plants. Concerned about saving water? The garden has a wetland that will eventually store enough water to irrigate the entire property. To visit the Santos Museum of Economic Botany, set aside some time. Learn more about the significant part that plants play in daily life here.
Other attractions of the garden include the Bicentennial Conservatory, the palm house, Australia’s oldest avenue of Moreton Bay fig trees, and the stunning night-flowering Amazonica water lilies. The Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden, which includes fruit and vegetables as well as compost and a worm farm, will appeal to young gardeners.
5- Adelaide’s Art & Culture
Australia’s fifth-largest city and the most charming is Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Arts and culture flourish in this city because of its wealthy past, including the opera, symphony, and a thriving live music scene. North Terrace should be the first stop for cultural vultures. One of the top Adelaide attractions is to visit the museums, galleries, parks, and upscale eateries along this lovely, tree-lined avenue.
One of North Terrace’s cultural treasures is the Art Gallery of South Australia. One of Australia’s best art collections is housed there in a colonnaded Victorian structure. The Migration Museum, the State Library of South Australia, and the nearby South Australian Museum, which is renowned for its collections of Aboriginal heritage, are other must-sees.
Here are also located some of Adelaide’s architectural attractions. Don’t miss Parliament House with its opulent colonnade and the Mitchell Building on the University of Adelaide’s main campus, which is one of the outstanding specimens of Gothic Revival architecture in the city.
6- Glenelg
The best reasons to visit Glenelg include the calm waters, soft white beach, family-friendly attractions, and interesting history. Adelaide’s Victoria Square is only a 25-minute drive away, and both the route and the destination are enjoyable. Most people travel directly to the beach on Adelaide’s lone remaining tram, the Glenelg. And the best part is that it’s free.
Given that Glenelg is the oldest European colony in South Australia’s main landmass, it is easy to understand why these free settlers chose to land here. The stunning Glenelg Beach, with its white sand and turquoise waves, is one of the area’s main attractions.
When travelling with children, you can take them to The Beachouse, an amusement park with thrilling attractions, including a huge waterslide, bumper boats, and a Ferris wheel, and then stroll along Glenelg Pier while holding an ice cream cone. Aquatic pursuits are also well-liked in this charming seaside community. Try sailing, fishing off the dock, or scheduling a dolphin-spotting trip.
7- The Oodnadatta Track
Look no further if you’re up for a challenging road journey in South Australia. One of the most distinctive activities in South Australia is travelling the 620-kilometre Oodnadatta track, which is famous. It follows the former Ghan Railway’s historical path in the centre of this enormous state. Along the route, photo opportunities abound with rust-red desert, surreal moonscapes, and weathered outposts, and the vast open areas inspire an exciting sensation of freedom.
Highlights include William Creek, a peculiar town that has about ten individuals living there. Additionally, you may camp near secluded waterholes, soak in artesian springs, and drive by Lake Eyre South and the largest cattle ranch in the world (it’s bigger than Belgium).
Beginning at Marree in South Australia, the Oodnadatta Track travels north-west through the sleepy outback town of Oodnadatta before turning about and returning to the Stuart Highway at Marla. A 4WD vehicle is strongly advised. This is one of the amazing things to do in South Australia during the cooler winter months.
8- Murray River
The longest river in Australia is the mighty Murray. It originates in the New South Wales Alps and empties into South Australia’s the Southern Ocean. The river’s wetlands serve as significant homes for many water birds, and it is bordered by sandstone cliffs and tall eucalyptus trees.
When the Ngarrindjeri and Nganguraku people lived there, the river provided water for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, and gliding on paddle steamers. Today, the river irrigates a large citrus-growing sector and agricultural region.
The riverfront town of Renmark, located where the states of South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria converge, is dotted with colourful gardens and fragrant rose bushes. It also contains sizable citrous fruit orchards. From here, you can plan a river trip, rent a houseboat, or visit the Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum.
Loxton is another well-liked tourist destination. Galleries and historic sites abound in the Riverland region’s “garden city.” The Historical Village, located here on the banks of the river, transports visitors back in time with meticulously reconstructed structures and antiques from the late 19th century. A charming clifftop hike is available in the little town of Waikerie, which is known for hang gliding and is located northwest of Loxton.
9- The Eyre Peninsula
The triangular-shaped Eyre Peninsula is one of Australia’s least populated coastal segments and is surrounded by a rough and gorgeous shoreline of cliffs and protected beaches. It is also among its most exquisite.
East of the Great Australian Bight is where the Eyre Peninsula is situated. Here, participating in water sports is very popular, and the top aquatic activity is cage diving with great white sharks. Additionally, you may swim with balletic sea lions in Baird Bay or go snorkelling with enormous cuttlefish close to Whyalla. Whale viewing is another popular activity between the months of May and October when southern right whales migrate through the Great Australian Bight Marine Park.
You can go inland and enjoy the Gawler Ranges’ fauna and animals, or you can cross the fabled Nullarbor Plain for a challenging 4WD adventure over the scorching desert.
10- The Fleurieu Peninsula
The charming Fleurieu Peninsula is located on a land protrusion that extends southwest from the Mount Lofty Ranges. Both foodies and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy going there. Among the activities available here, both on and off the ocean, are swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, bushwalking, and whale watching.
The Fleurieu Peninsula’s main drawcard is its natural environment. Visitors are drawn here year-round by the area’s stunning scenery, wildlife preserves, and excellent beaches. For a leisurely day by the shore, Gulf St. Vincent’s protected beach inlets are excellent.
On the Fleurieu Peninsula, other well-liked destinations include McLaren Vale, a premier grape-growing region, and Port Elliot, a surfing hotspot. One of the best things to do south of Adelaide is to explore these locations.
Final Thoughts
The present is the best time to learn more about the city and state because there are accommodations and travel alternatives available around the state to fit every budget and preference. You’re invited to discover South Australia’s many man-made, natural, and culinary wonders.